Technical Program Manager, Cell Materials
TeslaWhat to Expect Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Technical Program Manager to drive materials evaluation, qualification, and introduction across our in-house cell products. This includes active materials such as cathode active materials (CAM), anode active materials (AAM), and electrolyte systems, as well as broader cell materials programs, vendor management, and new technology initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of electrochemistry, supply chain, and manufacturing, requiring a strategic thinker who can drive cross-functional alignment and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. You will partner closely with Cell Materials leadership to identify, evaluate, qualify, and ramp materials and suppliers that meet Tesla’s performance, cost, and sustainability targets. This is a high-impact role with visibility across Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing. What You'll Do Identify and evaluate materials and new technologies, and develop and execute qualification plans tailored to each material class Own vendor management for assigned material suppliers: onboarding, industrialization, deliverables, and scale-up, in partnership with Supply Chain and Supplier Industrialization Engineers Drive new technology initiatives from early evaluation through a clear qualification and introduction path Work closely with the Cell Design team to integrate qualified materials into new and existing cell architectures Support material introduction into downstream electrode manufacturing processes (coating, calendering, formation) and related cell processes as required Coordinate supplier trials and pilot production runs, tracking deliverables and managing timelines for material delivery and scale-up Track and manage program schedules, risks, and dependencies across multiple material and technology workstreams Maintain program dashboards, risk registers, and status reports for leadership visibility Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings to drive alignment and resolve blockers Communicate technical progress and program status to stakeholders at all levels What You'll Bring Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience 3+ years of experience in technical program management or project management Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs in a fast-paced environment Experience in lithium-ion battery materials—cathode, anode, electrolyte, or related materials development, characterization, evaluation, or qualification Background in battery cell or electrode manufacturing processes Experience with supplier or vendor management is a plus Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Self-starter with a bias toward action and problem-solving 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 Emp…