What to Expect

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Materials Engineer to work on a critical challenge facing the world’s energy transition – Battery materials at the Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. Responsibilities will include supporting the new facilities to produce key intermediates in the battery materials value chain. As the Sr Materials Engineer, you will initiate, design, and conduct the lab and pilot plant scale testing programs in the materials and process technology lab in support of the lithium refinery operation. In addition, you will be responsible for identifying, designing, developing, and implementing process improvements, as well as supporting strategic site initiatives.

Your initial focus will be on developing and driving the implementation of the commissioning and startup plan for the kiln and calcination process.

What You’ll Do

Identify, design, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of the Lithium Refinery and in particular the calcination process
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and implement optimization opportunities throughout the refining process and calciners
Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement initiatives
Contribute to strategic planning efforts by providing technical expertise and insights related to process design and Materials engineering
Work closely with the metallurgy lab and ensure the testing is performed following established procedures through training and technical assistance
Ensure all team members adhere to safety rules and good laboratory practices
Collaborate with stakeholders to align process technology initiatives with the overall site goals and objectives
Work closely with battery materials R&D team for the introduction of novel materials and new process methods at commercial scale
Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members to maximize their potential and enhance their professional growth
Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in materials science, ceramic, chemical, or related fields
5+ years practical working experience in materials, ceramic materials, thermal processing, kilns, calciners, furnaces
Experience with Thermal Analysis Techniques (DSC, TGA), XRD and XRF
Design and implement experiments including sintering processes, and calcination methods
Working knowledge of chemicals, oxidation, calcination, roasting, pyrometallurgical plant operations and related equipment
Proven track record in heat treating processes, failure analysis, process technology, and process improvement
Participation in engineering projects from concept development to commissioning and ramp-up
Taking the lead role in solving calciner performance issues, process upsets, RCAs
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Robstown, Texas

Full time