Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Lead Process Engineer - Cell Manufacturing, Factory Programs

Thermal & Fluids EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeAustin, TX, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A degree in Process or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience, and 8+ years of relevant experience.
Strong first-principles expertise in process utility system design and large-scale manufacturing infrastructure; experience in battery, semiconductor, or chemical processing facilities is preferred.
Hands-on experience with pipe-flow and system-modeling tools such as AFT Pipeflow or Aspen, or equivalent tools.
Proficiency in 3D modeling software, including Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360, is preferred.
Demonstrated success managing complex technical projects through the full lifecycle, from concept to commissioning.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams, suppliers, and leadership through communication and collaboration.
Detail orientation, proactivity, engineering rigor, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Own the definition of hydronic systems, including process cooling water and RO/DI water, process-gas systems, including nitrogen and compressed air, and electrolyte supply requirements for cell-manufacturing equipment, including loads, connection locations, and interface types.
Lead conceptual planning for future cell-factory utility distribution, estimate capacity needs, and specify supporting equipment such as compressors, driers, heat exchangers, and boilers.
Design, review, and optimize hydronic distribution systems, including heating and cooling water loops, hot-oil loops, pumps, and heat exchangers, from concept through installation and commissioning.
Partner with equipment suppliers, manufacturing engineers, and installation teams throughout concept development, detailed design, procurement, factory acceptance testing, installation, and site acceptance testing.
Perform cost-benefit analyses comparing localized and centralized utility solutions, such as air compressors, blowers, and local cooling skids, and drive efficient, scalable decisions.
Coordinate metering and validation of manufacturing equipment to confirm average and peak loads, and provide accurate data for global models and standards.
Collaborate with local factory engineering teams and regulatory authorities to interpret and apply regional process codes and requirements to equipment and system design.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in battery, semiconductor, or chemical processing facilities.
Proficiency in 3D modeling software including Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360.

Category	Manufacturing
Location	AUSTIN, Texas
Requisition ID	261793
Type	Full-time

Job Description

Tesla’s Cell Engineering Factory Programs team is seeking a Staff Process Engineer to serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for our 4680 cell manufacturing factories. This is a high-impact technical leadership role at the core of our 4680 capacity expansion, where you will define tool utility requirements, connection interfaces, and system standards that enable fast, reliable, and efficient scaling across gigafactories worldwide. You will act as the in-house subject matter expert on process and chemical utility systems, hydronic loops, process gases, electrolyte and other supporting infrastructure, applying first-principles thinking to ensure seamless integration between manufacturing equipment and factory central systems. Your expertise will directly influence facility design decisions, operational efficiency, and long-term scalability, making you a critical driver of Tesla’s manufacturing roadmap. As the primary review and approval authority for factory utility systems, you will bridge equipment suppliers, manufacturing teams, and construction partners to deliver optimized, code-compliant designs that support high-volume battery production.

Job Responsibilities

Own the definition of hydronic (process cooling water, RO/DI water), process gas (N₂, compressed air) and Electrolyte supply requirements for all cell manufacturing equipment, including loads, connection locations, and interface types

Lead conceptual planning for future cell factory utility distribution, accurately estimating capacity needs and specifying supporting equipment such as compressors, driers, HEX and boilers

Design, review, and optimize hydronic distribution systems, including heating and cooling water loops, hot oil loops, pumps, and heat exchangers, from conceptual stage through installation and commissioning

Partner with equipment suppliers, manufacturing engineers, and installation teams across all project phases: concept development, detailed design, procurement, factory acceptance testing, installation, and site acceptance testing

Perform cost-benefit analyses for localized versus centralized utility solutions (e.g., air compressors, blowers, local cooling skids vs. centralized), driving efficient and scalable decisions

Coordinate metering and validation of manufacturing equipment to confirm average and peak loads, feeding accurate data into global models and standards

Collaborate with local factory engineering teams and regulatory authorities to interpret and apply regional process codes and requirements to equipment and system design

Job Requirements

Degree in Process or Chemical Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience

Strong first-principles expertise in process utility system design and large-scale manufacturing infrastructure (battery, semiconductor, or chemical processing facilities preferred)

Hands-on experience with pipe flow and system modeling tools (AFT Pipeflow, Aspen, or equivalent)

Proficiency in 3D modeling software including Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360 preferred

Demonstrated success managing complex technical projects through the full lifecycle—from concept to commissioning—with excellent organizational and documentation skills

Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, with the credibility to influence cross-functional teams, suppliers, and leadership

Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to engineering rigor and continuous improvement

About the Company

Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Tesla makes electric cars and batteries that store power for homes and utilities, and it develops self-driving software and humanoid robots. In 2023, its Model Y became the first electric vehicle to rank as the world's best-selling car. Buyers order the Model 3 sedan, Model Y SUV, or Cybertruck pickup directly from Tesla instead of through dealers, and they charge on its Supercharger fast-charging network. It also sells Megapack and Powerwall batteries, runs a robotaxi service, and charges drivers a monthly fee for self-driving software that still needs their supervision. Tesla was founded in 2003, with Elon Musk as its lead early investor and a recognized co-founder, and it is based in Austin, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Founded: 2003

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