Chemical Operator, Lithium Refinery

Tesla Motors, Inc.
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, Texas, Robstown
Oct 17, 2025
What to Expect Tesla's in-house Lithium Refinery, located in the greater Corpus Christi area of Texas, is critical to our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. This investment aims to increase the supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in North America. We are seeking multiple Entry Level Chemical Operators to join our team and help further our mission. This position involves quality control sampling, equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, and loading/unloading finished goods and raw materials. Chemical Operators work on a rotating shift team, focusing on field and control room chemical unit operations to safely run process systems and associated equipment during their shift. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be safety conscious, display attention to detail, be adaptable, have good communication skills, and work well in a team-based environment. What You'll Do Understand Life Critical Policies and Hazard Recognition principles and effectively communicate to team members and work groups via safety meetings, job interactions, and work permit issuance Communicate with team members regarding safety, equipment status, production, quality, and operational issues using detailed written and electronic notes Operate equipment in accordance with all safety, quality, and efficiency standards by following written and verbal work instructions Follow procedures to safely operate, clear, startup, shut down, and Lock Out equipment related to chemical manufacturing safely and efficiently Provide initial response to unplanned events to minimize the impact on personnel, the environment, and equipment Use equipment and instrumentation to monitor and record pressure, temperature, and other process conditions Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) What You'll Bring Ability to demonstrate experience or knowledge as a safe and proficient Chemical Operator in a 24/7 continuous refinery environment Degree in Process Technology is preferred or equivalent experience Demonstrate a positive growth mindset attitude that reflects the mission, objectives, and goals of Tesla Able to successfully work on a rotating shift schedule, also known as a Dupont schedule Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal Essential Physical Demands Ability to climb stairs, stand for extended periods, and safely lift up to 50 lbs. Perform frequent bending and lifting Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods, including a respirator and safety harness Pass pulmonary function tests and physical exam for respirator use and be prepared to potentially be in a fit test program Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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