Sr. Materials Engineer, NMC Cathode Development

What to Expect

The active materials research team is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Engineer to synthesize, characterize, and optimize next-generation high-nickel NMC cathode materials. In this role, you will own the full cathode development pipeline - from precursor co-precipitation and calcination through elemental doping, surface modification and electrochemical validation - to deliver materials with significantly higher energy density, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to today's commercial solutions. You will bridge cutting-edge academic research with real-world industrial implementation, working closely with cell design engineers, manufacturing teams, and supply chain partners to transition lab-scale cathode innovations into large-format production cells.

What You'll Do

• Synthesize high-nickel NMC cathode materials via co-precipitation of transition metal hydroxide precursors, followed by lithiation, calcination, and sintering optimization. Systematically tune synthesis parameters to control precursor morphology, particle size distribution, and tap density
• Develop and implement doping and surface coating to improve structural stability, suppress phase transitions, minimize cation mixing, and enhance cycle life and thermal safety at high states of charge
• Conduct in-depth structural and electrochemical characterization of synthesized materials using XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP, BET, EIS, GITT, and dQ/dV analysis to establish clear structure-processing-performance relationships
• Diagnose and resolve degradation mechanisms specific to high-Ni cathodes through systematic root-cause analysis
• Fabricate and test battery cells to validate cathode performance and provide feedback to the synthesis loop. Collaborate with cell design engineers on electrode formulation and full-cell integration
• Lead feasibility studies and develop early phase synthesis protocols on emerging cathode chemistries: single-crystal NMC, core-shell/concentration-gradient architectures and assess their potential for Tesla's next-generation cells
• Maintain detailed experimental records, present structure-property findings and synthesis recommendations to leadership
• Collaborate with validation engineers, electrochemists, modeling experts, and supply chain specialists to scale up synthesis processes from lab to pilot and qualify materials for manufacturability

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a dissertation or significant research body focused on synthesis and characterization of layered transition metal oxide cathode materials (LiNiMnCoO family) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in hydroxide co-precipitation - including nucleation/growth control, and precursor optimization - with a track record of published or industry work on high-Ni compositions (Ni 80%)
• Direct experience with doping, surface coating, or gradient-composition cathode design to address the stability and safety challenges inherent to high-nickel systems
• Strong command of crystallographic and microstructural analysis as applied to understanding cation ordering, lattice parameter evolution, and degradation pathways in NMC
• Proficiency with standard electrochemical testing and the ability to correlate electrochemical signatures back to materials-level root causes
• Practical familiarity with electrode fabrication and coin-cell/pouch-cell assembly sufficient to validate your own synthesized materials
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with strong problem-solving ability and sound judgment when working with incomplete information
• Experience with single-crystal NMC synthesis and understanding of the trade-offs vs. polycrystalline morphologies
• Working knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and unit operations relevant to scaling cathode synthesis from lab bench to continuous production
• Experience working with cathode material suppliers or in a pilot/manufacturing environment for active materials

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)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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 $91,600 - $195,600/annual salary + 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.