Process Optimization Engineer, Lithium

About the role

• Process Optimization Engineer, Lithium | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: Robstown, Texas | Req ID: 272151 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla’s Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Process Optimization Engineer to support the ramp and long-term operation of our first-of-its-kind facility. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Operations and Technical teams to develop and implement opportunities to improve plant throughput, yield, reliability, and operational stability safely and efficiently. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in scaling a novel chemical manufacturing process that supports Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

What You'll Do

• Lead process optimization efforts across areas of Line 1
• Conduct data-driven performance assessments using real-time process data, historical operating records, and advanced analytics to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and degradation trends
• Perform mass and energy balances to assist in performance evaluation and option evaluation
• Analyze operational deviations and root causes using field data, maintenance logs, and process history to develop actionable improvement plans
• Assess and recommend improvements to existing systems with minimal disruption to ongoing operations—prioritizing low-cost, high-impact changes
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and reliability teams to; Develop and implement KPIs and improve performance dashboards, Define operating envelopes and best-practice operating guidelines, Assist in creating troubleshooting protocols, Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Support commissioning and ramp-up activities for process improvements, ensuring smooth transition from analysis to implementation

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Process Engineering, or equivalent professional experience
• 2-5 years of industry experience in refinery operations, process engineering, or production engineering, with proven success in optimizing existing processes
• Demonstrated experience with unit operations in slurry systems and solids handling is an asset
• Background or experience in equipment design or system integration is a strong asset
• Proven ability to analyze complex operational data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable, executable recommendations
• Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Python, MATLAB) and process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, UniSim, SysCAD or similar)
• Familiarity with PI Vision or similar
• Strong fundamental understanding and use of engineering principles (e.g., mass & energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics) to diagnosis, investigate, and solve problems

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)