Associate Manager, Hutto Battery Recycling Operations

The path from end-of-life scrap to active battery materials is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Tesla's Battery Recycling team is seeking a talented, innovative Operations Manager. The right candidate will lead shift-based operations, drive production metrics, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and partner closely with cross-functional groups to advance Tesla's battery recycling ecosystem at both commercial and pilot plant scale. This candidate will also take responsibility for some facility-level operations.

We are looking for a dynamic, hands-on leader to manage day-to-day shift operations across pilot plants and commercial units used for battery recycling. The position demands a strong operations mindset, technical understanding of mechanical equipment and process equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration. You will supervise shift teams to hit aggressive targets for throughput, cost, quality, and sustainability, supporting Tesla's vertical integration and battery lifecycle goals.

• Lead, develop, and motivate operators to safely and efficiently execute battery recycling processes at pilot and commercial scale. Processes include mechanical separation, conditioning, packaging, thermal treatment, slurry mixing, and filtration
• Oversee 24/7 shift operations: monitor production, manage downtime, document performance, drive equipment reliability initiatives, allocate resources, maintain critical spares/consumable inventories, handle escalations, and meet output/KPI targets
• Communicate key deliverables, goals, and performance regularly with broader team and leadership ranging from site to executive level
• Drive excellence by creating and improving SOPs, work plans, training programs, and process controls
• Steward the financial performance of the production line, managing P&L updates and communication with finance counterparts
• Champion EHS compliance: ensure training completion, identify/correct hazards, document incidents, and build a proactive safety culture in high-risk areas with heavy equipment, chemicals, and waste
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and logistics to troubleshoot, implement improvements, provide design feedback, and scale operations
• Analyze data, lead root-cause investigations, and execute projects to boost throughput, uptime, yield, cost efficiency, workforce productivity, and material flow
• Coach and mentor team members, enforce policies, plan resources, and resolve complex challenges in real time
• Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, process technology, or equivalent experience with demonstrated extraordinary ability
• 4+ years leadership/supervisory experience in high-volume manufacturing, recycling, chemical processing, or related manufacturing industry (battery, semiconductor, petrochemicals)
• Proven success leading shift teams in industrial, safety-critical, fast-paced environments
• Strong knowledge of lean principles, process improvement, manpower planning, time/motion standards, and KPIs
• Experience with Excel, SQL for data analysis and reporting; AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD proficiency preferred
• Familiarity with material handling, heavy equipment, chemical/recycling systems; hazardous materials and PPE (including respirators) experience a plus
• Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills for dynamic stakeholder coordination
• Ability to work extended shifts, outdoor conditions (0-110°F), climb structures, lift 50 lbs., and wear full-faced respirators for long periods
• Passion for sustainability, Tesla's mission, and building high-performance teams to advance battery recycling and the circular economy