Production Engineer, Lithium

Production Engineer, Lithium – Tesla

Tesla’s Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Production Engineer to support the commissioning, startup, and long-term operation of our first‑of‑its‑kind facility. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Operations and Process Design teams to bring the plant online safely and efficiently, then transition into a run‑plant engineering position focused on driving stable, high‑quality, and cost‑effective production.

This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in scaling a novel chemical manufacturing process that supports Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

• Support Commissioning and Startup activities to deliver a safe, cost‑effective, schedule‑aligned ramp to stable refinery operations.
• Ensure all Management of Change (MOC) requirements are followed throughout commissioning and startup.
• Participate in pre‑startup safety reviews and hazard studies.
• Apply First‑Principles Thinking to diagnose issues and develop technical solutions.
• Analyze, improve, and optimize operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Provide technical support to Production teams to resolve issues and improve workflow.
• Identify and eliminate production bottlenecks, defects, and quality deviations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and minimize waste.
• Partner with Production Planning to meet schedules and achieve daily/weekly production targets.
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with industry standards, specifications, and safety requirements.

• Evidence of exceptional ability, with strong engineering fundamentals and demonstrated problem‑solving capability.
• 3+ years in a chemical manufacturing environment. Experience working with slurries, milling, and solids handling strongly preferred; exposure to hydrometallurgical systems is a plus.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate cross‑functionally, including interfacing with project, engineering, quality, and maintenance/reliability functions.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and advanced process controls.
• Proficiency with operational data trending tools (e.g., PI Vision, Aspen, Seeq).
• Proven ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment; willingness to work extended hours when needed.
• Strong aptitude for rapidly learning and applying new technologies.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions.

• Competitive pay.
• 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 with $0 paycheck contribution options.
• Company‑paid HSA contribution when enrolled in the High‑Deductible Aetna 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 (flexible time for salary positions), and paid holidays.
• Back‑up childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary benefits – 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.