Associate Manager, Battery Cell Recycling

What To Expect

This role oversees daily operations and teams handling the safe, efficient, high-throughput processing of battery materials from Tesla factories and service locations to approved reclamation and recycling facilities. You will lead shift-based operations teams, drive production metrics, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and partner closely with logistics/container management peers, engineering, maintenance, EHS, and cross-functional groups to advance Tesla’s closed-loop battery recycling ecosystem.

We are looking for a dynamic, hands‑on leader to manage the Battery Recycling Program operations. You will build and guide teams through pretreatment, mechanical processing, material flow, and related activities in a fast‑paced industrial setting. The position demands a strong operations mindset, technical understanding of recycling processes, and deep commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Reporting to senior operations leadership, you will work alongside logistics‑focused program managers while directly supervising 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 operations teams (supervisors, technicians, operators) to safely and efficiently execute battery recycling processes, including pretreatment, mechanical disassembly, material handling, and downstream preparation.
• Oversee daily shift operations: monitor production, manage downtime, allocate resources, handle escalations, and meet output/KPI targets.
• Drive excellence by creating and improving SOPs, work instructions, training programs, and process controls.
• 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, maintenance, R&D, logistics, and 3PLs to troubleshoot, implement improvements, provide design feedback, and scale operations.
• Analyze data, lead root‑cause investigations, and execute projects to boost throughput, yield, cost efficiency, workforce productivity, and material flow.
• Coach and mentor team members, enforce policies, plan resources, and resolve complex challenges in real time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent with demonstrated extraordinary ability.
• 4+ years leadership/supervisory experience in high‑volume manufacturing, recycling, chemical processing, or heavy industry (battery, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, automotive preferred).
• 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.
• Proven success leading shift teams in industrial, safety‑critical, fast‑paced environments.
• Must have command of the English language, both written and virtual.

• Ability to work extended shifts, outdoor conditions (0–110°F), climb structures, lift 50 lbs., and wear full‑face respirators for long periods.
• Familiarity with material handling, heavy equipment, chemical/recycling systems; hazardous materials and PPE (including respirators) experience a plus.

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.
• Backup 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.