Title:  FIB/SEM Applications & Operations Engineer, Principal Member of Technical Staff

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 Microscopy and Physical Characterization team is a cross-collaborative, diverse group of engineers and technicians that provides analytical, chemical, and structural feedback to every technical org within QS.  The team interacts with all materials in our solid-state battery manufacturing processing and is the “eyes” of the company to assist in failure analysis, ICQ, process control feedback, and spec development.    

What we need: The Microscopy and Physical Characterization team is seeking a mid-level FIB/SEM applications and operations engineer with a high aptitude for problem solving and building new, sustainable support systems.  You will support the internal team by (1) developing automation systems for microscopy and physical characterization processes and data analysis and (2) reinforce day-to-day operational needs.  You will support the company by developing new quantification tools to provide numerical feedback permitting the unlocking of new statistical and process insights.  Through these activities, you will help accelerate and drive our R&D processes into highly reliability, scalable production process.  Come join our team!

What You’ll do:

• Develop, iterate, and maintain either python based or visual scripting based programs that automate new FIB/SEM processes, improve routine FIB/SEM process step efficiency, or drive less technician manual intervention during automated procedures.
• Responsible for training technicians and engineers on adoption and implementation, troubleshooting, and modification of automated programs.
• Optimize, develop, train, and provide support for team sample preparation methods and data analysis techniques.
• Collaborate closely with and deliver timely results for colleagues in failure analysis, pack design, separator production, and cathode production while providing high-quality technical insights and recommendations.
• Deliver high-quality/volume analysis of samples while meeting sampling goals with minimal errors

Skills You’ll Need:

• Ph.D. and 6+ years of experience, Masters and 8+ years of experience, or Bachelors and 10+ years of experience with a degree focus in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field. 
• Proficiency in at least one type of programming language (e.g. Python, Java, Script, R, etc.).
• 2+ years of experience operating Dual Beam FIB or PFIB.
• Experience preparing samples in inert and dry environments, such as glove boxes and dry rooms.
• Must have highly developed written and verbal cross-functional communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail in high-precision environments.
• Motivated by new challenges and embraces learning new techniques
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities.
• Ability to work into evenings, weekends and flexibility to cover shift gaps on short notice

Nice to have:

• 2+ years of experience setting up XCT scans and analyzing and manipulating XCT data sets.
• Experience with Thermo Fisher Scientific or FEI dual beam tools.
• Experience with semiconductor FA techniques such as but not limited to: XIVA, TIVA, OBRICH, EBIC, EMMI, etc.
• Experience with broad ion beam (BIB) milling tools. 

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, wrists
• 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 $160,700 to $217,000, 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.