Equipment Engineer

Job Description

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated Equipment Mechanical Development Engineer to create, develop and scale up manufacturing processes for our cutting-edge Tesla battery cell manufacturing lines. This role will invent, develop, scale up and optimize battery manufacturing processes within a cross-functional engineering team responsible for the development lifecycle and launch into manufacturing. In this role, you will work closely with many organizations both internal and external to Tesla taking new battery designs from initial concept through into full production. 

The battery cell is a critical component in Tesla vehicles and storage systems. This role will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to our products. The work environment is demanding, fast-paced and incredibly exciting. The ideal candidate should be ready to push their limits, as they join in highly motivated and capable team to make unbelievable things happen. 

Job Responsibilities

• Drive development of new/innovative manufacturing processes and the equipment modules to make them possible from proof of concept through to full scale production that enable improved battery performance and/or cost 

• Be an expert in technical manufacturing engineering discussions and define equipment development roadmap for Cell assembly processes – Metal forming/ Dispensing battery cell technology
• Work with internal and external teams to develop innovative process, product and equipment design solutions to advance battery performance and cell manufacturing
• Generate machine specifications, documentation, and manufacturing instructions 
• Develop and manage PFMEA, DFMEA risk assessments to prioritize process improvement projects and ensure adequate metrology and controls are in place
• Plan and Execute DoEs to characterize boundary conditions and optimize your designs for manufacturability and quality

• Analysis of product design and identification of potential risks to the process 
• Run CAE/CFD simulations to theoretically understand /De-risk new process/Equipment design changes 
• Build process documentation to accurately define the process to cross-functional teams (equipment, quality, production, etc.) 

Job Requirements

• Degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field 
• 5+ years relevant experience in interdisciplinary/integrated engineering, process development, manufacturing engineering, or 3+ years in Battery R&D and Manufacturing in a commercial lithium-ion environment
• Highly skilled with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and other 2D/3D CAD software 
• Evidence of Deep understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them towards manufacturing process development 
• Demonstrated capabilities in manufacturing process development for new products and ability to transfer technologies from R&D into manufacturing is required
• Understanding and knowledge of lithium-ion battery technology including material selection, fabrication, and synthesis; new battery cell design, assembly, testing, and failure mode analysis. Hands-on experience with lithium-ion battery cell product development is a strong plus

• Experience with Metal forming/Stamping/ dispensing applications is preferred 
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects and meet deliverable deadlines amidst changing requirements, deadlines, and priorities 
• Manufacturing process specification and evaluation experience