Engineering Manager, Reliability Engineering

Description:
Tesla’s Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to direct the site’s team of reliability engineers and discipline specialists. This critical leadership role owns the development and execution of the asset reliability and integrity strategy for our novel flowsheet, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate from spodumene concentrate in an innovative and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Maintenance & Reliability Engineers and discipline specialists responsible for the long-term reliability and mechanical integrity of all refinery assets
Own the site’s reliability program using first-principles approaches: implement Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and predictive maintenance (PdM) technologies (vibration, infrared, ultrasound, oil analysis, etc.) tailored to critical equipment such as pressure leach autoclaves, calciners, slurry pumps, pressure filters, crystallizers, and solids handling systems
Drive Mechanical Integrity and Asset Integrity programs in full support of the site PSM program (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119), including inspection strategies, corrosion monitoring, and fitness-for-service evaluations for equipment in caustic, high-pressure, and high-temperature service
Establish and track key reliability KPIs (MTBF, availability, bad actor identification & elimination) and maintenance cost metrics; develop and execute improvement plans to optimize uptime and reduce total cost of ownership
Lead the development and optimization of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), preventive maintenance (PM) plans, spare parts strategy, and work management processes
Collaborate closely with Production, Process Controls, Process Safety, and Project Engineering teams on capital projects, Management of Change (MOC), turnaround planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
Provide technical leadership in equipment selection, design reviews, and vendor management to ensure inherent reliability and maintainability are designed into new installations and modifications
Conduct and support detailed failure investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence; champion a culture of reliability excellence and continuous improvement

Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience
10+ years of progressive experience in maintenance and reliability engineering within chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, or heavy industrial facilities (lithium, base metals, or high-pressure alkaline leach experience strongly preferred)
Proven leadership experience successfully managing and developing teams of engineers and specialists
Deep expertise in reliability methodologies (RCM, FMEA, RCA), predictive maintenance technologies, and mechanical integrity standards (API 510/570/580, ASME, etc.)
Strong working knowledge of CMMS systems (EAM, SAP, or equivalent), root cause tools, and data-driven reliability analysis
Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in equipment availability and maintenance costs in complex process plants
Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills in a fast-paced, commissioning-to-steady-state refinery environment

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