Cell Technology & Innovation Strategy Lead

Description:
Tesla is seeking a visionary leader to build and scale a
world-class Technology & Innovation Strategy function. This role is
critical to identifying, evaluating, and integrating cutting-edge technologies
that will drive Tesla’s next-generation products and sustain its leadership in
sustainable energy and mobility. The ideal candidate will have a proven track
record of building teams, defining processes, and translating emerging
technologies into strategic opportunities.

Responsibilities:
Create a scalable framework for tech scouting, including
processes for identifying, prioritizing, and validating emerging technologies.
This involves portfolio management of innovation opportunities, where
technologies are evaluated for technical feasibility, market potential, and
alignment with Tesla’s long-term goals
Hire and lead a high-performing team of material and cell
technology analysts, engineers, and strategists to execute the tech scouting
mission
Forge relationships with startups, academic institutions,
and industry leaders to uncover disruptive innovations
Develop metrics and methodologies to assess the technical
feasibility, market potential, and strategic fit of new technologies. This
includes resource allocation decisions, such as directing internal teams to
validate and benchmark high-potential ideas
Work closely with R&D, product, and business teams to
align scouting efforts with Tesla’s long-term goals
Maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities, from
early-stage concepts to mature technologies ready for integration. This
includes strategic prioritization of investments (in time, talent, and
resources) to maximize impact

Requirements:
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering,
Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or equivalent experience
8+ years of experience in tech scouting, innovation
management, or a related field, with a track record of building and scaling
teams
Strong technical judgment in navigating trade-offs across
performance, stability, manufacturability, and scalability
Demonstrated ability to connect emerging technologies to
business strategy and competitive advantage
Strong knowledge of how material and electrode-level
properties influence overall cell-level electrochemical performance
Strong understanding of the battery/cell technology
landscape, with a focus on EV and energy products
Extensive contacts in startups, academia, and industry to
identify high-impact opportunities
Ability to turn vision into action—from defining processes
to delivering measurable results
Passion for Tesla’s mission, with a bias for action,
curiosity, and a collaborative mindset
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, project
management skills, and a strong analytical mindset

Compensation & Benefits:
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

Expected Compensation
$140,800 - $211,200/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.