Staff Manufacturing Contamination Engineer, Cell Engineering

Description:
Lead the development and execution of an enterprise-wide technical cleanliness and contamination control program across advanced manufacturing operations. Define standards, drive risk reduction, and partner cross-functionally from supplier inputs through production to field performance. Act as the primary technical authority and program leader bridging Quality, Manufacturing, Facilities, Maintenance, Materials, and Design Engineering.

Responsibilities:
Lead enterprise-level contamination control strategy, risk assessment, and risk-reduction initiatives across all factories
Establish cleanliness standards, KPIs, processes, and OCAPs from mixing through finished product performance
Partner with Manufacturing, Facilities, Maintenance, and Quality teams to integrate contamination controls into equipment, tooling, and daily operations
Drive root cause analysis, defect investigation, DOEs, and data-driven improvements for cleanliness-related issues
Develop and mentor Cleanliness Operators, inspection teams, and cross-functional staff to build contamination control capability and culture
Influence supplier requirements, design intent, and continuous improvement across successive product and facility iterations

Requirements:
Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
10+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, quality, or technical research, with experience in lithium-ion battery cells strongly preferred
Strong background in contamination control and technical cleanliness in high-reliability industries (lithium-ion cells, aerospace, medical devices, or semiconductors)
Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives and deliver measurable results
Deep knowledge of quality and manufacturing standards (ISO, ASTM, AIAG, etc.)
Excellent communication and influence skills across shop floor, engineering, and executive levels
Structured problem solver with strong data-driven decision-making skills
Willingness to travel up to 20%

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