Tesla Motors, Inc.
Staff Engineering Program Manager, Battery Cell
Tesla Motors, Inc., Fremont, California, us, 94537
What to Expect
Cutting edge battery technology is at the heart of Tesla's business, and the Tesla in-house cell team is looking for a highly motivated technical program manager who will take cell programs from conceptual design through mass production.
This role requires deep familiarity with lithium-ion cell design, a passion for launching new technologies, and an unparalleled ability to pull people together to make things happen. Our cell technologies and in-house manufacturing processes push the limits of what is physically possible. This requires you to be technically curious, detail oriented, and comfortable delivering results in an unstructured environment. You will be at the center of our technology teams, driving collaboration between Cell Design, Cell Modeling, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production. You will work to understand the opportunities, challenges, and dependencies of each project and translate scattered information into a clear execution plan that each member of the team can understand. You will aim to reduce ambiguity in Tesla's plans while delivering on our commitments to Tesla's pack and vehicle teams.
Tesla is a demanding and fast-paced environment, so being self-motivated and comfortable with ambiguity is critical. Managing the technical scope, schedules, and staffing of projects at Tesla requires an individual who is passionate about our mission, has a bias for action, and is focused on collaborative, technically robust solutions.
What You'll Do
Lead a cross-functional team to ensure successful launches of new battery cells
Collaborate across sites to solve complex cell design, qualification, and ramp problems
Create, maintain, and communicate cell program schedules through all program phases: development, design lock, qualification, process development, ramp, and launch
Coordinate milestones with technology development, product design, manufacturing engineering, facilities, and production teams
Facilitate design & troubleshooting conversations within the technical working team
Identify program risks or gaps with no clear ownership and ensure they are appropriately addressed and closed
Track program risks and report effectively on status, blockers, and changes
Travel to lab, pilot and production sites to provide on-site leadership during critical phases of the cell program lifecycle
Develop and maintain effective communication channels to all stakeholders, including key executives
Identify team priorities and motivate the project team to complete critical tasks within time and resource constraints
What You'll Bring
Degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
6+ years of experience in a mix of engineering and project management fields
Deep familiarity with lithium-ion battery design, battery materials, and cell development
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Works well under pressure, adapt to changes quickly, and manage conflicting priorities
Ability to work cross-functionally and lead large teams
Able and willing to travel to Tesla or vendor sites up to 20% of the time
Experience in a high-throughput manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, batteries, specialty chemicals) is preferred
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 $100,000 - $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.
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This role requires deep familiarity with lithium-ion cell design, a passion for launching new technologies, and an unparalleled ability to pull people together to make things happen. Our cell technologies and in-house manufacturing processes push the limits of what is physically possible. This requires you to be technically curious, detail oriented, and comfortable delivering results in an unstructured environment. You will be at the center of our technology teams, driving collaboration between Cell Design, Cell Modeling, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production. You will work to understand the opportunities, challenges, and dependencies of each project and translate scattered information into a clear execution plan that each member of the team can understand. You will aim to reduce ambiguity in Tesla's plans while delivering on our commitments to Tesla's pack and vehicle teams.
Tesla is a demanding and fast-paced environment, so being self-motivated and comfortable with ambiguity is critical. Managing the technical scope, schedules, and staffing of projects at Tesla requires an individual who is passionate about our mission, has a bias for action, and is focused on collaborative, technically robust solutions.
What You'll Do
Lead a cross-functional team to ensure successful launches of new battery cells
Collaborate across sites to solve complex cell design, qualification, and ramp problems
Create, maintain, and communicate cell program schedules through all program phases: development, design lock, qualification, process development, ramp, and launch
Coordinate milestones with technology development, product design, manufacturing engineering, facilities, and production teams
Facilitate design & troubleshooting conversations within the technical working team
Identify program risks or gaps with no clear ownership and ensure they are appropriately addressed and closed
Track program risks and report effectively on status, blockers, and changes
Travel to lab, pilot and production sites to provide on-site leadership during critical phases of the cell program lifecycle
Develop and maintain effective communication channels to all stakeholders, including key executives
Identify team priorities and motivate the project team to complete critical tasks within time and resource constraints
What You'll Bring
Degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
6+ years of experience in a mix of engineering and project management fields
Deep familiarity with lithium-ion battery design, battery materials, and cell development
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Works well under pressure, adapt to changes quickly, and manage conflicting priorities
Ability to work cross-functionally and lead large teams
Able and willing to travel to Tesla or vendor sites up to 20% of the time
Experience in a high-throughput manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, batteries, specialty chemicals) is preferred
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 $100,000 - $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.
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