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Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain

Tesla · Sparks, NVtoday

BS-level Quality / Testing roles on Crosslinked list a median of $109k (162 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Run quality and failure-analysis testing on battery and drive-unit materials in a 24/7 lab.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on with XRF, FTIR, ICP-OES, GC-MS and SEM on real EV battery and drive-unit failures in a 24/7 quality lab.

Might not be for you. Routine quality and failure-analysis testing in a 24/7 shift lab — process-driven, not open-ended R&D.

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry roleBS acceptable

Core polymer roleroutine materials and analytical chemistry testing; XRF, FTIR, ICP-OES, GC-MS, SEM; failure analysis of battery cells

H-1B filings

Tesla filed 1,327 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Sr Manufacturing Engineer, Sr Process Engineer, Sr Mechanical Design Engineer. Median filed pay: $138K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Technician
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
1+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Quality / Testing
Benefits
$0 payroll deduction medical plans401(k) with employer matchEmployee Stock Purchase Plan

Role details

What to Expect

Tesla is looking for a Lead Materials Laboratory Technician for our A shift to assist in routine quality testing, material and chemical sample preparation, and failure analysis processes for vehicle manufacturing. The environment utilizes multiple testing techniques from spectroscopy to mechanical testing.

What You'll Do

  • Conduct quality and failure analysis testing in collaboration with Materials Engineers and Test Technicians in a 24/7 quality laboratory environment.
  • Perform routine materials and analytical chemistry testing to support all business units including, but not limited to Drive Unit, Battery Module, and Facilities.
  • Support Lab Supervisor with ticket management, purchasing, coordinating outside vendor visits, and technician scheduling as needed.
  • Assist senior lab staff with failure analysis investigations, including interpreting test data and generating comprehensive test reports.
  • Contribute to the enhancement of laboratory practices and procedures by providing actionable feedback and maintaining inventory of consumable supplies.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment and utilize experience and ASTM standards knowledge when applicable.
  • Uphold the company’s mission, vision, values, and goals in all laboratory activities and professional responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

  • 1+ year experience working in a quality environment.
  • Able to work both independently and in a collaborative project-focused environment, prompt and dependable.
  • Comfortable working with chemicals and hazardous materials like battery cells and complicated analytical instruments.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Experience with microscopic evaluation using a Keyence, XRF, FTIR, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and SEM is preferred.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering field preferred.

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

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.

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Common questions

Does Tesla sponsor H-1B visas?

Tesla has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Sparks, NV.

What degree is required for the Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role require?

The posting calls for at least 1 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role work with?

battery cells.

What techniques or methods are required for this Lead Materials Lab Technician, Powertrain role?

XRF, FTIR, ICP-OES, GC-MS, SEM.