Lead Process Engineer, Cell Manufacturing, Factory Programs

Tesla's Cell Engineering Factory Programs team is seeking a Staff Process Engineer to serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for our 4680 cell manufacturing factories. This is a high-impact technical leadership role at the core of our 4680 capacity expansion, where you will define tool utility requirements, connection interfaces, and system standards that enable fast, reliable, and efficient scaling across gigafactories worldwide. You will act as the in-house subject matter expert on process and chemical utility systems, hydronic loops, process gases, electrolyte and other supporting infrastructure, applying first-principles thinking to ensure seamless integration between manufacturing equipment and factory central systems. Your expertise will directly influence facility design decisions, operational efficiency, and long-term scalability, making you a critical driver of Tesla's manufacturing roadmap. As the primary review and approval authority for factory utility systems, you will bridge equipment suppliers, manufacturing teams, and construction partners to deliver optimized, code-compliant designs that support high-volume battery production. Own the definition of hydronic (process cooling water, RO/DI water), process gas (N₂, compressed air) and Electrolyte supply requirements for all cell manufacturing equipment, including loads, connection locations, and interface types Lead conceptual planning for future cell factory utility distribution, accurately estimating capacity needs and specifying supporting equipment such as compressors, driers, HEX and boilers Design, review, and optimize hydronic distribution systems, including heating and cooling water loops, hot oil loops, pumps, and heat exchangers, from conceptual stage through installation and commissioning Partner with equipment suppliers, manufacturing engineers, and installation teams across all project phases: concept development, detailed design, procurement, factory acceptance testing, installation, and site acceptance testing Perform cost-benefit analyses for localized versus centralized utility solutions (e.g., air compressors, blowers, local cooling skids vs. centralized), driving efficient and scalable decisions Coordinate metering and validation of manufacturing equipment to confirm average and peak loads, feeding accurate data into global models and standards Collaborate with local factory engineering teams and regulatory authorities to interpret and apply regional process codes and requirements to equipment and system design Degree in Process or Chemical Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience Strong first-principles expertise in process utility system design and large-scale manufacturing infrastructure (battery, semiconductor, or chemical processing facilities preferred) Hands-on experience with pipe flow and system modeling tools (AFT Pipeflow, Aspen, or equivalent) Proficiency in 3D modeling software including Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360 preferred Demonstrated success managing complex technical projects through the full lifecycle—from concept to commissioning—with excellent organizational and documentation skills Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, with the credibility to influence cross-functional teams, suppliers, and leadership Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to engineering rigor and continuous improvement 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