Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI are partnering to launch the most epic chip-building effort ever - combining logic, memory, and advanced packaging under one roof. Terafab will close the gap between today's chip production and the future's demand - a future among the stars.
The team is seeking a Thin Film Functional Materials Engineer to develop and optimize advanced ceramic and functional thin-film materials for semiconductor and energy applications. You will work at the intersection of ceramics science, thin-film processing, and device integration, developing materials with tailored electrical, thermal, optical, or mechanical properties. This role requires a strong foundation in ceramic materials science and hands-on experience with thin-film synthesis and characterization. This position requires up to 20% domestic travel.
- Develop and characterize novel functional thin films (e.g., ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, dielectrics, others) for semiconductor and device applications
- Optimize thin-film synthesis routes including sol-gel, chemical solution deposition, PVD, and ALD for compositions
- Investigate structure-property relationships in polycrystalline and epitaxial thin films through systematic characterization
- Collaborate with process engineers to integrate functional ceramic layers into multilayer device stacks
- Perform electrical, optical, and mechanical characterization of thin films (impedance spectroscopy, nanoindentation, piezoresponse force microscopy)
- Evaluate phase stability, crystallization kinetics, and texture evolution in films as a function of processing conditions
- Contribute to materials selection and qualification for new product development programs
- Document experimental results and present findings to cross-functional technical teams
- Degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field with emphasis on functional ceramics or thin-film materials, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of experience in thin-film development, processing, or characterization
- Strong knowledge of crystal chemistry, phase equilibria, and crystallization behavior in thin-film geometries
- Hands-on experience with at least two thin-film deposition techniques (PVD, CVD, etc.)
- Proficiency in XRD, SEM, and electrical characterization of films
- Understanding of device integration requirements and compatibility constraints for layers
- Experience with lead-free piezoelectrics, high-k dielectrics, or solid-state ionics is preferred
- Familiarity with computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD) or combinatorial thin-film synthesis methods is a plus
- Ability to travel up to 20%
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
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program