Cell Engineer, Global Technical Quality

Role details

What to Expect

We are seeking a detail-oriented Cell Engineer (or Scientist) to join our Global Technical Quality team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for investigating, analyzing, and resolving electrical, mechanical, and chemical issues in lithium-ion battery cells during development, production, and field returns. You will play a critical role in improving cell quality, reliability, safety, and performance by leading defect designations, designing test protocols, and collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, production quality, and reliability teams.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical guidance to Cell Manufacturing in relation to evaluating cell product quality risks
• Develop and execute test plans to probe cell-level failure modes including internal shorts, capacity fade, swelling, thermal runaway, and electrolyte degradation
• Fabricate coin and low-capacity pouch cells, within glovebox environment as well as production-relevant production line fault injections
• Conduct in-depth analysis on battery cells using advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., SEM, CT, EIS, XRF, etc)
• Perform electrical and electrochemical characterization (cycling, impedance spectroscopy, charge/discharge profiling) to identify performance anomalies
• Document findings with clear, actionable reports, including root cause analysis, failure mechanisms, and mitigation recommendations
• Collaborate with materials scientists, process engineers, and manufacturing teams to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence
• Support product and cell test validation programs

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in battery cell design, testing, failure analysis, or R&D
• Proficiency with battery testing equipment (e.g., Arbin, Neware, Bio-Logic, etc)
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, Excel)
• Understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry and failure mechanisms
• Understanding of non-destructive and destructive analytical techniques (CT, XRF, SEM-EDS, DSC, TGA, FTIR, etc.)
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with attention to detail and safety

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 - $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.