What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to characterize electrode materials from our advanced battery cell pilot and mass production lines.
The battery cell represents one of the most complex and critical components in Tesla's portfolio. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the evolution of Tesla's world-class manufacturing capabilities. You will join a fast-paced, innovative environment, supporting the development and scaling of dry electrode manufacturing for Tesla's battery cells.
As a Materials Engineer, you will characterize electrode materials, conduct failure and root cause analyses for electrode process defects, and prepare reports to convey results and insights to cross-functional teams. You will partner with internal and external stakeholders across Product & Material Design, Equipment, Process, Cell Qualification, and Production to deepen our understanding of how processes affect materials and electrochemical performance. This is essential for transitioning new manufacturing processes, materials, and battery designs from concept to full-scale production. The ideal candidate is hands-on, analytical, detail-oriented, and excels in an environment that values innovation and accountability.
What You'll Do
- Perform hands-on characterization of electrodes, including electrochemical (coin / pouch cell) and mechanical performance testing
- Lead defect analysis and design of experiments (DOEs) to identify root causes of electrode defects
- Develop and standardize electrode characterization methods for site-wide and global implementation
- Analyze data from various processes and equipment to assess the impact of changes on electrode properties
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product & Material Design, Equipment, Process, Cell Qualification, and Quality) to ensure dry electrodes meet design targets
- Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), develop testing methods, and maintain testing equipment
What You'll Bring
Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience3+ years of experience in battery cell testing and materials characterizationExperience in process development or manufacturing engineering is a strong plusDemonstrated hands-on experience with coin cell and pouch cell assembly and testingDemonstrated hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques relevant to electrodes, such as SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, XPS, TGA, and DMAProficiency in statistical data analysis and visualization of large datasets using tools like Python, SQL, JMP, or equivalentsExperience handling powders and electrode materials in controlled environments; comfort working under PAPR and with respirators if requiredStrong understanding of engineering fundamentals and electrochemistryExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams and stakeholdersCompensation and Benefits Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire :
Aetna PPO and HSA plans >2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefitsDental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contributionCompany Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSAHealthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramSick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid HolidaysBack-up childcare and parenting support resourcesVoluntary benefits to include : critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insuranceWeight Loss and Tobacco Cessation ProgramsTesla Babies programCommuter benefitsEmployee discounts and perks programExpected Compensation $84,000 - $162,000 / annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.