Reliability Engineer, Cell Design Engineering

Description:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Cell Reliability Engineer to drive the application of reliability principles across Tesla’s in-house battery cell development. This engineer will focus on identifying reliability limits, critical failure modes, and determining warranty reserves. The ideal candidate will use statistical models and real-world data to predict battery cell life cycles, evaluate potential risks of failure, and inform product development and warranty strategies. Your work will directly impact the reliability and longevity of Tesla’s battery systems, enabling safer, more efficient electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. By applying advanced reliability engineering techniques, you’ll help define the future of sustainable energy.

Responsibilities:
Critical Failure Identification and Lifetime Forecasting: Identify and assess critical failures in lithium-ion cells, including capacity loss, impedance growth, and short-circuiting. Collaborate with the larger Cell Reliability Engineering team and establish robust predictive models to forecast lifetime, incorporating accelerated life testing data, real-word usage and simulated stress conditions
Testing Protocols Improvement and Validation: Design and execute reliability tests that simulate real-world conditions to identify failure points and validate lifetime predictions. Further improve and establish protocols for accelerated testing that capture the most critical degradation mechanisms
Partner with cell design and quality teams in analysis of new designs using tools including DFMEA, NUDD, and Fault Tree Analysis. Own the execution of trials that capture impact of edge case scenarios to holistically improve Tesla’s In-house cells
Mentor direct and larger team members in the science of cell characterizations and reliability engineering
Drive the development of detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate critical failure modes, and updated—effectively presenting insights to key stakeholders. Proactively plan, prioritize, and communicate lab testing progress to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with project milestones
Be a member of a cross functional product development team to help determine the ideal cell design for Tesla products

Requirements:
Degree or relevant experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field showcasing Reliability Engineering
Demonstrated reliability engineering accomplishments in batteries/cell, microelectronic components, consumer tech products or related devices
Strong coding skills in Python/MATLAB for data analysis, statistical modeling, and visualization
Proficiency in calculating and analyzing failure data using Weibull, Crow-AMSAA (NHPP), and Duane plots; applied Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to model system reliability, identified critical failure paths, and supported root cause analysis
Experienced in implementing DFR/DFX principles through DFMEA and NUDD, collaborated cross-functionally to embed reliability into product design and validation
Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts and deliver reports and presentations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Understanding of lithium-ion cell safety and its risks

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