Sr. Technical Sales Engineer, Photovoltaic Cells & Modules, Tesla Energy

Technical Sales Engineer

Our Technical Sales Engineers are deeply embedded in commercializing Tesla's advanced PV cell technology by partnering with module manufacturers and end customers to drive the adoption of our cutting-edge solar solutions. This role bridges our world-class PV cell engineering team with the global market, leading technical sales cycles for cell supply agreements and supporting downstream module sales to utility-scale developers and IPPs. You will translate complex cell-level innovations into compelling value propositions that accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Responsibilities

• Partnering with PV cell development and process engineers to build expertise in Tesla's cell technology roadmap, performance data, and reliability results, then translating market feedback into actionable engineering priorities
• Leading technical pre-sales processes with module manufacturers, including deep-dive presentations on cell technology advantages, process compatibility, cell to module performance, and reliability validation
• Managing full technical sales cycles for cell supply agreements, coordinating sample qualification, pilot runs, third-party testing, acceptance criteria, and long-term contracts
• Supporting commercial teams in securing module offtake with IPPs and developers by providing technical proposals, RFP responses, performance modeling, and energy yield analysis using PVSyst and similar tools
• Articulating differentiated value propositions to customers, including efficiency gains, LCOE improvements, bankability factors, and long-term performance advantages
• Monitoring PV technology trends, competitive dynamics, and market shifts to provide strategic insights to leadership on positioning and opportunities
• Representing Tesla at industry conferences and trade shows to build relationships and expand our professional network across the global solar industry
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, Legal, and Finance teams to align on customer requirements and drive business outcomes
• Traveling domestically/internationally 20-30% for customer visits, factory audits, project sites, and industry events

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in solar PV industry combining technical expertise in PV cell or module technology with commercial/sales responsibilities
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, related technical field, or equivalent in experience
• Demonstrated experience in PV cell technology, module design, or manufacturing processes including design, characterization, process integration, reliability, or applications engineering
• Proven track record in technical sales, business development, or pre-sales engineering selling to module manufacturers, developers, IPPs, or EPCs
• Knowledge of cell-to-module integration, PV system performance modeling, energy yield analysis, LCOE drivers, and industry certifications (IEC 61215/61730, UL standards)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to engage both technical and executive audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with high attention to detail
• Self-starter comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with high ownership mentality
• Direct experience in PV cell manufacturing or R&D environment
• Familiarity with advanced cell technologies including TOPCon, HJT, back-contact, IBC, or perovskite-silicon tandem

Compensation & Benefits

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 $117,680 - $276,000/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.