What To Expect
Tesla is seeking a highly experienced Process Design Engineer with deep chemical engineering expertise and a proven track record of leading complex process scopes to join our R&D/Manufacturing Design team in Fremont, CA. Our design team spearheads the creation of mechanical process systems that enable R&D testing, cell production, and energy manufacturing across Tesla's global sites.
This full-time, onsite role within the infrastructure group demands technical leadership, end-to-end process ownership, and hands-on design excellence across highly technical environments—including dry rooms, clean rooms, and advanced manufacturing facilities. You'll lead process design efforts spanning all Tesla programs—Autopilot, Energy, Vehicle/Semi, AI, Robotics (Optimus), and Cell Manufacturing—delivering scalable, compliant solutions that align with our mission to build a world of amazing abundance.
What You'll Do
Lead full process design scopes from concept through construction for R&D laboratories, dry rooms, clean rooms, and high-tech manufacturing facilities. Apply advanced chemical engineering fundamentals to solve complex, first-of-kind design challenges across diverse process systems
Develop and own comprehensive Basis of Design (BoD) documents, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), specifications, operating sequences, and construction-ready design packages
Serve as the technical authority on process design decisions, confidently justifying approaches to leadership and executive teams
Define and enforce environmental classifications, cleanliness standards, and atmospheric control requirements (e.g., dew point, particulate levels, temperature/humidity) for dry rooms and clean rooms
Conduct capacity planning, risk analysis, and lifecycle cost assessments for large-scale capital infrastructure projects
Lead or facilitate process hazard analyses (PHA), HAZOP reviews, and design reviews across all process systems
Partner with manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and facilities stakeholders to align technical solutions with operational needs and end-user requirements
Prioritize and deliver high-quality results across multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
Synthesize complex technical data into compelling presentations and communicate effectively to executive and cross-functional audiences
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional design team members, fostering alignment and driving technical excellence without direct reporting authority
What You'll Bring
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (or closely related discipline); advanced degree preferred, or equivalent experience
8+ years of progressive experience in chemical process design, process engineering, or process operations, with significant time spent at both an owner/operator and an EPC/design firm. Emphasis on design of new installations is required
Demonstrated experience leading process design scopes for dry rooms, clean rooms (ISO Class 5–8), R&D laboratories, and/or advanced manufacturing facilities
Professional design experience across a wide range of critical utility and process systems, including but not limited to: Compressed dry air (CDA) and instrument air, RODI/ultrapure water purification and distribution, Industrial water and waste treatment systems, Central vacuum systems, High-purity cryogenic and bulk gas distribution (liquid/gaseous N₂, O₂, Ar, H₂, etc.), HVAC integration for environmental control (dew point, particulate, temperature, humidity), Chemical distribution systems (CDS)
Experience designing and optimizing abatement and exhaust systems for electrolytes, solvents, and hazardous byproducts (e.g., carbon adsorption beds, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), wet/dry scrubbers) to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations
Extensive experience in one or more of the following sectors: cell/battery manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, high-tech R&D, biotech/pharmaceutical, or data centers
Strong working knowledge of North American codes, standards, and regulations (API, ASME, ASME BPVC, ASTM, ISO, NFPA, UL, SEMI, IEST, etc.)
Proficient with industry-standard tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, Pipe-Flo, Bluebeam, Revizto, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Construction administration experience including site observation, commissioning support, and review of RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings
Willingness to travel to support infrastructure development in the Bay Area and at other Tesla sites as needed
Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred, EIT certification at minimum
Benefits
Compensation and 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
Expected Compensation
$109,600 - $234,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
, Tesla
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