Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Anode Development

Role details

What to Expect

The active materials research team is seeking a motivated Materials Engineer to synthesize, characterize, and optimize carbon materials (Hard, Soft, Graphitic) and next generation anode materials. In this role, you will be responsible for the materials development — from (1) carbon precursor to final anode material via various Hi-temp reactors, (2) morphology tuning via shaping, spheroidization, surface coating and (3) electrochemical validation — to deliver materials with improved durability, fast charging, and reduced cost compared to today's commercial solutions.

You will bridge cutting-edge academic research with real-world industrial implementation, working closely with cell design engineers, manufacturing teams, and supply chain partners to transition lab-scale anode innovations into large-format production cells.

What You'll Do

• Synthesize carbon materials via high temp furnace followed by purification, spheroidization, and coating optimization. Systematically tune synthesis parameters to control precursor morphology, particle size distribution, tap density, surface uniformity, and coating uniformity
• Develop & operate Acheson furnace, high temp furnace, pyrolysis furnace, molten salt reactor, fluidized bed reactors — demonstrating knowledge for controlling crystallinity, grain size, primary vs. secondary morphology, magnetic impurity removal, nonmagnetic removal, and carbon precursor optimization
• Develop & operate tooling including but not limited to - mechanochemical milling, spheroidization, Jet milling, granulation, air classifier, Jet/Spin atomization, spray coating, spray drying, to address the process challenges associated with scale up
• Implementation of process controller on tools/infrastructure – temperature, pH, O2, pressure, etc. – including but not limited to routine calibration, online data collection to support anode synthesis & purification
• Conduct in-depth structural and electrochemical characterization of synthesized materials using XRD, SEM/EDS, RAMAN, ICP, BET, EIS, GITT, and dQ/dV analysis to establish clear structure–processing–performance relationships
• Diagnose and resolve degradation mechanisms specific to surface reactivity in anodes and SEI stability through systematic root-cause analysis
• Fabricate and test battery cells to validate anode performance and provide feedback to the synthesis loop. Collaborate with cell design engineers on electrode formulation and full-cell integration
• Maintain detailed experimental records, present structure–property findings and synthesis recommendations to leadership
• Collaborate with validation engineers, electrochemists, modeling experts, and supply chain specialists to scale up synthesis processes from lab to pilot and qualify materials for manufacturability

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Significant research experience focused on synthesis and characterization of carbon anode materials or fast charging anode
• Hands-on experience working with high temp furnace, pyrolysis furnace, molten salt reactor, or fluidized bed reactors, preferably with a track record of published or industry work on carbon materials or compositions
• Hands-on processing experience operating tooling including but not limited to - mechanochemical milling, spheroidization, Jet milling, granulation, air classifier, Jet/Spin atomization, spray coating, and spray drying, to address the process challenges associated with scale up
• Experience working with petroleum, coal, carbon material suppliers or in a pilot/manufacturing environment for active materials
• Strong command of electrochemical, crystallographic and microstructural analysis as applied to understanding SEI formation/stability, lattice parameter evolution, pitch coating uniformity, surface porosity, materials tortuosity, and degradation pathways
• Proficiency with standard electrochemical testing and the ability to correlate electrochemical signatures back to materials-level root causes
• Practical familiarity with electrode fabrication and coin-cell/pouch-cell assembly sufficient to validate your own synthesized materials
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with strong problem-solving ability and sound judgment when working with incomplete information
• Working knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and unit operations relevant to scaling anode synthesis from lab bench to continuous production

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

$91,600 - $195,600/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.