Staff Manufacturing Contamination Engineer, Cell Engineering

TeslaAustinindeedpublished 05/08/2026
Must-have:SeniorLeadPrincipal

What to Expect 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.

What You'll Do

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

What You'll Bring

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%

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

Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.