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Many people with felony records wonder if companies like Tesla will give them a second chance. The short answer: Tesla doesn’t have a public policy that automatically bars people with criminal records from applying. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. How you present yourself, what your record looks like, and how you’ve rebuilt your life matter more than the conviction itself.
Tesla’s Background Check Process
Tesla runs background checks on nearly all applicants, especially for roles involving safety, security, or handling sensitive data. These checks are handled by third-party vendors and typically cover felony convictions, violent crimes, and certain financial offenses from the past seven years. They don’t look at arrests that didn’t lead to convictions, and they follow state laws on how far back they can go.
For example, if you were convicted of a non-violent offense like petty theft or drug possession over ten years ago and have stayed clean since, Tesla may overlook it - especially if you’re applying for a warehouse or manufacturing job. But if your record includes assault, fraud, or theft involving company property, your chances drop significantly.
What Types of Felonies Are More Likely to Be Overlooked?
Not all felonies are treated the same. Tesla, like most employers, weighs the relevance of the crime to the job. A conviction for burglary might be a red flag for a warehouse position where you’d handle inventory. But if you were convicted of a non-violent, non-financial crime - like possession of a small amount of marijuana in a state where it’s now legal - that’s less likely to block you.
People with records for:
- Non-violent drug offenses (especially older ones)
- Public order offenses (like trespassing or disorderly conduct)
- First-time, low-level property crimes
have reported being hired, especially if they’ve completed rehabilitation programs, earned certifications, or volunteered in their communities.
What Jobs at Tesla Are More Accessible?
Tesla’s hiring varies by role. Factory and warehouse positions - like assembly line worker, forklift operator, or quality inspector - are the most likely openings for people with records. These jobs are high-volume, often hard to fill, and prioritize reliability over pedigree.
Engineering, cybersecurity, and corporate roles require higher clearance and are far less likely to be open to applicants with felony records. Even customer service roles may be off-limits if your record includes fraud or identity theft.
One former employee with a 12-year-old drug conviction shared that he got hired at a Tesla Gigafactory after completing a vocational training program in welding and showing proof of steady employment for five years. He wasn’t asked about his record until the final background check - and they didn’t disqualify him because he’d turned his life around.
How to Improve Your Chances
If you have a felony record and want to work at Tesla, here’s what actually works:
- Get your record expunged or sealed - if your state allows it. Even if it’s not erased, having it legally sealed changes how employers see it.
- Build skills - Take free or low-cost courses in electrical systems, robotics, or industrial maintenance. Tesla values hands-on ability. Certifications from community colleges or trade schools count more than degrees for many factory roles.
- Show consistency - Work any job for at least a year. Even if it’s not at Tesla, steady employment since your release signals responsibility.
- Be honest on the application - Lying about your record is the fastest way to get rejected. Tesla’s background check will find it. But you can frame it: “I made mistakes in my past, but I’ve spent the last five years rebuilding my life through work and education.”
- Apply through staffing agencies - Some Tesla locations hire temporary workers through agencies like Manpower or Kelly Services. These agencies are often more open to hiring people with records. If you do well, you can be hired directly.
How Tesla Compares to Other Automakers
Tesla isn’t unique - most major automakers have similar policies. Ford, GM, and Toyota all hire people with felony records, especially for production roles. But Tesla stands out because it doesn’t publicly state a blanket ban, unlike some companies that say “no felons” in job postings.
Companies like Amazon and Walmart are even more open to hiring people with records. Tesla’s culture is more tech-focused and less traditional, which can work in your favor if you can prove you’re reliable and skilled.
What to Do If You’re Rejected
If you apply and get turned down because of your record, you have rights. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Tesla must tell you if your background check caused the rejection. You can request a copy of the report and dispute any errors - like outdated convictions or misidentified names.
Also, some states have “ban the box” laws that prevent employers from asking about criminal history on the initial application. California, where Tesla’s main factories are, follows these rules. That means you might get interviewed before they even know your record.
Real Stories: People Who Got Hired
There are real people working at Tesla with felony records. One man in Nevada was convicted of aggravated assault in 2014. He served six years, then trained as a certified electrician. He applied to Tesla’s Reno Gigafactory in 2022, listed his certification on his resume, and mentioned his time served only when asked. He was hired as a technician. He says: “They didn’t care about my past. They cared that I showed up on time, knew how to wire a battery pack, and didn’t make excuses.”
Another woman in Texas had a drug trafficking conviction from 2010. She earned a degree in industrial automation through a prison education program. After release, she worked at a local auto shop for three years. She applied to Tesla’s Austin facility and was hired as a production associate. She now mentors others with records who want to enter manufacturing.
Where to Get Help
You don’t have to do this alone. Organizations like the National H.I.R.E. Network, Center for Employment Opportunities, and local reentry programs help people with records prepare resumes, practice interviews, and connect with employers open to second chances. Some even partner directly with Tesla suppliers.
Check with your state’s department of corrections - many offer job placement services for people leaving prison. You can also search for “reentry employment programs near me” to find local support.
Final Thoughts
Tesla doesn’t have a public rule saying “no felons.” But they don’t make it easy either. Your record isn’t the end of the story - it’s just part of it. What matters now is what you’ve done since. Clean hands, steady work, real skills, and honesty give you a shot. If you’re willing to put in the work, Tesla isn’t the only company that will notice you. But it’s one of the few where your past doesn’t automatically disqualify you - if you’ve earned the right to be seen for who you are today.
Does Tesla do background checks?
Yes, Tesla runs background checks on nearly all applicants through third-party vendors. These checks typically include felony convictions from the past seven years, especially for safety-sensitive roles. They don’t consider arrests without convictions, and they follow state laws on how far back they can look.
Can I get hired at Tesla with a violent felony?
It’s very unlikely. Tesla is unlikely to hire someone with a recent or serious violent felony - such as assault, robbery, or domestic violence - especially for any role involving physical work, safety, or customer interaction. These positions require trust and reliability, and violent records raise too many red flags.
Do I have to disclose my felony on the application?
In California and other states with “ban the box” laws, you don’t have to answer criminal history questions on the initial application. But if you’re asked later - and you will be - you must answer truthfully. Lying can lead to immediate termination, even after you’re hired.
What jobs at Tesla are easiest for someone with a record to get?
Factory and warehouse roles - like assembly line technician, forklift operator, or quality inspector - are the most accessible. These positions are high-turnover, in-demand, and focus on physical skills rather than background. Many people with records have started here and later moved into more specialized roles.
How long after my conviction can I apply?
There’s no official timeline, but applicants with convictions older than five to seven years and a clean record since then have the best chances. If you’ve held steady jobs, earned certifications, or completed rehabilitation programs during that time, your odds improve significantly.
