Materials Analysis Technician, Cell Manufacturing

What To Expect

This role focuses on materials characterization and samples preparation used to investigate cell defects and enable rapid root‑cause analysis. The Materials Analysis Technician plays an important role in supporting problem‑solving efforts and improving the quality and reliability of Tesla’s battery cells. The technician will work closely with failure‑analysis engineers to generate high‑quality analytical data supporting critical investigations. The work performed in this role directly supports failure investigations that influence manufacturing decisions, product reliability, and the overall quality of Tesla’s 4680 battery cells.

This role requires strong attention to detail, hands‑on laboratory expertise, and a proactive mindset to identify issues, improve workflows, and support fast‑paced engineering efforts. Successful candidates are collaborative, curious, and communicative team members who take ownership of their work and contribute to continuous improvement of the failure‑analysis laboratory.

• Prepare metallographic samples, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching of battery components, and perform specialized sample preparation techniques such as vacuum impregnation and precision cutting.
• Operate and utilize analytical techniques including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and FTIR.
• Support battery cell autopsy activities, including cell teardown, electrode extraction, and preparation of components for analytical characterization.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and cross‑functional teams to support failure analysis and root‑cause investigations.
• Document findings, annotate images, and maintain organized data records to support engineering decision‑making and communicate observations clearly and elevate potential concerns or anomalies identified during analysis.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve sample‑preparation quality, lab workflows, and characterization efficiency.

• Experience in materials characterization, metallography, or failure‑analysis laboratory techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with metallographic sample preparation, including grinding, polishing, mounting, and etching.
• Experience operating optical microscopes and other analytical tools.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to consistently produce high‑quality, artifact‑free samples, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Command of the English language, both written and verbal.

• Need to be able to lift, push, and pull, 25 lbs.
• Can withstand prolonged sitting.

• Medical plans – plan options with $0 payroll deduction.
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both with $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&DD.
• 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, including 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.