Sr Materials Engineer, Paints and Coatings

The team is seeking a Polymer Materials Engineer to use their fundamental and deep understanding of chemistry, physics, and polymer science to provide solutions to some of Tesla's most challenging problems. This position will be a subject matter expert on paints and coatings at Tesla. This role will manage multiple projects that require the application of 1st principles and 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 of a subject material expert for paints and coatings at Tesla
* Work with suppliers and Tesla manufacturing teams to develop new paint processing technologies that reduce energy consumption, capital equipment expenses, and floor space requirements. Lead these efforts from concept to production
* Support ongoing material application processes for metal pre-treatment, e-coat, top-coat, and powder coat both within Tesla and at vendors
* Support process validation for all new coating technologies
* Define technical requirements for development and production
* Provide technical support to the quality and manufacturing teams concerning processing issues
* Conduct cost reduction and quality improvement activities through material optimization and process improvements
* Polymer, Coatings, or Materials Engineering degree. Advanced degrees or equivalent experience preferred
* Experience with all aspects of automotive coatings materials, including but not limited to polymer chemistry, paint process and applications, paint formulation, paint testing methods and equipment, etc
* Fundamental knowledge of polymers and polymer chemistry
* 3 years experience working with paints and coatings materials
* Experience in managing process optimization, paint shop upgrades, and modifications
* Experience with standard analytical tools (FTIR, DSC, Rheometry, SEM, XRF, DMA, etc.)
* Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a multi-functional team
* Creativity and out-of-box thinking in solving problems
* Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage projects independently

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.

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