Cell Materials Engineer, Cell Materials & Product Development Tesla Motors, Inc. 91600 - 164400 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Nov 04, 2026

What to Expect The Cell Materials team is seeking a highly motivated engineer to support development with our cell suppliers, including supplier qualification activities, benchmarking & testing, and technology evaluation. This role will work closely with cell suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate materials, components, and cell performance, helping drive technical decisions and supplier readiness for current and future cell programs. The ideal candidate is passionate about lithium-ion battery technology, familiar with the relationship between materials, processes, and cell performance, and can effectively collaborate with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers to solve technical and programmatic challenges. What You'll Do

Collaborate with internal engineering teams to develop qualification plans, identify technical gaps, and drive alignment with external cell suppliers

Track technical risks, action items, key milestones, and overall program readiness to support successful qualification and program execution

Review and analyze supplier-generated test reports to assess performance, identify risks, and support data-driven decision making

Support technical discussions with suppliers to resolve issues, evaluate new materials and processes, and accelerate qualification activities

Plan and execute cell teardown and material characterization activities

Analyze testing results to identify technology trends and opportunities for improvement

Develop technical reports and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders

Build and maintain material databases and knowledge repositories to support future technology and sourcing strategies What You'll Bring

Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience

Past experience in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage, materials engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, or a related field

Fundamental understanding of lithium-ion cell materials, components, manufacturing processes, and performance metrics

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to effectively collaborate across engineering disciplines and with external cell suppliers

Experience working with lithium-ion cell suppliers and material suppliers, battery manufacturing processes, or supplier qualification activities

Experience with cell material manufacturing process, material characterization, cell teardown analysis, benchmarking and failure analysis

Familiarity with lithium-ion cell components across multiple cell form factors, including their functions, failure modes, and impact on cell performance, reliability, and safety etc.

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

$91,600 - $164,400/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