Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Anode

Tesla is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to join our Cell Materials Engineering team and lead the development of silicon anodes. In this role, you will work across material, electrode, and cell levels to evaluate novel silicon morphologies, design next-generation formulations, and integrate these materials into high-energy EV batteries. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to characterize electrochemical performance, understand degradation mechanisms, and deliver manufacturable solutions that enable breakthrough energy density, fast-charging, and supply chain resilience.

As part of Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy, you will have the opportunity to solve some of the most challenging problems in battery technology. We are looking for a highly motivated engineer with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, and physical property analysis, who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and can drive innovations from concept to scale.

• Lead the development of silicon anodes for next-generation EV batteries, driving innovation from materials design to manufacturable electrode architectures
• Evaluate silicon materials at the material, electrode, and cell levels, establishing relationships between structure, properties, and performance
• Design and execute systematic DOEs to optimize dry electrode formulations, secondary particle morphologies, binder systems, and conductive networks
• Build and test prototype cells (500+ mAh pouch cells) to validate electrochemical performance, fast-charging capability, swelling behavior, and lifetime retention
• Perform advanced physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD, XPS) and electrochemical analysis (e.g., EIS, GITT, dQ/dV) to identify degradation mechanisms and drive design improvements
• Collaborate closely with Modeling, Electrolyte, and Manufacturing teams to accelerate technology readiness and integrate solutions into Tesla's dry battery electrode (DBE) platform
• Translate lab-scale innovations into scalable manufacturing practices, ensuring robustness and reproducibility at pilot and production levels
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders to drive program alignment and decision-making
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab environment, upholding Tesla's highest EHS standards

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of hands-on experience developing silicon, silicon-carbon, or advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, preferably in an R&D or pilot-scale environment
• Strong understanding of anode material design, including particle morphology, surface treatments, conductive additives, binders, and electrode formulation strategies
• Proven experience integrating materials into electrodes and evaluating performance at material, electrode, and cell levels - including swelling, fast charge, and cycle life behavior
• Expertise in electrochemical testing and data analysis (e.g., GITT, EIS, dQ/dV) combined with physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD, XPS)
• Ability to identify failure modes, conduct root-cause analysis, and translate findings into design and process improvements
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage complex cross-functional projects independently

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• 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 have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.