Sr. Cell Failure Analysis Engineer, Global Quality

Battery cells are core to Tesla, and the 4680 cell is a particularly unique product merging numerous cutting-edge improvements in cell technology and manufacturing. Our product requirements demand ground-up cell architectures with state-of-the-art performance, manufactured at volumes that are orders of magnitude higher than the products they power. Our environment is fast-paced and incredibly exciting. Tesla moves quickly, so being passionate and self-motivated to push your limits is critical. Our team works alongside engineering groups across various disciplines, requiring strong communication skills and a team-first mentality. You will work alongside seasoned industry experts, manufacturing technicians and operators, maintenance teams, supplier industrialization engineers, and everything in between.
We are seeking a highly motivated failure analysis/materials expert to lead internal failure analysis efforts in the Global Cell Quality team in Austin, TX. As someone with deep knowledge in failure analysis (methodologies, techniques, and analytical tools), you will work to improve both regular cell teardown analyses and coordinate/direct special internal investigations. This is a hands-on job that necessitates considerable time on the factory floor, laboratory analytical work, as well as training and building the skillset of the local team. Inasmuch, excellent communication skills are critical as you will need to both deliver and receive highly technical information across multiple groups, many of whom are not cell experts (e.g. maintenance, facilities, logistics).

Responsibilities

• Manage, train, and continue to build a small failure analysis team focused on cell and cell material issues
• Lead development of new methods for analysis of unique issues
• Conduct senior reviews of analytical investigations
• Build fundamental understanding of complex technical challenges (design, manufacturing, integration, etc.)
• Work with factory teams to drive/implement solutions on the manufacturing floor
• Interface with cell test teams to validate findings using appropriate predictive test methods

Requirements

• Degree in a technical discipline including but not limited to Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
• Must possess exceptional technical depth with the ability to find the correct answers when you don't know them. Must be able to provide actionable output and solutions, not just opinions and input
• 5+ years of proven experience with failure analysis. Examples of areas of interest include cells, battery modules and packs, power electronics systems, materials (cell or non-cell), manufacturing systems, etc.
• Extensive cell technology/cell manufacturing experience is desired but not required
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills and strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across levels and functions (remember communication is both ways; you must be able to transmit but also receive)
• Detail oriented, with the ability to effectively handle multiple priorities
• Can demonstrate ability to meet tight deadlines and perform under high pressure

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