Reliability Characterization Engineer, Energy & Charging

As a Reliability Characterization Engineer, you will be an integral part of enhancing the reliability of our innovative Industrial Energy, Residential Energy, Charging, and Solar products by investigating underlying mechanisms of reliability test failures during the design and development phases. You will utilize a plethora of sophisticated chemical/thermal (e.g. FTIR, LIBS, EDS, DSC), dimensional (e.g. CMM, FaroArm, optical profilometry), and imaging (e.g. OM, 2D x-ray, CT, SEM) characterization tools to provide an in-depth understanding of component defects and degradation. Your findings will be crucial in identifying and rectifying design and material weaknesses, providing essential insights that drive the optimization of designs and fortify the robustness and dependability of Tesla's cutting-edge energy and charging solutions.

Responsibilities

• Apply various inspection techniques to evaluate the state of health of Tesla's Energy and Charging components and identify signs of degradation for diagnostics and prognostics of new Tesla designs during the development phase
• Apply mechanical, materials, and chemistry fundamentals to analyze components from a wide variety of systems that compose Tesla's Energy and Charging products including battery, thermal, enclosure, and electronics
• Determine most effective tools and methods to use when addressing constantly evolving problems, considering tool limitations and resource availability, and lead innovation in inspection methodologies and deepen the understanding of failure modes to optimize the remaining useful life for Tesla Energy & Charging products
• Provide insights into hardware root causes of detected accelerated life test failures and recommend potential mitigations to address these issues for early Tesla design spins
• Collaborate with colleagues across teams to drive effective communications with leadership to present results and propose solutions
• Maintain a safe and efficient laboratory space by following safety and 5S best practices
• Actively train colleagues on lab equipment usage and inspection methodologies, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled team

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Experience using failure analysis techniques such as Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) measurements, cross-sectioning, Scanning Electrode Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and/or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Relevant experience of hardware failure characterization for reliability a plus
• Proven attention to detail and critical thinking to implement accurate procedures while adapting for a variety of components and novel investigations
• Ability and desire to learn new techniques/methodologies, propensity to seek out underlying how/why, and inclination to innovate
• Working knowledge of mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) tools a plus
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team

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


Expected Compensation

$84,000 - $276,000/annual salary, depending on level + cash and stock awards + benefits

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.