Production Engineer, Lithium

What to Expect

Tesla's Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Production Engineer to support the commissioning, startup, and long-term operation of our first-of-its-kind facility. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Operations and Process Design teams to bring the plant online safely and efficiently, then transition into a run-plant engineering position focused on driving stable, high-quality, and cost-effective production.

This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in scaling a novel chemical manufacturing process that supports Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

What You'll Do

• Support Commissioning and Startup activities to deliver a safe, cost-effective, schedule-aligned ramp to stable refinery operations
• Ensure all Management of Change (MOC) requirements are followed throughout commissioning and startup
• Participate in pre-startup safety reviews and hazard studies
• Apply First-Principles Thinking to diagnose issues and develop technical solutions
• Analyze, improve, and optimize operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality
• Provide technical support to Production teams to resolve issues and improve workflow
• Identify and eliminate production bottlenecks, defects, and quality deviations
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and minimize waste
• Partner with Production Planning to meet schedules and achieve daily/weekly production targets
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with industry standards, specifications, and safety requirements

What You'll Bring

• Evidence of exceptional ability, with strong engineering fundamentals and demonstrated problem solving capability
• 3+ years in a chemical manufacturing environment. Experience working with slurries, milling, and solids handling is strongly preferred; exposure to hydrometallurgical systems is a plus
• Ability to effectively work and communicate cross-functionally, including interfacing with project, engineering, quality, and maintenance/reliability functions
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and advanced process controls
• Proficiency with operational data trending tools (e.g., PI Vision, Aspen, Seeq)
• Proven ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; willingness to work extended hours when needed
• Strong aptitude for rapidly learning and applying new technologies
• Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions

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

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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Production Engineer, Lithium

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