Staff Manufacturing Contamination Engineer, Cell Engineering

About the role

Staff Manufacturing Contamination Engineer, Cell Engineering | Tesla (Manufacturing)

Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 270229 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Lead the development and execution of an enterprise-wide technical cleanliness and contamination control program across advanced manufacturing operations. Define standards, drive risk reduction, and partner cross-functionally from supplier inputs through production to field performance. Act as the primary technical authority and program leader bridging Quality, Manufacturing, Facilities, Maintenance, Materials, and Design Engineering.

What You'll Do

• Lead enterprise-level contamination control strategy, risk assessment, and risk-reduction initiatives across all factories
• Establish cleanliness standards, KPIs, processes, and OCAPs from mixing through finished product performance
• Partner with Manufacturing, Facilities, Maintenance, and Quality teams to integrate contamination controls into equipment, tooling, and daily operations
• Drive root cause analysis, defect investigation, DOEs, and data-driven improvements for cleanliness-related issues
• Develop and mentor Cleanliness Operators, inspection teams, and cross-functional staff to build contamination control capability and culture
• Influence supplier requirements, design intent, and continuous improvement across successive product and facility iterations

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, quality, or technical research, with experience in lithium-ion battery cells strongly preferred
• Strong background in contamination control and technical cleanliness in high-reliability industries (lithium-ion cells, aerospace, medical devices, or semiconductors)
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives and deliver measurable results
• Deep knowledge of quality and manufacturing standards (ISO, ASTM, AIAG, etc.)
• Excellent communication and influence skills across shop floor, engineering, and executive levels
• Structured problem solver with strong data-driven decision-making skills
• Willingness to travel up to 20%

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)