Hydrogeologist, Lithium Refining

Tesla’s mission depends on securing the critical minerals and resources needed to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. We are looking for a Hydrogeologist to join a multidisciplinary team supporting mineral resource evaluation, refinery operations, and regulatory compliance across our energy, mineral, and industrial assets. In this role, you will investigate subsurface water resources – from lithium-bearing brines to process water supply and wastewater injection – helping Tesla unlock new sources of critical materials, secure reliable water for operations, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Evaluate mineral rights holdings for lithium-bearing brines and underground waters, reviewing well logs, production data, geochemical assays, and geophysical data to characterize brine chemistry and aquifer/reservoir properties

Design and oversee exploration and production testing, including drilling, core sampling, pumping tests, fluid sampling, and density-affected flow and transport modeling

Build 3D geologic and numerical groundwater models to estimate lithium resources and reserves in line with industry reporting standards (e.g., NI 43-101, JORC)

Assess mineral, water, and produced-water rights ownership nuances, and support lease reviews and correlative rights analyses

Evaluate lithium extraction feasibility, including Direct Lithium Extraction, and assess hydrogeological impacts on surrounding systems

Characterize aquifers and site, design, and test process water supply wells for refinery operations, including capture zone modeling and long-term sustainable yield analysis

Characterize deep injection zones for wastewater disposal wells, evaluating injectivity, capacity, geochemical compatibility, and seismic risk while protecting Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDWs)

Design well construction, casing, and cementing programs, and develop monitoring plans for water supply and injection wells

Compile technical exhibits and support permit applications for water wells, water rights, mineral leases, and Class I/II UIC permits, engaging directly with regulators (EPA, state agencies, water boards) to drive approvals and ongoing compliance

Partner cross-functionally with reservoir engineers, geologists, environmental and legal teams, operations, and finance/strategy to support asset valuation and development decisions

Bachelor’s or Equivalent experience in Hydrogeology, Geology, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Professional Geologist (P.G.) license preferred

Experience characterizing brine systems and estimating subsurface resources; lithium experience strongly preferred

Hands-on experience with well testing, well design, and numerical groundwater modeling (e.g., MODFLOW with density/solute transport)

Working knowledge of geochemistry as applied to brine and produced water systems

Familiarity with Safe Drinking Water Act UIC regulations, water rights, and mineral law as applied to brine resources

Experience supporting permitting processes for energy or industrial projects

Strong field supervision, data management, and technical writing skills

Excellent communication skills, with experience engaging regulators and cross-functional stakeholders

Proficiency with GIS, groundwater modeling software, and well log interpretation tools

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
• Employee discounts and perks program