Staff Cell Materials Modeling Engineer

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$112,000 - $204,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced engineer to lead materials modeling within the cell modeling team. The candidate will be responsible to develop and execute computational simulations geared towards cell materials discovery and optimization. The role requires cross-functional collaboration with materials and process engineers to accelerate innovation in cell materials to improve performance and longevity for various cell chemistries used in Tesla products.

Requirements

Degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years of industry experience in materials modeling
Strong expertise in electronic structure theory and DFT applications and MD simulation techniques and software (e.g., VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, Orca, reactive and non-reactive force field models, LAMMPS, and AMS)
Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and job scheduling systems
Strong Programming skills and 3+ years’ experience in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent, with experience in scripting and workflow automation. Preference for experience in developing materials discovery tools using any of these packages
Excellent written and communication skills and a collaborative working style
Knowledge of electrochemistry and solid-state physics
Proficiency in deep learning frameworks, including PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, and related libraries, for the development and implementation of AI-driven models in materials discovery
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields

Responsibilities

Conduct DFT and MD simulations to predict and analyze the properties of materials for Li-ion batteries, including electrodes, electrolytes, and interfacial components
Develop computational models for understanding ion transport, phase stability, and electrochemical performance
Leverage data science techniques, including machine learning, to accelerate materials discovery and optimize existing material systems
Collaborate with experimental teams to validate simulation results and guide material synthesis and characterization
Perform high-throughput computational screening of materials databases for new candidates
Write and maintain detailed technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications
Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in materials modeling and battery research
Lead a small team of materials modeling engineers

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program