Refinery Operations Leader, Battery Minerals & Metals

What To Expect

Tesla is building the world’s most advanced and sustainable battery materials supply chain. As Refining Operations Leader, you will own end-to-end operations for our state-of-the-art refinery.

• Oversee all shifts and functions of the refining facility, including kiln operations, leaching, purification, crystallization, drying, and product finishing, while meeting aggressive production forecasts and quality specifications.
• Greenfield refinery experience is preferred.
• Execute the ramp from initial production to full nameplate capacity while continuously improving yield, uptime, and cost per ton.
• Champion world‑class safety performance (zero incidents goal) and environmental stewardship.
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, permitting, and Tesla standards in a high‑temperature, chemical‑process environment.
• Work closely with Process Engineering, R&D, and Equipment teams to optimize Tesla’s innovative alkaline leach and purification processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and reduce energy and reagent consumption.
• Build, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of operators, shift supervisors, engineers, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of ownership, rapid problem‑solving, and continuous improvement (Tesla Production System).
• Partner with Mining, Logistics, Quality, Manufacturing, Cell Production, and external suppliers to ensure seamless raw material intake and on‑spec product delivery to downstream battery factories.
• Own key performance indicators including OEE, throughput, yield, cost, safety, and sustainability metrics.
• Provide clear leadership updates to senior management.
• Lead initiatives to minimize waste, repurpose byproducts (e.g., converting residues into construction materials), and further reduce the carbon intensity of refining.

• 8+ years of progressive leadership in chemical refining, mineral processing, petrochemicals, metals production, or similar high‑volume continuous operations.
• Direct experience with highly hazardous chemicals, i.e. pyrophorics, is a plus.
• Track record of leading large teams (100+ people) through complex ramps, turnarounds, or greenfield startups in 24/7 industrial environments.
• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Mission‑driven, hands‑on, data‑obsessed, and comfortable with high ambiguity and rapid pace.
• Willing to roll up sleeves on the plant floor while thinking strategically about multi‑year scale‑up.
• Willingness to work extended hours during ramp phases and travel as needed. Relocation support available for the right candidate.

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