Associate Manager, Hutto Battery Recycling Operations

Description:
The path from end-of-life scrap to active battery materials is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Tesla’s Battery Recycling team is seeking a talented, innovative Operations Manager. The right candidate will lead shift-based operations, drive production metrics, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and partner closely with cross-functional groups to advance Tesla’s battery recycling ecosystem at both commercial and pilot plant scale. This candidate will also take responsibility for some facility-level operations.
We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on leader to manage day-to-day shift operations across pilot plants and commercial units used for battery recycling. The position demands a strong operations mindset, technical understanding of mechanical equipment and process equipment.  The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration. You will supervise shift teams to hit aggressive targets for throughput, cost, quality, and sustainability, supporting Tesla’s vertical integration and battery lifecycle goals.

Responsibilities:
Lead, develop, and motivate operators to safely and efficiently execute battery recycling processes at pilot and commercial scale. Processes include mechanical separation, conditioning, packaging, thermal treatment, slurry mixing, and filtration
Oversee 24/7 shift operations: monitor production, manage downtime, document performance, drive equipment reliability initiatives, allocate resources, maintain critical spares/consumable inventories, handle escalations, and meet output/KPI targets
Communicate key deliverables, goals, and performance regularly with broader team and leadership ranging from site to executive level
Drive excellence by creating and improving SOPs, work plans, training programs, and process controls
Steward the financial performance of the production line, managing P&L updates and communication with finance counterparts
Champion EHS compliance: ensure training completion, identify/correct hazards, document incidents, and build a proactive safety culture in high-risk areas with heavy equipment, chemicals, and waste
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and logistics to troubleshoot, implement improvements, provide design feedback, and scale operations
Analyze data, lead root-cause investigations, and execute projects to boost throughput, uptime, yield, cost efficiency, workforce productivity, and material flow
Coach and mentor team members, enforce policies, plan resources, and resolve complex challenges in real time

Requirements:
Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, process technology, or equivalent experience with demonstrated extraordinary ability
4+ years leadership/supervisory experience in high-volume manufacturing, recycling, chemical processing, or related manufacturing industry (battery, semiconductor, petrochemicals)
Proven success leading shift teams in industrial, safety-critical, fast-paced environments
Strong knowledge of lean principles, process improvement, manpower planning, time/motion standards, and KPIs
Experience with Excel, SQL for data analysis and reporting; AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD proficiency preferred
Familiarity with material handling, heavy equipment, chemical/recycling systems; hazardous materials and PPE (including respirators) experience a plus
Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills for dynamic stakeholder coordination
Ability to work extended shifts, outdoor conditions (0–110°F), climb structures, lift 50 lbs., and wear full-faced respirators for long periods
Passion for sustainability, Tesla’s mission, and building high-performance teams to advance battery recycling and the circular economy