Manager, Materials Test Laboratory

Role details

What to Expect

This position will manage Tesla’s Materials Test Group to lead, support, and advise on all materials-level test activities (in-house and external). The primary objective is to plan, prototype, and validate material candidates, insourcing equipment, methods, and test-to-field correlations when needed, and to deliver data with engineering recommendations and next steps.

You will develop efficient, high-impact prototyping and validation plans, produce material candidates for experimentation in metals (early alloy development) using assets such as VIM furnaces and rolling mills, and in polymers (early resin, adhesive, and coating development) using assets such as twin-screw extruders and injection molding machines. You'll evaluate prototyped materials, including DOEs, to expose failure modes early and reduce risk while delivering accurate data, engineering recommendations, and actionable next steps that inform material specifications and simulation.

We are looking for a leader to pioneer new test capabilities, equipment, and methods where industry standards are deficient, do not exist, or do not meet Tesla’s reliability or durability targets. This individual will bridge lab-to-field performance gaps by building test-to-field correlation that aligns lab protocols with real-world service.

What You'll Do

• Lead the test and evaluation of materials across Tesla products to advance understanding of structure-property-processing relationships
• Inform material specifications through rigorous, data-driven analysis of test results
• Develop high-fidelity material cards for CAE applications by leveraging test data to improve simulation accuracy
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (Design Engineering) to integrate test outcomes into product design and ensure alignment with business targets like durability and manufacturability
• Identify and deploy new test methods and laboratory capabilities to future-proof the team’s capacity for high-impact R&D
• Research solutions for gaps in testing infrastructure (new equipment, methodologies) and pitch proposals for approval
• Ensure materials requirements meet business targets while reflecting field conditions and manufacturability constraints
• Collaborate with reactive departments (Service, Reliability) to resolve field concerns and validate test outcomes
• Manage fiscal operations and justify capital expenditures to support lab growth and modernization
• Develop policies for procurement, inventory control, and storage to maintain lab efficiency

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Materials Science, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated expertise in materials testing, manufacturing processes, and operating diverse test equipment
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage high-pressure failure analysis investigations, and promote health/safety protocols
• Strong communication skills to establish partnerships with internal/external stakeholders and deliver results under tight deadlines

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

$140,800 - $258,000/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.