Materials Engineer, Cell Wet Electrode

Tesla is developing anode battery electrodes in support of cell research and development. We are seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to fabricate anode electrodes and to execute experiments that advance candidate materials from laboratory evaluation to prototype electrode.

This position is a hands-on role and work includes slurry formulation, binder development for those slurries, mixing, roll-to-roll coating, roll handling, and complete documentation of each build. The engineer plans and runs the experiments, maintains laboratory and pilot equipment, and returns traceable electrodes together with reliable process data.

- Fabricate laboratory and pilot-scale wet anode electrodes in support of research builds
- Develop binders for electrode slurries, and formulate and mix those slurries for each build
- Operate a roll-to-roll coater, set line conditions, and correct coating defects
- Handle electrode webs and rolls, including loading, unwinding, and slitting or punching as required, and store finished electrode under a traceable identifier
- Record formulation, process parameters, material identifiers, and deviations on cell travelers and build sheets
- Operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory and pilot mixing and coating equipment
- Perform in-process checks of slurry quality, electrode loading, thickness, and visual quality, and submit samples for electrochemical and mechanical evaluation
- Prepare and revise operating procedures for the slurry process and the roll-to-roll coater
- Maintain a clean work area and comply with solvent-handling and personal protective equipment requirements, including use of a respirator or powered air-purifying respirator when required by the process

- Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
- Hands-on experience in a laboratory, pilot-line, or manufacturing environment developing lithium-ion battery slurries and electrodes
- Hands-on experience operating roll-to-roll and tabletop coating and calendaring tools
- Experience developing binders for traditional and high energy density anode electrodes
- Ability to plan and execute a robust design of experiments, and to document the process as run
- Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to run multiple experiments concurrently and to learn new equipment
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to wear a respirator or powered air-purifying respirator when required by the process

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
- Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)
Expected Compensation
- Associate Materials Engineer - $82,440 - $123,660/annual salary
- Materials Engineer - $98,640 - $147,960/annual salary
- Sr Materials Engineer - $117,360 - $176,040/annual salary
+ cash and stock awards + benefits for all levels
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.