Cell Materials Engineer, Cell Materials & Product Development
BS-level Quality / Testing roles on Crosslinked list a median of $113k (239 that show pay).
Qualify cell suppliers and evaluate lithium-ion cell materials through teardown, characterization, benchmarking and test report analysis.
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Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Direct influence on cell material and supplier choices for current and future Tesla cell programs, with teardown and benchmarking work.
Might not be for you. Heavy supplier coordination, tracking and reporting rather than hands-on materials development.
Adjacent materials role:Cell materials engineer: cell teardown, material characterization, evaluate lithium-ion cell materials and components, supplier qualification, failure analysis
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
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Industry
- Automotive
- Role
- Quality / Testing
Role details
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.
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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