JobsFailure Analysis Engineer, Cell Engineering
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Failure Analysis Engineer, Cell Engineering

Tesla

Location

San Diego, CA

Type

Full-time

Posted

4/22/2026

Compensation

$104,120 - $156,180 a year

Undergraduate with 2+ Years of Experience
Approval 99.3%·Filings 1,102·New hires 320·
💎 Strong Sponsor
·FY 2025

Job description

Tesla is looking for a Battery Cell Failure Analysis Test Engineer to diagnose and resolve failures in lithium-ion battery cells. The role involves conducting failure analysis, developing test protocols, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance cell reliability and performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of hands-on industry experience in battery cell testing, failure analysis, or R&D in the energy storage or EV industry
  • Proficiency with battery testing equipment (e.g., Arbin, Newware, Bio-Logic) and data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, Excel)
  • Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry (NMC, LFP, NCA), cell architecture (prismatic, cylindrical), and failure mechanisms
  • Experience with non-destructive and destructive analytical techniques (X-ray, SEM, DSC, TGA)
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with attention to detail and safety

Responsibilities

  • Conduct in-depth failure analysis on defective or degraded battery cells using advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., SEM, X-ray CT, EIS, DSC, TGA)
  • Develop and execute test plans for cell-level failure modes including internal shorts, capacity fade, swelling, thermal runaway, and electrolyte degradation
  • Perform electrical and electrochemical characterization (cycling, impedance spectroscopy, charge/discharge profiling) to identify performance anomalies
  • Document findings with clear, actionable reports, including root cause analysis, failure mechanisms, and mitigation recommendations
  • Collaborate with materials scientists, process engineers, and manufacturing teams to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence
  • Maintain and calibrate FA test equipment; ensure compliance with safety and quality
  • Support product validation and reliability testing programs
  • Stay current with emerging battery technologies, failure mechanisms, and industry best practices

Benefits

  • Employees at Tesla are often offered day-one coverage with multiple medical options (some at $0 paycheck cost), dental/vision, company HSA contributions, a 401(k) match, and equity programs. Most roles also include paid time off and holidays, family-building support, employee assistance, commuter and childcare benefits, and access to discounts and wellness programs.

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