Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, Cathode

About the role

• Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, Cathode | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 259852 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla’s is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Lead to work on a critical challenge facing the world’s energy transition – Battery Cathode Materials. In this role, you will lead a team of design engineers responsible for delivering equipment and facility modifications and expansions that enable high-volume, high-quality cathode production.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers executing projects in a cathode manufacturing environment
• Provide technical ownership and review of mechanical designs for quality, feasibility, constructability, safety, and adherence to best practices
• Work projects through concept development, detailed design, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment
• Partner closely with maintenance, operations, controls, EHS, and quality teams to ensure projects meet production, reliability, and safety requirements
• Participate in mechanical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement efforts during installation and commissioning
• Define, own, and continuously improve mechanical design standards and specifications
• Develop and enforce strong work processes
• Actively develop engineers through coaching or mentorship

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or equivalent experienced
• 7+ years of mechanical experience in commercial scale manufacturing environment
• Strong mechanical fundamentals with demonstrated ability to apply engineering judgement to real-world equipment and manufacturing problems
• Experience designing, procuring, installing, and commissioning capital equipment or facility modifications in an active manufacturing environment
• Experience performing engineering analysis related to equipment design, reliability, and fitness-for-service
• Hands-on experience supporting operating equipment, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, repair scopes, and design improvements
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools
• Working knowledge of fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly processes
• Familiarity with applicable engineering codes and standards (ASME, API, PIP)
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with ability to lead technical discussions across engineering teams