Materials Engineer, Battery Engineering, Semi

Tesla is seeking a motivated and accomplished Polymer Materials Engineer to support our Battery Module design and development. You will be responsible for identifying, developing, evaluating, processing and qualifying materials needed for current and next generation battery architectures.
Materials applications under development include encapsulants, thermal and electrical insulation materials, and related adhesives to bond, assemble, and protect the battery cells. This role includes materials screening and evaluation, formulating, testing, testing protocol development, process development, and scale-up to manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Identify and conduct evaluation of materials candidates, primarily encapsulants and adhesives, working closely with mechanical and electrical design, safety, and manufacturing teams
• Carry out materials characterization and performance evaluation via analytical studies and collaborating with process/reliability teams
• Understand properties of polymeric materials and relevance to the application, including electrical properties and flame resistance properties
• Understand polymeric cure kinetics and ways to control cure rates
• Formulate custom compositions optimized for desired properties
• Support the design team with mechanical analysis of components and FEA
• Understand, develop, and optimize novel processing and production methods
• Perform stress testing and reliability testing on materials and components
• Write materials specifications, test procedures, SOPs
• Engage with and manage external partners and vendors for materials development and drive to successful implementation in production

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years R&D experience in materials formulation and/or characterization
• Experience and familiarity with base resins such as urethanes, epoxies, silicones, and others
• Evidence of exceptional ability and track record of execution of materials development
• Experience in polymer processing, specifically at manufacturing scale
• Exceptional organization, collaboration and communication skills (e.g. report writing)
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Detailed-oriented, able to work both independently and in a collaborative project-focused environment, prompt and dependable

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

$108,000 - $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.