Materials Engineer, Lithium Refinery

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Materials Engineer to work on a critical challenge facing the world's energy transition - Battery materials at the Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. Responsibilities will include supporting the new facilities to produce key intermediates in the battery materials value chain. As the Sr Materials Engineer, you will initiate, design, and conduct the lab and pilot plant scale testing programs in the materials and process technology lab in support of the lithium refinery operation. In addition, you will be responsible for identifying, designing, developing, and implementing process improvements, as well as supporting strategic site initiatives.

Your initial focus will be on developing and driving the implementation of the commissioning and startup plan for the kiln and calcination process.


Responsibilities

• Identify, design, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of the Lithium Refinery and in particular the calcination process
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and implement optimization opportunities throughout the refining process and calciners
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts by providing technical expertise and insights related to process design and Materials engineering
• Work closely with the metallurgy lab and ensure the testing is performed following established procedures through training and technical assistance
• Ensure all team members adhere to safety rules and good laboratory practices
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align process technology initiatives with the overall site goals and objectives
• Work closely with battery materials R&D team for the introduction of novel materials and new process methods at commercial scale
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members to maximize their potential and enhance their professional growth
• Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in materials science, ceramic, chemical, or related fields
• 5+ years practical working experience in materials, ceramic materials, thermal processing, kilns, calciners, furnaces
• Experience with Thermal Analysis Techniques (DSC, TGA), XRD and XRF
• Design and implement experiments including sintering processes, and calcination methods
• Working knowledge of chemicals, oxidation, calcination, roasting, pyrometallurgical plant operations and related equipment
• Proven track record in heat treating processes, failure analysis, process technology, and process improvement
• Participation in engineering projects from concept development to commissioning and ramp-up
• Taking the lead role in solving calciner performance issues, process upsets, RCAs
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

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)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 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