Materials Engineer, Softgoods

The team is seeking a Polymers Materials Engineer to use their fundamental and deep understanding of chemistry, physics, and polymer science to provide solutions to some of Tesla's toughest problems. This position will be a subject matter expert on softgoods at Tesla. This role will manage multiple projects that require the application of first-principles knowledge of materials to develop novel solutions needed to launch our products on time and with superior quality.

Typical tasks involve material selection, authoring material standards, validating materials internally and with suppliers, managing Tesla Materials Documentation systems, root-cause-analysis, formulation of new polymers, researching new technologies to assess feasibility, and process optimization.

• Assume the role as a subject matter expert for softgoods at Tesla
• Work with design engineering to select and validate materials
• Write material standards for new materials
• Support process optimization for new materials
• Perform root-cause-analysis for difficult material issues
• Lead development projects in support of our long-term goals of innovating through the use of advanced or novel materials

• Degree in Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience with developing interior surface materials such as textiles, synthetic leather and carpeting including foam backings, suspension layers, foam layers, consolidated layers, and coatings
• Direct experience with the various test methods and requirements for softgoods including UV stability, durability, chemical resistance, dye transfer resistance
• Hands-on exposure to Tesla Design to establish and meet targets for haptics and color
• Fundamental knowledge of polymers and polymer chemistry and knowledge of the various manufacturing processes used to produce softgoods
• Hands-on experience with standard analytical tools (FTIR, DSC, rheometry, DMA, etc.)
• Strong communication and organizational skills with ability to manage projects independently
• Excellent technical writing skills and experience writing material standards
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to an ever-changing environment, and lead projects

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

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.