Refinery Operations Leader, Battery Minerals & Metals

Refinery Operations Leader, Battery Minerals & Metals Tesla Motors, Inc. paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, Texas, Houston 5135 West Alabama Street (Show on map) May 07, 2026
What to Expect Tesla is building the world's most advanced and sustainable battery materials supply chain. As Refining Operations Leader, you will own end-to-end operations for our state-of-the-art refinery. What You'll Do
Oversee all shifts and functions of the refining facility, including kiln operations, leaching, purification, crystallization, drying, and product finishing, while meeting aggressive production forecasts and quality specifications
Execute the ramp from initial production to full nameplate capacit) while continuously improving yield, uptime, and cost per ton
Champion world-class safety performance (zero incidents goal) and environmental stewardship. Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, permitting, and Tesla standards in a high-temperature, chemical-process environment
Work closely with Process Engineering, R D, and Equipment teams to optimize Tesla's innovative alkaline leach and purification processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and reduce energy and reagent consumption
Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team of operators, shift supervisors, engineers, and technicians. Foster a culture of ownership, rapid problem-solving, and continuous improvement (Tesla Production System)
Partner with Mining, Logistics, Quality, Manufacturing, Cell Production, and external suppliers to ensure seamless raw material intake and on-spec product delivery to downstream battery factories
Own key performance indicators including OEE, throughput, yield, cost, safety, and sustainability metrics. Provide clear leadership updates to senior management
Lead initiatives to minimize waste, repurpose byproducts (e.g., converting residues into construction materials), and further reduce the carbon intensity of refining What You'll Bring
8+ years of progressive leadership in chemical refining, mineral processing, petrochemicals, metals production, or similar high-volume continuous operations. Direct experience with lithium, nickel, or other battery-critical materials refining is strongly preferred
Deep understanding of high-temperature kilns, hydrometallurgical processes, crystallization, filtration, and chemical plant operations. Familiarity with statistical process control, Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing principles
Track record of leading large teams (100+ people) through complex ramps, turnarounds, or greenfield startups in 24/7 industrial environments
Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
Mission-driven, hands-on, data-obsessed, and comfortable with high ambiguity and rapid pace. Willing to roll up sleeves on the plant floor while thinking strategically about multi-year scale-up
Willingness to work extended hours during ramp phases and travel as needed. Relocation support available for the right candidate 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: 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