Associate Manager, Battery Cell Recycling

Battery Recycling Program Operations Manager

This role oversees daily operations and teams handling the safe, efficient, high-throughput processing of battery materials from Tesla factories and service locations to approved reclamation and recycling facilities. You will lead shift-based operations teams, drive production metrics, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and partner closely with logistics, container management, peers, engineering, maintenance, EHS, and cross-functional groups to advance Teslas closed-loop battery recycling ecosystem.

Job Summary

We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on leader to manage Battery Recycling Program operations. You will build and guide teams through pretreatment, mechanical processing, material flow, and related activities in a fast-paced industrial setting. The position demands a strong operations mindset, technical understanding of recycling processes, and deep commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

Reporting to senior operations leadership, you will work alongside logistics-focused program managers while directly supervising shift teams to hit aggressive targets for throughput, cost, quality, and sustainability-supporting Teslas vertical integration and battery lifecycle goals.

Lead, develop, and motivate operations teams, supervisors, technicians, and operators to safely and efficiently execute battery recycling processes, including pretreatment, mechanical disassembly, material handling, and downstream preparation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Oversee daily shift operations
• Monitor production
• Manage downtime
• Allocate resources
• Handle escalations
• Meet output KPI targets

Key Responsibilities

• Drive excellence by creating and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, training programs, and process controls
• Champion EHS compliance, ensure training completion, identify and correct hazards, document incidents, and build a proactive safety culture in high-risk areas with heavy equipment, chemicals, and waste
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, R&D, logistics, and 3PLs to troubleshoot, implement improvements, provide design feedback, and scale operations
• Analyze data, lead root-cause investigations, and execute projects to boost throughput, yield, cost efficiency, workforce productivity, and material flow

Team Leadership

• Coach and mentor team members
• Enforce policies
• Plan resources
• Resolve complex challenges in real-time

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent with demonstrated extraordinary ability
• 4 years of leadership and supervisory experience in high-volume manufacturing, recycling, chemical processing, or heavy industry, battery semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or automotive industries (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of lean principles, process improvement, manpower planning, time management, and standards
• Experience with Excel, SQL for data analysis and reporting, and AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD proficiency (preferred)

Physical Demands

• Ability to work extended shifts
• Outdoor conditions (0-110°F)
• Climb structures
• Lift 50lbs.
• Wear full-faced respirators for long periods
• Familiarity with material handling, heavy equipment, chemical recycling systems, hazardous materials, and PPE, including respirators (experience a plus)

Benefits

Along with competitive pay as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans with 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 Accounts (HSA) Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401k with employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life AD&D Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90-day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time
• Flex time for salary positions
• Accrued hours for Hourly 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