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Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification

Tesla · San Diego, CAtoday
$87k – $156kfrom the posting

BS-level Quality / Testing roles on Crosslinked list a median of $108k (163 that show pay).

Own electrical, mechanical, and thermal cell test methods and execution for prismatic battery cells

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Directly shape early-stage prismatic cell design across vehicle and energy storage programs at Tesla.

Might not be for you. Heavy test execution and troubleshooting; less open-ended materials R&D.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialistFast-paced First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleHands-on use of cyclers, DAQ, multimeters, and environmental chambers; lithium-ion cell testing

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
Benefits
$0 payroll deduction medical plans401(k) with employer matchEmployee Stock Purchase Plan

Role details

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Cell Test Engineer for the Cell Engineering team to be part of a world-class team responsible for evaluating prismatic cell performance during early development across vehicle and energy storage programs. As a Cell Test Engineer, you own test methods, data quality, and execution so Cell Engineering can evaluate design options quickly and with high confidence. This includes turning test intent into robust plans, fixtures, and workflows; executing electrical, mechanical, and thermal testing; analyzing results; and closing the loop with design teams.

Cell Test Engineers use test data to validate design changes, improve lab capability, and protect execution quality in a fast-paced development environment.

What You'll Do

  • Design and execute electrical, mechanical, and thermal characterization and performance tests to quantify cell behavior, safety margins, and design tradeoffs
  • Translate engineering requirements into test plans covering sample size, conditions, instrumentation, pass/fail criteria, and data deliverables
  • Own test execution quality, including scheduling, logistics, fixturing, setup, and data integrity from start of test through report-out
  • Analyze test data, identify trends and anomalies, and provide clear recommendations to Cell Engineers
  • Improve test capability and throughput through method development, fixture design, equipment selection, automation, and process changes
  • Partner with technicians and engineers to keep execution on SLA without sacrificing data quality
  • Lead troubleshooting of test equipment, fixtures, and anomalous results, and drive root-cause and corrective action
  • Support process and equipment validation, calibration strategy, and lab readiness
  • Uphold Tesla safety standards and escalate risks, equipment issues, or data-quality concerns promptly

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, related engineering field, or equivalent in experience
  • Experience in a test, validation, or product engineering role, preferably batteries, electronics, or similar hardware
  • Working knowledge of cell electrical fundamentals (voltage, current, capacity, impedance) and hands-on use of cyclers, DAQ, multimeters, and environmental chambers
  • Ability to write structured test plans and turn raw data into conclusions using Excel and/or Python, MATLAB, or similar
  • Hands-on fixture, instrumentation, or equipment troubleshooting experience
  • High awareness of electrical, chemical, and thermal safety hazards and lab best practices
  • Direct experience with lithium-ion cell testing is highly desired
  • Experience with Neware, Arbin, BioLogic, or similar cyclers is a plus
  • Fixture design (CAD), scripting/automation, or DOE / statistical analysis is a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication, ownership as a self-starter, and proven collaboration with cross-functional engineering 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

Expected Compensation

$87,020 - $156,180/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.

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification role at Tesla?

The listed annual base salary range is $87K–$156K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

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 Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification role at Tesla based?

This role is based in San Diego, CA.

What degree is required for the Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

What techniques or methods are required for this Cell Test Engineer, Cell Qualification role?

cyclers, DAQ, multimeters, environmental chambers.