Sr. Cell Engineer, In House Cell Development

What To Expect

Tesla’s Cell Engineering team is looking for a highly motivated, experienced engineer to lead the cross-functional design and launch of battery cells manufactured in-house by Tesla. This role serves as overall cell development program lead, driving efforts across the company’s different organizations to progress a cell from conceptual design & prototyping into mass production.

This role requires deep familiarity with Li+ cell design and validation, a passion for launching new technologies, and an unparalleled ability to pull people together to make things happen. It demands technical curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver results in an unstructured environment. You will collaborate across Cell Design, Cell Modeling, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production organizations. Success in this role requires the ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

• Drive key engineering decisions across teams to move new cells from concept to mass production
• Lead the cross‑functional working team through design, qualification, and ramp challenges to achieve a successful cell launch
• Collaborate with Tesla product teams to define cell electrochemical, mechanical, and safety performance requirements
• Own the program “operating system”:
  Level 1-3 schedules, risk register, open decisions/actions
• Synthesize test results and manufacturing challenges into program‑level impacts and report regularly to Tesla leadership
• Travel to lab, pilot and production sites to provide on‑site leadership during critical phases of the cell program lifecycle

• Degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of experience in cell development/engineering
• Deep familiarity with Li+ battery design and battery materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, adapt to changes quickly, and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and lead large teams
• Experience in a high‑throughput manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, batteries, specialty chemicals) is a plus
• Willingness to travel to Tesla or vendor sites up to 20% of the time

• Medical plans with plan options and $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 Account (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 and 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 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

$91,600 – $195,600 annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits. Pay offered may vary depending on location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.