Materials Engineer, Graphite Anode Tesla Motors, Inc. 91600 - 195600 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Oct 09, 2026

What to Expect Tesla is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Cell Technology team and lead graphite anode development. You will work across material, electrode, and cell levels to evaluate particle structure and morphology, design formulations, and integrate these materials into high-energy batteries. You will also explore silicon and other new anode materials as part of the same R D effort. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect electrochemical performance to material structure and processing, and to deliver manufacturable solutions for energy density, fast-charging, and supply chain resilience. As part of Tesla's mission to build a world of amazing abundance, you will have the opportunity to solve some of the most challenging problems in battery technology. We are looking for an engineer with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, and physical property analysis, who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and can take work from concept to scale. What You'll Do

Lead graphite anode development from materials design to manufacturable electrode architectures

Evaluate graphite at the material, electrode, and cell levels, linking particle structure, shape, and processing to performance

Design and execute studies to optimize particle morphology, surface treatments, electrode formulations, binders, and conductive networks

Build prototype cells to validate electrochemical performance, fast-charge, swell, and lifetime

Perform physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD) and electrochemical analysis to identify degradation mechanisms and drive design improvements

Collaborate with Modeling, Electrolyte, and Pilot teams to accelerate technology readiness

Translate lab-scale innovations into scalable manufacturing practices at pilot and production

Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders

Own cell testing and lab workflows, including test plans, execution, and data quality What You'll Bring

Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with equivalent practical experience

Hands-on experience developing graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, preferably in an R D or pilot-scale environment. Silicon or other anode chemistries is a plus

Strong understanding of anode material design, including particle morphology, surface treatments, binders, and electrode formulation

Experience in integrating materials into electrodes to evaluate swell, fast charge, and cycle life

Experience in electrochemical testing and data analysis, combined with physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD)

Ability to identify failure modes, conduct root-cause analysis, and translate findings into design and process improvements

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional projects independently

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

Expected Compensation

$91,600 - $195,600/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits 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. Notify me of jobs like this