Lab Technician Cathode Lab jobs at Tesla in United States, Austin

• Interface with equipment and component suppliers through concept development, system design, detailed design, procurement, installation, and acceptance testing
• Create complete, organized, detailed scope of work packages, leading projects from concept through detailed design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning
• Supervise installation and construction of piping and process equipment in accordance with design documents, specifications, and applicable codes
• Thoroughly learn and understand existing processes and equipment to address ongoing technical challenges and identify step-change improvement opportunities, including blank-slate concepts
• Design, develop, and implement equipment modifications, improvements, and next generation tools from proof of concept through to full scale production
• Support operations teams with achieving productivity and material quality targets on pilot and commercial scale systems
• Lead mechanical troubleshooting activities for equipment and system commissioning in the field

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of industrial design experience or equivalent experience
• Proven strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them to equipment design and process development for high volume manufacturing
• Knowledge of applicable fixed and rotating equipment engineering codes and standards and their application (ASME, API, ANSI, PIP)
• Experience using 3D CAD design software (SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor preferred), with ability to perform basic FEA for design validation
• Proven hands-on experience with prototyping and custom fabrication using CNC, lathe, mill, 3D printing, waterjet, etc.
• Experience reading fabrication drawings, equipment drawings, piping isometrics, and P&IDs
• Experience flying and reviewing models in Navisworks

• Apply engineering fundamentals and a broad set of process engineering tools to solve technical problems and create novel detailed designs to address root cause of issue
• Provide process engineering support to operations to help resolve process bottlenecks and other long-standing issues
• Evaluate early stage/ lab scale processes for future production scale applications
• Help develop detailed process designs including the following deliverables:  Scope development and basis of design document development
• Implement and drive completion of management of change for process changes
• Develop a detailed knowledge of multiple stages of the cathode manufacturing process
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for process upsets and provide feedback on how to prevent future upsets
• Utilize process and lab data to provide recommendations on quality improvements for our cathode production process

• Degree in Chemical, Process or Material Science Engineering or equivalent experience
• 2-4+ years of experience in chemical Process Design, Process Improvement or Operations within a high-tech industry such as semiconductor, specialty chemical, solar, battery, etc.
• Experience with powder handling equipment (transport, weighment and mixing experience preferred)
• Ability to participate process hazard evaluations and HAZOP reviews
• Ability to adapt, multi-task and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment with evolving changes in design requirements
• A positive, “do the impossible” attitude and ability to communicate with peers and stakeholders at all levels and engineering disciplines

• Assign responsibilities to manage testing
• Provide coaching and training to technicians on lab safety and operations
• Escalate quality issues to management and quality engineering team
• Lead 5S and efficiency improvement initiatives in the lab
• Communicate with Quality engineers and Tesla Prototyping lab for test methods development and handover
• Provide regular reports & updates to quality team and management
• Coordinate with production, site maintenance, equipment, and chemical vendors for smooth lab operations

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or in a relevant scientific field or equivalent experience
• 4 - 5 years’ experience in a Manufacturing Quality Control environment with ability to wear PPE including PAPR
• 3+ years of leadership experience with a team of 10 or more employees.
• Knowledgeable in quality related specifications and MS office
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or IATF 16949 a plus
• Preferred to have knowledge on LIMS, six-sigma, RCA, TQM, or equivalent

• Use mechanical engineering fundamentals, analysis, and design software to create complete mechanical design concepts for robust, low-risk, and cost-efficient machine designs that will complete the project scope within the budget and schedule parameters defined by the project scope documents
• Detail machine design or modifications of custom automated tooling, fixtures, mechanisms, conveyors, lift and transfer units, robotic end of arm tooling
• Identify, know and understand the project scope, specifications, and any regulatory requirements
• Attend meetings including project status and review meetings, checkout meetings, and acceptance meetings
• Complete organized detailed print packages and coordinate and conduct release to fabrication meetings
• Work with Provide frequent communication to Project Manager Support the fabrication and assembly processes for the project as Participate
• Know, understand, and execute all company standard operating procedures related to the machine design and build process

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from an accredited institution and 3+ years of design experience, or equivalent experience
• Extremely strong mechanical aptitude and ability to conceptualize and create mechanical designs
• Proficiency in using solid modeling CAD design software (SolidWorks highly preferred)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with specific ability to write at a professional and technical level
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Desire to work in an extremely fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proven hands-on experience with prototyping and custom fabrication using CNC, lathe, mill, 3D printing, waterjet, etc.

• Work with Cathode Engineering, Factory Design, Quality, Operations, and other supporting functions to scope and drive designs for deployment of materials for production equipment
• Develop scope and define parameters for project design and implementation
• Define and drive tasks for to be performed by the cross-functional team
• Drive review and selection of external equipment vendors and integrators for delivery of selected manufacturing project scope
• Coordinate internal and external engineering findings to de-risk plant design and
• Track budget, equipment orders, and change order logs

• Evidence of exceptional ability, including a strong understanding of engineering fundamentals
• 2+ years in manufacturing environment, in a mix of engineering and project roles with experience working on the development of chemical processing is a plus
• Direct experience in planning large capital projects (>$250 M USD) related to chemical processing systems, utility systems and integration of the two
• Ability to work and communicate cross-functionally, including interfacing with suppliers and third-party firms
• Proven ability to Aptitude to learn and incorporate Ability to
• Detail oriented with strong record-keeping and organizational skills

• Collaborate with operations, construction, QA, and facilities engineering teams on commissioning activities and resolving electrical issues
• Provide technical guidance, lessons learned, and feedback on design and construction, focusing on modeling, utility routing, and commissioning checklist updates
• Oversee commissioning and start-up of all electrical systems, from medium to low voltage, ensuring readiness for facility ownership
• Work closely with third-party OEM equipment representatives during commissioning to align on standards and process requirements
• Participate in system handover walks, document and track open issues, and confirm resolution of all outstanding construction and commissioning tasks
• Review and accept turnover documentation, ensuring it meets design and operational requirements for seamless maintenance handover
• Interpret complex electrical schematics for planning conduit and cable scopes, troubleshooting VFDs, switchgear, and motors (120V–25kV), including work at height when necessary

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as an Industrial or Commercial Electrician; facility maintenance experience preferred
• Proficient in using trade tools, meters, and relevant technology to perform tasks effectively
• Skilled in sizing conductors and conduits, with strong knowledge of the NEC Code Book
• Experience with 24VDC to 25kV AC systems; expertise in troubleshooting motor controls, drives, and electronic components
• Ability to interpret electrical prints, schematics, and perform equipment installation and circuit modifications
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage all management levels, work independently, and collaborate effectively
• Comprehensive understanding of LOTO and NFPA 70E safety requirements

Essential Physcial Demands

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
• Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, reflective vest, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

• Execute on priorities & production plans provided by operations management & production engineers
• Lead a team of operators in the safe & efficient operation of the Cathode Plant, ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, & regulatory requirements
• Manage direct report's performance, vacation requests, time off requests & ensure appropriate shift coverage
• Identify & troubleshoot equipment & process issues to minimize downtime & improve productivity
• Develop & maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production operations
• Train & mentor operators on safe and effective operating practices
• Participate in incident investigations & root cause analyses as required

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory role in a chemical or refinery operation
• Strong leadership skills & the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of process control systems, process safety management & environmental regulations
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, as required
• Proficient with MS office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project)
• Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal