Lab Manager, Abuse Test & Engineering

Tesla is seeking a leader to manage multiple battery abuse testing labs in the Bay Area as well as support ongoing lab expansion construction projects & new test equipment installations. This role will also lead a team of test equipment technicians. You would understand and develop numerous lab processes, structure the space efficiently, and identify opportunities for new equipment to make our test spaces safe and capable of high-quality, high-throughput battery testing. The tests involve thermal, electrical, and mechanical abuse of individual battery cells and module-level articles. As a leader on our team, you will ensure the lab meets all expectations to achieve success of the overall projects. You must have a genuine passion for team leadership & building awesome equipment, a keen eye for safety and quality work, and manage daily operations to accomplish overall program goals. Our labs are expanding rapidly to support the fast-paced growth of Tesla battery programs and we are looking for a leader to improve the many processes to support that growth within the Abuse Test and Engineering R&D test group.
What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a leader to manage multiple battery abuse testing labs in the Bay Area as well as support ongoing lab expansion construction projects & new test equipment installations. This role will also lead a team of test equipment technicians. You would understand and develop numerous lab processes, structure the space efficiently, and identify opportunities for new equipment to make our test spaces safe and capable of high-quality, high-throughput battery testing. The tests involve thermal, electrical, and mechanical abuse of individual battery cells and module-level articles. As a leader on our team, you will ensure the lab meets all expectations to achieve success of the overall projects. You must have a genuine passion for team leadership & building awesome equipment, a keen eye for safety and quality work, and manage daily operations to accomplish overall program goals. Our labs are expanding rapidly to support the fast-paced growth of Tesla battery programs and we are looking for a leader to improve the many processes to support that growth within the Abuse Test and Engineering R&D test group.

What You’ll Do

Lead, inspire, and set aggressive goals for the team to create a cross-functional and dynamic workforce that prioritizes premium quality work and high test throughput while ensuring personnel safety
Define and communicate project requirements to the team, manage day to day build and inventory tasks, and communicate updates to management in a timely manner
Actively partner with EHS to develop and maintain lab safety protocols; site trainings, hazmat inventory, PPE requirements, hazard identification, SOP documentation, etc
Engage hands-on in equipment build and construction projects alongside a team of experienced technicians and engineers
Work closely with broader team to create a forecast for equipment builds, along with resource and material planning required for timely commissioning
Drive lab space improvements, support critical path projects, and offer a great level of flexibility to changing business needs. Continuously enhance strategies and planning using past project performance as guidance
Develop methods for improving employee efficiency and reducing waste of materials or resources
Develop and manage maintenance lists and schedules for equipment, develop SOP documentation and user manuals, training and access guidelines. Manage lab test computers & software for multiple labs
Engage effectively with external vendors such as fabrication shops, architecture firms, and construction contractors to support ongoing projects, critically evaluate quotes and timelines provided by vendors
Recruit employees, assign, direct, and evaluate their work, and identify key growth areas for team and provide opportunities and feedback that support their professional development. Create an environment of mutual trust and support by encouraging employee participation and building team unity
What You’ll Bring

Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
5+ years prior experience as a shop manager in a R&D setting
3+ years functioning in a supervisory/leadership capacity in a R&D environment
Experience managing staffing, resources, safety, budgets, inventory, equipment, schedule, and capacity
Experience engaging construction contractors, fabrication shops, and other external vendors
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including ability to communicate effectively to the intended audience. Includes fluency with MS Office Suite
Ability to read and interpret EE and ME prints
Ability to lead change, with enthusiasm and a positive approach
Battery experience is a plus but not required

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
LGBTQ+ care concierge services
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
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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
$96,000 - $276,000/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 is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
Privacy is a top priority for Tesla. We build it into our products and view it as an essential part of our business. To understand more about the data we collect and process as part of your application, please view our Tesla Talent Privacy Notice

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