Manager, Materials Test Laboratory Jobs in Fremont, CA at Tesla
Title: Manager, Materials Test Laboratory
Company: Tesla
Location: Fremont, CA
What To Expect
This position will manage Tesla’s Materials Test Group to lead, support, and advise on all materials-level test activities (in-house and external). The primary objective is to drive innovation in materials engineering by generating and analyzing high-quality, timely test data to:
Bridge lab-to-field performance gaps by establishing robust test-to-field correlation frameworks that align lab protocols with real-world service demands
Develop and refine novel test methods where industry-standard alternatives do not exist, ensuring accurate evaluation of emerging materials and joining techniques
Pioneer new test capabilities to future-proof the team’s capacity for high-impact R&D, addressing evolving product requirements and durability challenges
Deliver actionable data to validate both industry-shifting and in-house-developed materials and processes, informing material specifications and simulation accuracy
What You'll Do
Lead the test and evaluation of materials across Tesla products to advance understanding of structure-property-processing relationships
Inform material specifications through rigorous, data-driven analysis of test results
Develop high-fidelity material cards for CAE applications by leveraging test data to improve simulation accuracy
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams (e.g., Design Engineering) to integrate test outcomes into product design and ensure alignment with business targets like durability and manufacturability
Identify and deploy new test methods and laboratory capabilities to future-proof the team’s capacity for high-impact R&D
Research solutions for gaps in testing infrastructure (e.g., new equipment, methodologies) and pitch proposals for approval
Ensure materials requirements meet business targets while reflecting field conditions and manufacturability constraints
Collaborate with reactive departments (Service, Reliability) to resolve field concerns and validate test outcomes
Manage fiscal operations and justify capital expenditures to support lab growth and modernization
Develop policies for procurement, inventory control, and storage to maintain lab efficiency
What You'll Bring
Degree in Materials Science, or equivalent experience
Demonstrated expertise in materials testing, manufacturing processes, and operating diverse test equipment
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage high-pressure failure analysis investigations, and promote health/safety protocols
Strong communication skills to establish partnerships with internal/external stakeholders and deliver results under tight deadlines
Benefits
Compensation and 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
Expected Compensation
$120,800 – $258,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
, Tesla
