Organic Chemist, Electrolyte

Tesla is committed to hiring and developing diverse talent in all disciplines. This position will collaborate with multiple teams across Tesla to develop, optimize, and characterize electrolyte formulation for various up-and-coming materials to improve cell performance. Our team is looking for a highly motivated candidate to contribute to our electrolyte development. The candidate will be responsible for design, synthesis, and purification of various electrolyte material components to address various issues facing lithium-ion and other energy storage device development. Tesla is searching for a team focused candidate with strong applied organic chemistry background and strong communication skills who wants to be challenged, wants to create and innovate, will thrive in a fast-paced environment and is self-motivated and disciplined.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to our efforts to improve lithium-ion battery performance
• Be a key member of a cross functional team to help determine the ideal electrolyte chemistry and cell designs of our future products
• Support the development of new electrolyte solvents, salts, and additives to support active research goals in cell development
• Troubleshoot and optimize synthetic pathways to access target compounds
• Work with air-sensitive materials using a Schlenk line, glovebox, or dry room
• Ensure purity and stability of materials using spectroscopy, chromatographic, and titration techniques
• Support interpreting and quantifying degradation modes of various electrolyte materials in different battery chemistries and formulations

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Proficient with synthetic design, organic chemistry, and purification techniques such as column chromatography, distillation, crystallization, or equivalent
• Experienced with spectroscopy of organic & inorganic molecules such as GC-MS, NMR, HPLC-MS, ICP, IC or equivalent
• Familiar with lithium-ion electrolyte formulations and physical measurements of solutions such as viscosity, density, and conductivity
• Familiar with electrochemical techniques and lithium-ion battery chemistries and their failure mechanisms
• Ability to learn new concepts and methods from literature, propose design of experiments, and execute independently

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

$75,600 - $145,800/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.