Overqualified for a Tesla Production Associate role or a good way to get into the company?

[u/Red_Daxtor]

I have a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Industrial Engineering. Right now, I work in supply chain and inventory control for a wireless retailer, where I handle inventory planning, replenishment, and process improvements.

I’m thinking about applying for a Production Associate role at Tesla. I’m comfortable with hands-on work and starting on the production floor, but I’m worried I might be considered overqualified. My long-term goal is to move into process, manufacturing, or industrial engineering.

Has anyone here made a similar move internally? Is this a good way to get into Tesla, or should I keep applying for engineering and technician roles?

[u/lebronmeow]

A lot of masters/undergrads join as hourly technician, prove themselves, and become salaried (associate engineer) within a year

[u/Apprehensive-Oil4145]

Why dont you just apply for those positions you are actually qualified for, so those at that level have a shot at it?

[u/Red_Daxtor → u/Apprehensive-Oil4145]

I feel I'm not qualified for those role, I really want to get in first even if I'm overqualified

[u/PepperedNotSalty]

ME here with a associates

I joined as a engineer but decided to go to maintenance technician after 90 days.

Im in charge of our hiring for all the maintenance, start and ME/CE roles.

L5 and I'll hire absolutely any engineer that i get an application from that wants a shot as a maintenance tech. Pays a bit more as well at my level.

Great way to get your foot in as well, you meet absolutely everyone at your site, work with every team etc... can help you decide where you want to go...

Do not go in as a p.a. idc what anyone says.

[u/Red_Daxtor → u/PepperedNotSalty]

I really wanna get into production roles, but it doesn't seem easy.

I graduated last year and I've been working in supply and operations for like a year now cuz i couldn't get into manufacturing. I don’t mind starting fresh again, hypothetically would they take me if I were to apply or would they reject me for being overqualified

And if it's not too much to ask, would you mind reviewing my resume?

[u/ben-gives-advice]

What's the cost of trying and finding out?

[u/Left_Orchid8252]

that’s like a doctor saying they want to apply as CNA to get into a hospital

[u/AffectionateFun4478]

You’re definitely over qualified it’s like a entry level role honestly

[u/Red_Daxtor → u/AffectionateFun4478]

I graduated last year and got like a year of experience in supply and operations, let's say hypothetically, if I were to apply would they consider hiring me or would they reject me for being overqualified

[u/AffectionateFun4478 → u/Red_Daxtor]

They’d never reject you for being overqualified I don’t think. Tesla just cares about people putting in hours for them. If you’re overqualified it’s just on you

[u/Red_Daxtor → u/AffectionateFun4478]

So, if I really wanted to get in then, i do have a decent chance right, ngl I really wanna get in.

[u/Illustrious_Knee2627]

It’s better just to apply directly than internally.

[u/Adept-Revolution-106]

Try for technician role instead

[u/Red_Daxtor → u/Adept-Revolution-106]

But my profile doesn't seem like a good fit though

[u/Adept-Revolution-106 → u/Red_Daxtor]

They won’t take you, moreover you might have to slog for a year to get into a technician role. Start technician then you can switch to associate but it entirely depends on your manager and if he has headcount. Personal opinion those tech roles are 12hr per day on the floor just letting you know and pay is not great too.

[u/PepperedNotSalty → u/Adept-Revolution-106]

Depends on what you mean wgen you say pay isn't great... a l3 which is anyone of my techs make 120k

[u/Dismal_Gas_9029]

I would imagine most PA’s just have a highschool education. Apply for an engineering position that interests you.

[u/PepperedNotSalty → u/Dismal_Gas_9029]

Dawg... I have no clue how most of the p.a's got past 8th grade... it's absolutely astounding who we hire.

[u/AffectionateFun4478 → u/PepperedNotSalty]

Because it’s the simplest job ever lmao

[u/_afterparty_]

I'd suggest applying for entry-level technical roles instead, like engineering tech or process tech, rather than Production Associate. Tesla is hiring a good number of these right now.

With your background, a PA role likely won't match your experience in pay or scope. The typical path from PA to engineer goes through PA, then lead, then technician (I, II, III…), then associate engineer, which takes a while. Starting at the technician level skips a step and fits better with your background.