Title:  Director, Automation Systems Engineering

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 Hardware, Automation & Metrology team provides custom automation and metrology solutions for the assembly of QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium metal batteries. We develop these tools either completely in-house or by working together with partners and system integrators. We also provide the required software systems to collect and analyze data on our production process.

What we need: We are looking for a Director, Automation Systems Engineering (CMTS) to lead automation systems development for our Hardware, Automation & Metrology organization. This leader will set technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up automation programs, drive end-to-end equipment delivery (concept through handoff to manufacturing), and partner cross-functionally to enable safe, reliable, and scalable manufacturing of our solid-state lithium-metal batteries. This role requires broad latitude, strong technical judgment, and proven people leadership across one or more areas. Experience working with electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, fuel cells, or similar technologies is highly desired. The following are success factors for this position:

• 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

What You’ll do:

• Lead commissioning and qualification activities for equipment on our current and future pilot lines, ensuring safe start-up, robust validation, and operational readiness
• Set the technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up cell assembly automation programs, ensuring alignment to product and operations priorities
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of automation systems engineers; establish operating standards, technical best practices, and talent development plans
• Build strong partnerships with Cell Design, Process R&D, Metrology, Operations, Quality, Safety, Facilities, and Data/MES to drive DFM/DFA, process control, and manufacturability for high volume and cost targets
• Institutionalize PFMEA, OEE, reliability, and maintainability considerations upstream in product and process development; define governance and review cadence to manage technical and program risk
• Own strategic supplier and system integrator relationships (RFP/RFQ through FAT/SAT), including technical governance, resourcing, schedule alignment, and performance management through handoff to manufacturing
• Manage technical and program risk across the automation portfolio; establish design validation strategy, drive executive-level tradeoffs, and ensure predictable delivery through the project lifecycle

Skills You’ll Need:

• BS or higher degree in mechanical, electrical, controls, mechatronics, robotics, or related engineering field
• 12+ years of relevant experience (or MS+10 years / PhD+8 years) delivering complex automation/equipment programs in R&D-to-manufacturing environments; 5+ years of people leadership (hiring, developing, and managing senior professionals and/or managers)
• Strong command of automation system design and industrial controls (e.g., Allen Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robots, Ignition HMIs or equivalent) and the ability to set engineering standards across teams and suppliers
• Experience designing and deploying high precision equipment in cleanroom and dry room environments, with strong safety, EHS, and uptime mindset
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing processes and transferring complex technologies from research to pilot and commercialization, including establishing qualification/validation approaches
• Breadth across high-speed automation, industrial sensors, vision/metrology, and manufacturing data systems; comfortable driving interfaces with MES/SCADA and data stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-program portfolio in a fast-changing environment, including prioritization, resource planning, and clear communication to executive and cross-functional stakeholders

Nice to have:

• Knowledge or experience of lithium-ion, solid-state battery, or fuel cell manufacturing is highly desired
• Experience building and leading teams, including setting strategy, developing managers/tech leads, and driving execution through cross-functional groups

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 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 $155,300 to $236,900 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.