Senior Equipment Engineer, Senior Member of Technical Staff (SMTS)

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future.

About the team : The Equipment Operations team is a diverse group of engineers and technicians that are responsible for QS’s equipment. This includes supporting tools for both Production and R&D. Producing cutting-edge technology at scale means utilizing highly technical and unique equipment. The team prides themselves by using our expertise to bring tools from concept to full operation, taking a proactive approach to tool maintenance, and minimizing downtime to allow for optimal production and development of our solid-state batteries.

What we need: We are looking to add a Senior Equipment Engineer to our Equipment Operations team within the Hardware Automation and Metrology department. This work includes commissioning, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing equipment used in QuantumScape’s current and future production lines. We need an individual experienced with industrial automation equipment, combined with the ability to identify and resolve complex problems, all while carrying the pressure and responsibility of minimizing downtime for the company’s equipment.

What You’ll do:

• Drive automated production tools through installation, commissioning, modifications, upgrades, maintenance planning, and general sustaining activities
• Provide troubleshooting support for complex issues and address root cause analysis
• Work closely with Process and Production teams to prioritize and coordinate downtime for sustaining and improvement activities
• Create equipment documentation such as spare parts lists, LOTO SOP, and ECP (PM) SOPs along with conducting associated trainings.
• Participate in brainstorms and design reviews to provide equipment designers with a perspective focused on maximizing up time
• Collaborate with cell component design teams, equipment design teams, process teams, Safety, Quality, Metrology, and Production teams to execute your mission
• Reinforce best practices for equipment usage and maintenance across the team and company

Skills You’ll Need:

• BS or higher degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or similar concentration
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or minimum of 3 years’ experience with a Master’s degree
• Proven experience sustaining and optimizing automated equipment in R&D, Pilot, and/or High-Volume Production

• Expertise in issue triage, mitigation, and resolution is paramount. Utilizing 5 Whys, Ishikawa (fishbone), 8D and FMEA evaluations is highly desired.

• Competent in safe manufacturing practices, especially with motion systems
• PLC experience in at least one language, preferably AB, Mitsubishi, or Siemens
• Familiarity with other automation programs and languages, e.g. Keyence/Cognex vision, Fanuc/Mitsubishi/Denso robotics.
• Experience with DOE style experimentation and statistical analysis of data
• Familiarity with at least one scientific programming language, e.g. Python, R, Matlab, or JSL/JMP
• Knowledge of lithium-ion battery science is a plus

Nice to have:

• Embrace new challenges, learn new techniques, and surpass internal goals
• Curious, hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Shares a real passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities
• Possesses a can-do spirit and is a collaborative leader and teammate
• Organized, meticulous, and has clear written and verbal communication skills

Physical requirements:

• Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox requiring the use of fine motor skills
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Reaching and twisting motions with hands
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

ONSITE: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position. As an on-site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $112,500 to $163,200, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.