Materials Engineer, Cell Electrode

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to develop electrode materials and scale their manufacturing processes for our cutting-edge battery cell production lines.
The battery cell is one of the most complex and critical components produced at Tesla. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the advancement of Tesla's world-class manufacturing capabilities. You will be part of a fast-paced and highly innovative environment, supporting the development and ramp-up of dry electrode manufacturing for Tesla's battery cells.
As a Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for characterizing electrode materials, performing failure and root cause analysis of electrode process defects, and optimizing processes to meet design and quality targets. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across Product Design, Equipment, Quality, and Production, Program to bring new battery designs and materials from concept through prototyping and into full-scale production. The ideal candidate is hands-on, analytical, detail-oriented, and thrives in an environment that rewards innovation and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on material characterization of electrode properties, including electrochemical, electrical, and mechanical performance, as well as defect analysis
• Lead failure analysis and execute DOEs to identify root causes of electrode defects
• Develop and standardize material characterization methods for cross-functional implementation
• Analyze large sets of process and performance data to evaluate the impact of electrode properties on downstream processes including cell assembly and formation, electrochemical performance, and cell reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Design, Equipment, EPC, Safety, Production, Maintenance, etc.) to ensure dry electrode processes meet production throughput, quality, and performance targets
• Drive development and scale-up of innovative manufacturing processes that improve battery performance, reliability, quality, or cost
• Develop and manage PFMEA risk assessments to prioritize process improvements and ensure robust process control and metrology systems are in place

Requirements

• Degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in battery cell development, materials characterization, process development, or manufacturing engineering is a strong plus
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with material characterization techniques relevant to electrode materials, SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, XPS, TGA, electrochemical testing, electrical characterization tool etc.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and visualization of large datasets using tools such as Python, SQL, JMP, or equivalent
• Experience handling powders and electrode materials in a production setting; comfortable working with PAPR and respirators as required
• Strong engineering fundamentals and practical application to manufacturing process development
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Compensation 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 benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
Expected 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.