Sr. Materials Engineer, Next Gen Battery Materials - Palo Alto [273838]

$91,600 - $195,600 yearly

Job Description

The active materials research team is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Engineer to synthesize, characterize, and optimize beyond-NMC cathode materials and evaluate their integration into advanced cell architectures with non-conventional electrolyte systems. In this role, you will own the development pipeline from novel cathode composition design and synthesis through cell fabrication, interfacial engineering, and electrochemical validation. Your work will explore pathways beyond traditional layered intercalation cathodes by unlocking new redox mechanisms, structural frameworks, and cell configurations that offer step-change improvements in energy density, safety, and cost. You will bridge fundamental materials discovery with industrial feasibility, collaborating closely with cell design engineers, electrolyte researchers, manufacturing teams, and supply chain partners to advance emerging technologies toward Tesla's future cell platforms.

The Role

  • Design and synthesize novel rocksalt cathode compositions to access capacities beyond conventional layered oxide limits. Systematically optimize composition, anion chemistry, synthesis temperature, and processing route to control local structure, Li-ion transport pathways, and electrochemical performance
  • Apply multiple synthesis methodologies — including solid-state reaction, high-energy mechanochemical processing, and wet-chemistry routes — tailored to the unique requirements of each compositional system
  • Investigate and engineer redox mechanisms, including strategies to mitigate voltage hysteresis, gas evolution, impedance growth, and capacity fade through anion substitution, targeted cation selection, and interfacial passivation
  • Synthesize and evaluate non-liquid electrolyte materials across multiple chemistries and assess their compatibility with in-house cathode materials in terms of electrochemical stability, interfacial reactivity, and ionic conductivity
Anthony Antonucci

Qualifications

Relevant experience in Engineering & Information Technology; strong problem-solving skills; commitment to Tesla mission.

Immediate Fill

No