Associate Manager, Battery Cell Recycling

What to Expect

This role oversees daily operations and teams handling the safe, efficient, high-throughput processing of battery materials from Tesla factories and service locations to approved reclamation and recycling facilities. You will lead shift-based operations teams, drive production metrics, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and partner closely with logistics/container management peers, engineering, maintenance, EHS, and cross-functional groups to advance Tesla's closed-loop battery recycling ecosystem.

We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on leader to manage Battery Recycling Program operations. You will build and guide teams through pretreatment, mechanical processing, material flow, and related activities in a fast-paced industrial setting. The position demands a strong operations mindset, technical understanding of recycling processes, and deep commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Reporting to senior operations leadership, you will work alongside logistics-focused program managers while directly supervising shift teams to hit aggressive targets for throughput, cost, quality, and sustainability-supporting Tesla's vertical integration and battery lifecycle goals.

What You'll Do

* Lead, develop, and motivate operations teams (supervisors, technicians, operators) to safely and efficiently execute battery recycling processes, including pretreatment, mechanical disassembly, material handling, and downstream preparation

* Oversee daily shift operations: monitor production, manage downtime, allocate resources, handle escalations, and meet output/KPI targets

* Drive excellence by creating and improving SOPs, work instructions, training programs, and process controls

* Champion EHS compliance: ensure training completion, identify/correct hazards, document incidents, and build a proactive safety culture in high-risk areas with heavy equipment, chemicals, and waste

* Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, R&D, logistics, and 3PLs to troubleshoot, implement improvements, provide design feedback, and scale operations

* Analyze data, lead root-cause investigations, and execute projects to boost throughput, yield, cost efficiency, workforce productivity, and material flow

* Coach and mentor team members, enforce policies, plan resources, and resolve complex challenges in real time

What You'll Bring

* Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent with demonstrated extraordinary ability

* 4+ years leadership/supervisory experience in high-volume manufacturing, recycling, chemical processing, or heavy industry (battery, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, automotive preferred)

* Strong knowledge of lean principles, process improvement, manpower planning, time/motion standards, and KPIs

* Experience with Excel, SQL for data analysis and reporting;
AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD proficiency preferred

* Proven success leading shift teams in industrial, safety-critical, fast-paced environments

* Must have command of the English language, both written and virtual

Essential Physical Demands:

* Ability to work extended shifts, outdoor conditions (0-110°F), climb structures, lift 50 lbs., and wear full-faced respirators for long periods

* Familiarity with material handling, heavy equipment, chemical/recycling systems; hazardous materials and PPE (including respirators) experience a plus

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:

* 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)

*…