Chemical Engineer, Refining Technology

Imagine a world where infinite clean energy isn’t a promise, it’s a reality. Enabling abundant, clean energy production requires a complex supply of refined materials that are to become the backbone of Tesla’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. Tesla’s Refining Technology Team is responsible for the implementation of production processes at never-before-seen scale. If you’re a highly motivated and purpose-driven Chemical Engineer ready to solve problems that have never been solved before, this is your moment. Join us in turning the sun’s power into the world’s most abundant, accessible energy source.

Day-to-day responsibilities will shift as the project progresses from basic process design to equipment engineering to commissioning of the plant.

• Perform plant mass and energy balance using relevant tools (SysCAD, ASPEN, etc.)
• Drive internal/external pilot teams to define key process parameters
• Size key process equipment such as reactors, tanks, heat exchangers
• Generate RFP packages for lab-scale testing, basic engineering services, and key process equipment. Evaluate vendor capability to meet project technical and lead-time goals
• Perform technical economic tradeoffs for technology selection and other key strategic decisions
• Collaborate with technology suppliers to innovate on pre-existing designs. Responsible for technology suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of engineering deliverables and equipment
• Review and update process deliverables such as P&IDs, Heat and Mass Balance, Equipment Sizing Calculations, etc.
• Procure new equipment / change existing equipment design as needs arise
• Develop commissioning and ramp plan including process setpoints, KPIs, and go/no-go criteria
• Coordinate with production engineers to develop SOPs, Standard Operating Conditions, Alarm Rationalization, etc.

• 2-8 years experience in a process technology, process design or production engineering role
• Strong fundamental understanding of engineering principles (e.g., mass & energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics)
• Experience in a large-scale operating plant, refinery, manufacturing or specialty chemicals site

• Ability to use first-principles reasoning to fill knowledge gaps
• Ability to properly define problems and execute solutions
• Ability to communicate complex technical insights in a clear and simplified manner
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment
• Ability to analyze datasets and use data visualization tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint) to build a business case or present data
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Syscad, Aspen, etc.) is preferred
• Previous experience with technical economic analysis or project management fundamentals is preferred

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