Associate Manager - Operations Electrode, Cell Manufacturing

Job Description

Tesla was founded in 2003 with the goal of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy and protecting the planet Earth. Through solar energy, batteries, and electric vehicles, we are building a world of amazing abundance.
At Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, we manufacture the Model Y, and starting in 2027, we’ll produce everything from battery cells to electric vehicles. This is unique in Europe. Our international team consists of over 12,000 employees from 130 countries. We hire talent at all skill levels - prior experience in the automotive industry is not required. Would you like to help write the next chapter in Tesla’s success story and work at one of Germany’s most modern workplaces? Then this is the right place for you!

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated Associate Manager Operations, Cell Electrode who will carry operational accountability for assigned process areas and/or shifts in the Electrode shop — in a manufacturing environment defined by technical complexity, high precision, and novel processes. The role will report directly to the Manager Operations, Electrode.

Job Responsibilities

• Own the operational performance of assigned areas in the Electrode shop across Dry Powder Mixing, Coating, Calendering, and Slitting — taking personal accountability for hitting daily, weekly, and monthly output targets, and driving the operational decisions, escalations, and resource deployment needed to deliver
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of Supervisors — own team structure, hiring support, development, and performance management to build a high-performing organization
• Develop and maintain deep technical knowledge of Electrode processes — build genuine expertise; understand the physics, the failure modes, and the process sensitivities well enough to support root cause analysis and make informed decisions
• Lead with an uncompromising safety and zero defect mindset, set the standard and build a shop culture where safety, quality, and output are owned together
• Own cross-functional alignment — build strong, trust-based partnerships across Electrode teams, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other functions
• Lead or support escalation response with urgency and structure — triage fast, mobilize the right people, drive to root cause, and close the loop so the same problem does not come back
• Drive operational readiness for new line bring-up and ramp — ensuring your teams are trained, your processes are stable, and your shift structure is ready before rate targets arrive
• Ensure operational continuity in your area — building a team and a system that does not depend on any single person, including yourself; develop the skills, systems, and standards needed so that operations run with consistency and discipline

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials, Process Engineering, or a related technical/business discipline — or equivalent experience with a demonstrated track record of exceptional performance
• 5+ years of experience in high-volume, high-precision manufacturing with direct operational leadership responsibility — including shift or area management, escalation ownership, and team development (experience managing Supervisors preferred)
• Industry background in precision web converting, coating and laminating, optical and functional films, pharmaceuticals (dry granulation/continuous manufacturing), battery separator manufacturing, or comparable high-volume processes is strongly preferred
• Experience with high-precision manufacturing processes — background in roll-to-roll web handling, calendering, lamination, precision slitting, dry powder processing at scale, or adjacent processes (with demonstrated ability to build technical depth rapidly) is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to drive OEE as an operational discipline — establishing baselines, identifying loss drivers, and closing gaps systematically across availability, performance, and quality
• Strong structured problem-solving capability and a zero defect mindset — proficient in 8D, DMAIC, or equivalent methodologies
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams of Supervisors across continuous shift operations — with a track record of building ownership, accountability, and high performance
• Fluent in English; German is a plus
• Willingness to provide shift coverage during critical ramp phases and travel as required

Not only do we offer you an attractive compensation package, but also access to a wide range of perks and benefits. For example:

• Our own medical center, a gym and an in-house barbershop
• E-bike charging stations in front of the factory, more than 500 free charging stations for electric cars, a bike leasing program, free use of the nextbike bike-sharing fleet, as well as numerous free shuttle bus routes to Grünheide and the surrounding areas
• You’ll receive subsidized canteen meals, a free S-membership at the Urban Sports Club (discount from M+) and you can sign up for many language courses
• We also offer all employees a wide range of insurance options, such as a company pension plan, as well as discounts on private insurance and legal protection insurance