Tesla is looking for a highly motivated materials focused process development engineer to create, develop and scale up manufacturing processes for our cutting-edge Tesla battery cell manufacturing line. This role will help invent, develop, scale up, and optimize battery manufacturing processes within a cross-functional engineering team responsible for the development lifecycle and launch into manufacturing.
The battery cell is a critical component in Tesla vehicles and storage systems. This role will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to our products. The work environment is demanding, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting.
Drive development of new/innovative manufacturing processes from proof of concept through to full scale production that enable improved battery performance and cost, and meets throughput requirements
Characterize existing processes, establish controls for critical parameters, improve process robustness, and conduct analysis/interpretation of experimental data
Create robust materials testing protocols to inform process development and quality control
Conduct root cause analysis of failure modes at various process steps
Drive process commissioning on new production lines
Establish process controls for SPC, develop process related OCAPs, and execute DoEs to optimize process conditions
Develop and manage PFMEA risk assessments to prioritize process improvement projects and ensure adequate metrology and controls are in place
Debug process integration issues to ensure interactions between processes are kept under control
Build process documentation to accurately define the process to cross-functional teams (equipment, quality, production, etc.)
Model holistic process costs using bottoms-up system approach
Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or equivalent experience
1+ year interdisciplinary/integrated engineering, process development, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them towards manufacturing process development
Ability to build structure-property-processing relationships for different material classes e.g., ceramics, polymers, and composites
Proven problem solver with demonstrated experience in data driven root cause analysis using statistical software (JMP is a plus)
Demonstrated capabilities in manufacturing process development for new and unique products
Hands-on experience and fundamental understanding of one or more materials characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, particle size measurement, dry and wet rheology, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC etc.
Willingness to perform hands on work on pilot and production lines, as well as in laboratory settings
Experience in high volume manufacturing involving one or more of these areas is highly desired: material formulations expertise, dry powder handling and processing, mixing fundamentals and scale up expertise, ceramic and composite materials, pneumatic conveyance of powders and composites, automated mechanical assembly, power electronics, industrial chemical processing, or battery manufacturing (Li-ion or other chemistry)
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 > 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)
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 (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