Materials Engineer, Adhesives

The team is seeking an Adhesives Materials Engineer to use their fundamental and deep understanding of chemistry, physics, and polymer science to provide solutions to some of Tesla's toughest challenges. This position will be a subject matter expert on adhesives at Tesla. This role will manage multiple projects that require the application of 1st principles knowledge of materials to develop novel solutions needed to launch our products on time and with superior quality. Typical tasks involve material selection, authoring material standards, validating materials internally and with suppliers, managing Tesla Materials Documentation systems, root-cause-analysis, formulation of new polymers, researching new technologies to assess feasibility, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Assume the role as a subject matter expert for adhesives at Tesla
• Work cross functionally with design and manufacturing engineering teams to develop and validate materials that meet engineering and performance specifications
• Write material standards for materials new to Tesla and its manufacturing processes
• Support process launches and optimization for new materials and manufacturing processes
• Perform root-cause-analysis for difficult material issues
• Design robust test and validation plans for development of new materials, analyze the results, and communicate effectively and clearly to cross functional teams
• Lead 1 or 2 development projects in support of our long-term goals of innovating through the use of advanced or novel materials

Requirements

• Degree in Polymer or Materials Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Automotive industry experience
• Fundamental knowledge of polymers mechanics and polymer chemistry
• Strong understanding of thermoset polymer reaction chemistry
• Coding experience (Matlab, Python etc) to handle large material databases is a plus
• Hands-on experience with standard analytical tools (FTIR, DSC, Rheometry, DMA, universal testing machines etc.)
• Strong communication and organizational skills with ability to manage projects independently
• Strong technical writing skills and experience writing material standards desired
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to an ever-changing environment, and lead projects
• Ability to work on ambiguous design requirements

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:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

$84,000 - $210,000/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.