Program Manager, Design Studio

Role overview

In this position, you will serve as the Design Studio Program Manager and executive assistant, acting as the primary operational partner to the Senior Design Executive. The role centers on shaping Design Studio program requirements with the broader Program team, coordinating administrative activities, managing calendars and schedules, and ensuring that program communication and timelines are clearly negotiated and maintained.

You will collaborate with teams across the organization, including studio, programs, engineering, supply chain, factory, and sales, to keep Design Studio priorities aligned with company goals. The role also involves working with Vehicle Technical Leaders and senior leaders to synchronize vehicle direction, product specifications, and program execution. Your work will influence both new and existing Design Studio initiatives from concept through production, helping Tesla continue to deliver category-leading products and innovative program outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Create, negotiate, and finalize Design Studio schedules, business cases, and budgets while keeping technical, timeline, and business priorities aligned across departments for the full program lifecycle.
• Lead the formal and informal alignment of product specifications through change control, and convert company priorities into clear, actionable tasks for the team.
• Evaluate program risks, push mitigation actions, escalate issues when necessary, and keep downstream teams informed of direction, scope, and schedule changes as requirements evolve quickly.
• Advise the Design VP on important program choices and direction by gathering relevant input and supporting decision-making.
• Deliver broad administrative support to the Senior Design Executive, including calendar coordination, domestic and international travel arrangements, expense processing, and the preparation of executive-level documents, presentations, and correspondence.
• Document meetings in detail, summarize outcomes, follow up on action items, and refine workflow practices to improve operating efficiency.
• Work with other executive assistants and support groups such as IT, HR, and Workplace while keeping current on internal policies and handling confidential information with strict discretion.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in program management, project management, and/or executive assistant work supporting cross-functional product development programs with engineering and manufacturing inputs.
• Proven success in a fast-moving setting with exposure to the full product journey, from concept and development through launch.
• Ability to perform independently with limited resources, manage tight deadlines, and work with a strong sense of urgency.
• Hands-on experience using program management tools and processes to coordinate complex hardware and software work with long lead times.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration abilities in a highly cross-functional environment.
• Background in product development or manufacturing engineering is beneficial.

Compensation and benefits

This is a full-time position with competitive pay. Estimated annual compensation is $102,600 to $188,100, plus cash awards, stock awards, and benefits.

Benefits are available from the first day of employment and include medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction, family-building support, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits, dental and vision coverage with $0 paycheck contribution options, company-paid HSA contributions for employees enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan, healthcare and dependent care FSAs, a 401(k) with employer match, employee stock purchase plans, company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage after a 90-day waiting period, an employee assistance program, sick and vacation time, paid holidays, back-up childcare and parenting support, voluntary coverage options such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft and legal services, and pet insurance, along with weight loss and tobacco cessation programs, the Tesla Babies program, commuter benefits, and employee discounts and perks.

Additional compensation notes

Final pay may differ based on location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other individualized factors. The overall compensation package may also include additional components depending on the offer extended. Details of benefit plan participation are provided upon receiving an employment offer.