Cell Failure Analysis Engineer

Battery cells are central to Tesla's mission,
and the 4680 cell is redefining what is possible in cell technology and
manufacturing at a scale the industry has not seen before. In this role, you
will work across engineering, manufacturing, supplier groups, and many other
teams, so a team-first mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving
environment are essential.

We are looking for a
failure analysis and materials expert to join the Cell FA Engineering team in
Austin, TX. In this role, you will lead internal failure analysis efforts, perform
regular cell teardown analyses, and coordinate special investigations using
your knowledge of failure analysis methods, techniques, and tools. This is a
hands-on role that requires significant time on the factory floor and in the
lab, as well as developing the skills of the local team. Good communication
skills are a must, as you will regularly share and discuss technical findings
with a wide range of teams across the organization.

• Lead battery failure analysis on degraded and defective cells
  using various characterization
  tools, including SEM,
  EDS, FTIR, etc.
• Conduct full-cell destructive physical analysis (DPA), including
  basic sample preparation and electrode extraction
• Learn and execute standardized test
  procedures for key cell failure modes, including internal shorts, capacity
  fade, swelling, and thermal runaway
• Continuously improve sample preparation
  quality, laboratory workflows, and characterization efficiency through
  proactive identification of process gaps
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to
  drive corrective actions and improve cell reliability, analytical process robustness, and manufacturing yield
• Document and communicate findings through
  clear, actionable reports, including root cause analysis, failure mechanisms,
  and mitigation recommendations
  

• Degree in Materials
  Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of
  experience in failure analysis, with exposure to cells, battery modules and
  packs, power electronics, materials, or manufacturing systems
• Hands-on experience
  with optical microscopes and various analytical characterization tools (SEM,
  EDS, FTIR, etc.)
• Proficiency with data
  analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or Excel)
• Strong
  problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills with demonstrated
  ability to convey findings effectively across teams and levels
• Detail-oriented with
  the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced team environment
• Understanding of
  lithium-ion battery chemistry and failure mechanisms preferred
  

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