Sr. Cell Engineer, New Technologies

Tesla's in-house battery cell program is continuing to expand into broader chemistries and product applications. Join a small group of engineers working on the front-end of technology development to help design and manufacture next generation battery cells. This role involves scouting the global landscape for disruptive battery cell technologies, including but not limited to chemistries, materials, and manufacturing processes. You will identify technologies and systematically evaluate and guide them from proof-of-concept through early validation. You will engage with external institutions including startups, established companies, and academia to evaluate and develop battery cell technologies. This person will also collaborate closely and cross-functionally with teams such as Cell Materials Engineering, Process and Equipment Development Engineering, Cell Characterization and Modeling, Cell Design, Legal/Supply Chain, and Cell Programs. The successful candidate will be an open minded and creative problem solver with strong technical fundamentals, be collaborative with strong oral and written communication skills, be a quick learner, and have established skills in physics-based modeling, technoeconomic analysis, or material evaluation. Expect engaging technical problems, diverse work activities, and the opportunity to impact critical problems strategically.

• Identify new technologies from a wide range of sources including academic papers, conferences, news articles, industry reports, and supplier engagement. Clearly communicate internally to summarize key points and prompt next steps
• Manage relationship with partners. Maintain clear communication and documentation with external and internal stakeholders to drive the projects efficiently. Provide sufficient status updates at regular cadence. Author Scope of Work documents to design work activities that efficiently evaluate and develop the technology
• Collect and Benchmark internal and external cell/manufacturing technologies by key performance metrics to identify gaps
• Formulate strategic project plans to ensure efficient execution of program goals. Take on a role as lead engineer and project manager on new technology initiatives. Contribute directly as a technical contributor while efficiently leveraging internal and external partners
• Utilize first principles and electrochemistry to evaluate cell technology. This may include material characterization, coin/pouch/full cell testing, and modeling. Evaluate technology opportunities using methods including scorecards, technoeconomic analysis, Technical Readiness Level (TRL), and SWOT analysis
• Apply analytical and experimental methods to identify and evaluate key battery cell performance metrics including energy density, fast charge performance, cycle life, cost, manufacturing implications, and safety

• Degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of work experience in electrochemical cell development or advanced manufacturing for battery cells or semiconductors
• Have a firm understanding of the system level tradeoffs and optimizations for battery cells and working capability in electrochemical modeling or hands-on material characterization
• Strong organization, collaboration, and communication skills
• Software: CAD modeling, Python/MATLAB coding, exposure to Multiphysics FEA/FEM/DEM modeling, or statistical analysis in JMP or Minitab. Also, must be strong in MS Office suite

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

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.