Materials Engineer, Graphite Anode

About the role

Materials Engineer, Graphite Anode | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 286337 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Cell Technology team and lead graphite anode development. You will work across material, electrode, and cell levels to evaluate particle structure and morphology, design formulations, and integrate these materials into high-energy batteries. You will also explore silicon and other new anode materials as part of the same R&D effort. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect electrochemical performance to material structure and processing, and to deliver manufacturable solutions for energy density, fast-charging, and supply chain resilience.

As part of Tesla’s mission to build a world of amazing abundance, you will have the opportunity to solve some of the most challenging problems in battery technology. We are looking for an engineer with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, and physical property analysis, who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and can take work from concept to scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead graphite anode development from materials design to manufacturable electrode architectures
• Evaluate graphite at the material, electrode, and cell levels, linking particle structure, shape, and processing to performance
• Design and execute studies to optimize particle morphology, surface treatments, electrode formulations, binders, and conductive networks
• Build prototype cells to validate electrochemical performance, fast-charge, swell, and lifetime
• Perform physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD) and electrochemical analysis to identify degradation mechanisms and drive design improvements
• Collaborate with Modeling, Electrolyte, and Pilot teams to accelerate technology readiness
• Translate lab-scale innovations into scalable manufacturing practices at pilot and production
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders
• Own cell testing and lab workflows, including test plans, execution, and data quality

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with equivalent practical experience
• Hands-on experience developing graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, preferably in an R&D or pilot-scale environment. Silicon or other anode chemistries is a plus
• Strong understanding of anode material design, including particle morphology, surface treatments, binders, and electrode formulation
• Experience in integrating materials into electrodes to evaluate swell, fast charge, and cycle life
• Experience in electrochemical testing and data analysis, combined with physical property characterization (e.g., SEM, BET, XRD, PSD)
• Ability to identify failure modes, conduct root-cause analysis, and translate findings into design and process improvements
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional projects independently

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$91,600 - $195,600/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.