Technical Program Manager, Cell Materials

Role details

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Technical Program Manager to drive materials evaluation, qualification, and introduction across our in-house cell products. This includes active materials such as cathode active materials (CAM), anode active materials (AAM), and electrolyte systems, as well as broader cell materials programs, vendor management, and new technology initiatives.

This role sits at the intersection of electrochemistry, supply chain, and manufacturing, requiring a strategic thinker who can drive cross-functional alignment and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

You will partner closely with Cell Materials leadership to identify, evaluate, qualify, and ramp materials and suppliers that meet Tesla’s performance, cost, and sustainability targets. This is a high-impact role with visibility across Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.

What You'll Do

• Identify and evaluate materials and new technologies, and develop and execute qualification plans tailored to each material class
• Own vendor management for assigned material suppliers: onboarding, industrialization, deliverables, and scale-up, in partnership with Supply Chain and Supplier Industrialization Engineers
• Drive new technology initiatives from early evaluation through a clear qualification and introduction path
• Work closely with the Cell Design team to integrate qualified materials into new and existing cell architectures
• Support material introduction into downstream electrode manufacturing processes (coating, calendering, formation) and related cell processes as required
• Coordinate supplier trials and pilot production runs, tracking deliverables and managing timelines for material delivery and scale-up
• Track and manage program schedules, risks, and dependencies across multiple material and technology workstreams
• Maintain program dashboards, risk registers, and status reports for leadership visibility
• Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings to drive alignment and resolve blockers
• Communicate technical progress and program status to stakeholders at all levels

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in technical program management or project management
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in lithium-ion battery materials—cathode, anode, electrolyte, or related materials development, characterization, evaluation, or qualification
• Background in battery cell or electrode manufacturing processes
• Experience with supplier or vendor management is a plus
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Self-starter with a bias toward action and problem-solving

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

• Associate Technical Program Mgr - $87,120 - $130,680/annual salary
• Technical Program Mgr - $100,800 - $151,200/annual salary
• Sr Technical Program Mgr - $130,320 - $195,480/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.