What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Benchmarking position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
Battery cells are the common denominator for every Tesla product. Our requirements demand ground-up cell architectures with state-of-the-art performance, manufactured at volumes orders of magnitude higher than the products they power.
Tesla is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead cell benchmarking and teardown, post-mortem analysis, and material-level characterization. This role will drive our understanding of emerging cell technologies, evaluates performance against industry standards, and informs strategic material selection. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in cell disassembly, material characterization, and electrochemical analysis-with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights. We need a self-motivated engineer who thrives in fast-paced environments, challenges conventional thinking, and drives data-driven decisions across Tesla's cell engineering roadmap.
What You'll Do
- Lead teardown and characterization of state-of-the-art commercial cells, systematically documenting design, architecture, and material sets
- Conduct comprehensive post-mortem analysis on aged, failed, or cycled cells to identify degradation mechanisms and root causes
- Perform material-level characterization using SEM/EDS, XRD, BET, particle size analysis, TGA, DSC, and other techniques to evaluate anode, cathode, electrolyte, and inactive components
- Benchmark cell performance (energy density, cycle life, rate capability, safety) against industry standards
- Compare material properties across suppliers and provide data-driven recommendations for material selection and qualification
- Develop standardized benchmarking protocols, teardown procedures, and characterization workflows for consistency and reproducibility
- Identify performance differentiators, competitive advantages, and improvement opportunities through electrochemical and material data analysis
- Synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports and presentations for engineering, modeling, and leadership teams
- Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate benchmarking insights into Tesla's cell development strategy
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and risks
What You'll Bring
- Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or equivalent experience
- 5 years in battery cell teardown, post-mortem analysis, or materials characterization (research, R&D, or production)
- Deep expertise in material characterization techniques (SEM/EDS, XRD, BET, TGA, DSC, Raman, ICP) for lithium-ion battery materials
- Strong understanding of lithium-ion cell components and how material properties drive performance, degradation, and safety
- Proficiency in electrochemical testing and data analysis (cell cycling, rate testing, EIS interpretation)
- Strong data analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar
- Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams
- Experience handling air-sensitive materials in controlled environments
- Excellent communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences
- Self-directed with ability to design experiments, develop characterization methods, and execute independently
Compensation and 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
- Associate Materials Engineer - $82,440 - $123,660/annual salary
- Materials Engineer - $98,640 - $147,960/annual salary
- Sr Materials Engineer - $117,360 - $176,040/annual salary
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.
We will accept applications for this job until September 30, 2026, after which this posting will be removed.
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.
Salary : $82,440 - $123,660