What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a dedicated Cell Test Engineer with a passion for data to join our in-house cell testing team in Austin, TX. This role supports Tesla's cell development and product reliability efforts by testing and qualifying large-format 4680 cells for electrochemical performance and long-term durability. You will collaborate closely with Cell Design, Manufacturing, Quality and Reliability teams to deepen our understanding of cell behavior, drive design improvements, and enhance overall product performance. The role involves developing and executing cycle life test plans, managing high-throughput cell testing operations, monitoring cell health metrics such as capacity fade and impedance growth, and analyzing test data to identify performance trends. You will also evaluate quality risks and validate models that forecast cell field reliability to help guide technical decisions for 4680 and beyond.
What You'll Do
- Drive end-to-end planning, execution, and analysis of high-throughput cell testing operations to deliver high-quality electrochemical, cycle-life, and reliability data
- Monitor test data to detect abnormal performance trends and test deviations, initiating root-cause analysis when required
- Collaborate cross-functionally to interpret results, identify failure mechanisms, and drive design, process, and future program decisions
- Build and maintain analysis scripts using SQL, Python, and MATLAB to perform parameter sweeps, sensitivity analyses, and extract key performance metrics
- Develop and apply statistical and physics-based models to evaluate lithium-ion battery performance, degradation behavior, and lifetime prediction
- Analyze test data to refine reliability models, quantify program risks, and improve field performance forecasts
- Work with cross-functional teams to assess risks, analyze failure modes, and lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions
- Produce clear, data-driven visualizations and author technical presentations that summarize high-impact insights and recommendations for stakeholders
What You'll Bring
- Degree or Equivalent Experience in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Data Science or a related field
- Hands-on experience with lithium-ion cell testing, electrochemical characterization, or equivalent test engineering
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented engineer with strong ownership and the ability to execute independently
- Working knowledge of electrochemical test systems (e.g., Maccor, Arbin, Bitrode, or equivalent)
- Proficiency in coding and data analysis using MATLAB, Python, and/or similar tools, with the ability to manipulate large datasets, build statistical models, and analyze data from manufacturing databases
- Experience executing reliability and validation tests to characterize cell performance, detect cell-level failure modes, and model lifetime predictions using Python or similar tools
- Understanding of lithium-ion cell behavior, safety, handling practices, and failure mechanisms
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset for working with cross-functional teams
- Comfortable working in a high-intensity, fast-moving environment that demands technical rigor, adaptability, and strong attention to detail as priorities evolve quickly
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:
- 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
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