Demo

Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Cathode

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/18/2026
What to Expect

Battery cells are the common denominator for every Tesla product. Our product requirements demand ground-up cell architectures with state-of-the-art performance, manufactured at volumes that are orders of magnitude higher than the products they power. Our environment is fast-paced and incredibly exciting, so being passionate and self-motivated to push your limits is critical. Our team works with engineering groups across various disciplines, requiring strong communication skills and a team-first mentality. You will work alongside seasoned industry experts, high aptitude recent graduates, and people from every stage in between. We look for anyone with an exceptional ability to solve problems in both individual and team settings. Our team is heavily focused on cell materials design and qualification. Your responsibility will be spearheading cross-functional team validation efforts of cell materials, developing new electrochemical tests to accelerate qualification time and bringing our team's expertise in electrochemical data interpretation to the next level.


What You'll Do

  • Accelerate screening and validation of cathode materials
  • Organize and manage validation testing of lab to mass production scale materials, electrode, and cell validation trials
  • Interpret electrochemical and material/electrode characterization data and assign result differences to material change, design change, assembly flaw, and specific degradation pathways
  • Interface with our strategic partners and internal stakeholders by providing and analyzing key results and risks


What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 5 years of experience in cell materials design, qualification, and testing
  • Knowledge of cathode design principles and cathode materials production from raw material to final product
  • Knowledge of the intricacies of the chemical interplay between anode, cathode, and electrolyte
  • Knowledge of the interplay between material and electrode level properties (anode, cathode, electrolyte) and cell level properties and how they affect electrochemical signals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Analytical mind and strong project management skills


Compensation and Benefits
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.

     

    Salary : $91,600 - $195,600

    If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
    Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

    What is the career path for a Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Cathode?

    Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Cathode career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
    Income Estimation: 
    $88,239 - $107,750
    Income Estimation: 
    $92,981 - $138,294
    Income Estimation: 
    $108,127 - $132,532
    Income Estimation: 
    $110,528 - $145,291
    Income Estimation: 
    $108,127 - $132,532
    Income Estimation: 
    $135,130 - $165,097
    Income Estimation: 
    $113,817 - $150,648
    Employees: Get a Salary Increase
    View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

    Job openings at Tesla Motors, Inc.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Honolulu, HI
    • What to Expect As a Vehicle Detailer Specialist at Tesla, you will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and exceptional customer delivery experience.... more
    • 12 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Washington, DC
    • What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through the entire Summer 2026 term (thr... more
    • 12 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect As Tesla continues to vertically integrate our operations' we're looking for a highly motivated Facilities Mechanical Engineer to work on a ... more
    • 12 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect We are looking for a highly motivated individuals to lead, support, and manage a team of NCM associates in a fast-paced manufacturing enviro... more
    • 12 Days Ago


    Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Sr. Materials Engineer, Cell Cathode jobs in the Palo Alto, CA area that may be a better fit.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect The active materials research team is seeking an experienced Materials Engineer to develop, test, and validate next-generation battery mater... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect Battery cells are the common denominator for every Tesla product. Our product requirements demand ground-up cell architectures with state-of... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!