Material Lab Technician, Megapack

What to Expect

Tesla Energy is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Material Lab Technician to support materials quality control, testing, and laboratory operations for Megapack energy storage systems. This role is critical in ensuring the quality and performance of materials and components in high-volume production, with hands-on work spanning sample intake through report-out. You will support day-to-day mechanical/materials testing, specimen preparation using lab and machine shop equipment (including CNC and manual machining), and (as a strong plus) assist with chemical/materials characterization such as FTIR, SEM-EDS, DSC, XRF, and titration to enable materials qualification, contamination analysis, and process monitoring.

What You’ll Do

• Perform quality control testing on incoming, in-process, and production samples for Megapack components
• Execute mechanical and materials testing (e.g., tensile, hardness, compression, electrical testing, profilometry) and document results
• Prepare test specimens using lab and machine shop equipment (CNC mills, manual lathes, metallographic cutters, grinders/polishers, bandsaws, hand tools)
• Conduct metallographic preparation and optical microscopy to evaluate microstructure, weld quality, and surface conditions
• Interpret test data, generate clear reports, and communicate conclusions to support quality and operations decisions
• Support instrument installation, calibration, method development, and test validation activities (e.g., MSA/GR&R)
• Maintain safe, organized lab operations: preventive maintenance/troubleshooting, 5S, consumables inventory, traceability, and SOP updates

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemistry, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in materials quality control, laboratory testing, machining, or manufacturing support
• Experience with materials/mechanical testing equipment (tensile, hardness, compression, and/or electrical testing)
• Demonstrated machine shop capability (e.g., metallographic cutter, angle grinder; CNC/lathe experience preferred)
• Working knowledge of QC practices, inspection methods, and specification-based testing; ability to learn new in-house methods quickly
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint); experience with quality systems and/or LIMS preferred
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) for effective team communication and documentation, with the ability to wear PPE, including PAPR (powered air purifying respirator)