Cathode Development Lead, Cathode Advanced Manufacturing

Tesla Motors, Inc.
96,000 - 216,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Fremont
Jul 29, 2025
What to Expect Tesla's Cathode Advanced Manufacturing team is developing and scaling the production of novel cathode materials to enable next-generation battery electric vehicles. This effort includes research & development and scale-up of high-energy, low-cost cathode materials and the implementation of unique processes that shorten the path from mine to cell. As the Cathode Development Lead, you will manage a team of cathode engineers and an analytical lab that will optimize material recipes and synthesis steps at lab scale-ensuring Tesla remains at the cutting edge of innovation in cathode active material (CAM). You will evaluate new materials, develop novel production and characterization methods, and play a critical role in pushing forward Tesla's material science capabilities. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Tesla's cross-functional teams in cathode manufacturing, material characterization, and cell testing to coordinate efforts that enhance supply chain robustness, process control, and product quality. What You'll Do Develop andmaintainacutting-edgematerial development roadmap for precursor (pCAM) and cathode active material (CAM) within the Cathode Advanced Manufacturing organization Design and synthesize new cathode material recipes aligned with Tesla's vehicle and battery cell roadmaps Optimize existing material compositions and processing methods to broaden process parameter tolerances, improve material performance, and reduce production costs Lead a high-performing team of scientists and engineers through hands-on development and rigorous analytical validation Collaborate with analytical, cell engineering, and manufacturing teams to Establish robust workflows for process monitoring, material qualification, and root cause analysis Translate lab-scale innovation into scalable production practices through statistical process control and data-driven decision making What You'll Bring 5-10 years of hands-on experience developing and scaling new cathode materials at laboratory or pilot scale DeepProficiencyand application of statistical process control (SPC) Practical experience building and testing lithium-ion coin and pouch cells is strongly desired Broad understanding of cathode materials from raw materials through to finished product Familiarity with the complex chemical interplay between anode, cathode, and electrolyte systems is a plus Degree inMaterials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or equivalent practical experience Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 $96,000 - $216,000/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.