QC Lab Supervisor, Cathode Materials

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven QC Lab Supervisor to lead a team of lab technicians at Teslas new Cathode production facility in Gigafactory Texas Austin.

In this role, you will oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including:

• Daily workflow organization
• Equipment calibration and troubleshooting
• Analytical testing prioritization
• Accurate data reporting

While fostering a high-performance culture through strong people management, strategic task assignment, and proactive training. The ideal candidate will have a record of proven ability to thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments, a continuous improvement mindset, and ensuring compliance while serving across cross-functional teams to resolve challenges. Your leadership and commitment to quality will set the standard for excellence, enabling the team to deliver reliable results that support Teslas mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day lab operations: manage workflow, assign shift tasks, track sample analysis status, and ensure timely turnaround while ensuring quality compliances.
• Enforce adherence to company policies and promote a strong safety culture in alignment with EHS and IH standards.
• Drive continuous improvement by leading 5S initiatives, assist in optimizing test methods, and implement enhancements to increase lab efficiency, accuracy, and equipment reliability.
• Operate analytical instruments and manage technical performance by performing sample preparation, materials characterization, and analysis of key equipment (ICP, BET, PSA, SEM, XRD, XRF) while troubleshooting and coordinating with maintenance and vendors to ensure uptime and data integrity.
• Ensure team capability and consistent performance by developing and mentoring lab technicians through training, coaching, and qualification support on safety, operations, and method development.
• Collaborate with other teams (production, site maintenance, equipment teams, and suppliers) to ensure seamless lab operations and timely analytical support.
• Maintain communication and escalation by providing regular updates to quality and management teams, partnering with Analytical Chemistry Scientists on test method development.

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent scientific field, or equivalent experience.
• 5 years experience leading a team in a fast-paced manufacturing quality control environment.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of analytical tools (ICP, BET, XRD, XRF, Wet Chemistry, etc.).
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and IATF 16949.
• Knowledge in quality concepts such as SPC, Process Capability, Gauge RR.
• Experience in Laboratory Information System (LIMS) preferred.
• Experience in data analysis (Jmp, Minitab, etc.) preferred.
• Must have command of English Language, both written and verbal.

Essential Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand for long periods.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in a noisy environment.
• Ability to wear PPE, including PAPR.

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.
• 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).
• 401k 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.