Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Electrochemistry

Role details

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to join the Boulder Fundamentals Team, focusing on anode material evaluation, electrochemical characterization and fast charge. This role is critical to advancing our understanding of graphite, silicon, and other anode materials and their kinetic behavior to accelerate materials selection and qualification for in-house and vendor cell programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in battery electrochemistry, first-principles understanding of material properties, and the ability to translate complex experimental findings to cross-functional teams, including our Modeling Team.

We are looking for a self-motivated scientist who thrives in a fast-paced environment, challenges conventional thinking, and drives innovation in battery technology.

What You'll Do

Investigate interplay between material selection electrode processing

• fast charge
• Extract material and electrode properties with fundamental electrochemical measurements
• Lead core diagnostic measurements with 3-electrode cells and EIS measurements
• Collaborate with the Cell Physics Modeling Team to identify and correct discrepancies between experimental and modeled results
• Develop new methods and techniques to extract material properties and improve characterization accuracy
• Identify opportunities to enhance the accuracy of current testing and analysis techniques
• Write, upgrade, and maintain existing scripts for data analysis
• Work with air-sensitive materials using glove boxes and/or dry room environments
• Communicate findings clearly to cross-functional teams to inform material selection decisions for cell programs

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or equivalent experience
• Strong background in lithium-ion battery electrochemistry with emphasis on anode materials
• Demonstrated expertise in battery thermodynamics, kinetic behavior, and first-principles electrochemical analysis
• Experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (EIS interpretation required)
• Proficiency with battery cyclers (Arbin, Biologic) and cell testing methodologies
• Strong data analysis skills using Python (preferred pandas, numpy, scipy, matplotlib), MATLAB, or similar tools
• Familiarity with chemical analysis techniques for battery materials
• Experience working with air-sensitive materials in controlled environments
• Ability to independently design experiments, learn new concepts from literature, and execute research plans
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings to modeling and cross-functional teams

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

• Associate Materials Engineer - $82,440 - $123,660/annual salary
• Materials Engineer - $98,640 - $147,960/annual salary
• Sr Materials Engineer - $117,360 - $176,040/annual salary

• cash and stock awards + benefits for all levels

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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

We will accept applications for this job until December 31, 2026, after which this posting will be removed.