Engineering Technician, Battery Metals & Materials

Description:
Scaling the production of battery materials, their precursors and closing the loop with recycling encompass some of the greatest engineering challenges of our time. Tesla’s Battery Metals and Materials group is looking for a highly motivated technician to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
You will contribute to day-to-day analytical lab operations in a growing and dynamic team. You will support advanced materials development, new process technology, and production lines. You will support battery recycling operations for all of North America and Tesla’s new lithium refinery. The role is highly dynamic, and you will have the opportunity to use a range of advanced analytical tools including ICP, XRF, AAS, BET, PSA, CS Analysis, XRD, titration etc.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of agility in addressing quality issues and partnering with manufacturing teams to ensure product quality control, while inspiring peak performance from the team.

Responsibilities:
Comply with company regulations and policies while promoting a strong safety culture in the lab
Collaborate with EHS on compliance, waste management, MOC, and chemical hygiene activities
Manage workflow and track analysis status for incoming samples to ensure quick turnaround
Perform sample analysis, battery materials characterization, and troubleshoot lab equipment such as ICP, BET, PSA, SEM, XRD, and XRF for smooth operations
Develop test schedules and assign daily or shift tasks to the lab team
Provide training to qualify new lab technicians and optimize test methods for improved efficiency
Coordinate with production and stakeholders to enhance analytical support and maintain clean lab spaces using 5S principles

Requirements:
Quantifiable lab analytical experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience
At least two (2) years of hands-on research (university or commercial) experience in disciplines related to metallurgy or inorganic chemistry or materials science or chemical engineering
Tangible experience with materials development and common analytical techniques. Some examples might include: (i.e., ICP, AAS, PSA, BET, SEM, XRD, ICP, FTIR, UV-VIS, NMR, TEM etc.)
Must have a strong sense of safety and be able to work either independently or with others
Detail oriented with strong record-keeping and organizational skills

Essential Physical Demands:
Stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a fast-paced, noisy environment
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in varying temperatures and environments
Ability to climb, bend, stoop, and kneel as needed