Title:  Microscopy Intern

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.

Microscopy Intern Job Description 

Job Overview:  In this role you will work to improve solid-state battery physical characterization; process dev, feedback, and control; failure analysis; and image processing. Our ideal team member can work independently and efficiently in large teams and is capable of driving projects to completion ahead of schedule.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Responsible for preparing samples, entering and uploading data, and interpreting and editing test requests. 

• Maintain a clear, concise shift passdown, lab notebook, and equipment maintenance records and work with databases.  

• Ability to work diligently and independently – and collaboratively. 

• Labeling and segmenting images for quantitative metric generation. 

• Performing cell tear downs and documenting cell disassembly process steps. 

• Monitor and record key parameters during tests and apply "on your feet" critical problem skills to consistently deliver reliable, valuable test results. 

• Perform statistical data analyses to analyze the results of experimentation, and guide decision making. 

• Effectively communicate findings to stakeholders to drive actions. 

• OM/SEM/FIB operation for analysis of samples. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Working towards Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physica, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields. 

• Experience with troubleshooting complex problem statements, design of experiments to test problem statement hypotheses, and then implementing corrective actions. 

• Excellent technical communication and collaboration skills even to peers with different backgrounds. 

• A self-motivated and hands-on problem solver. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Knowledgeable about battery cell materials, components, assembly, and failure modes. 

• Experience with chemical handling, sample preparations, and hazardous waste disposal. 

• Experience preparing samples in an inert environment, such as glovebox operations, sample preparation (e.g. electrode depositions). 

• Experience with analytical tools and techniques (optical microscopy, ion milling, XCT). 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Motivated by new challenges and embrace learning new techniques and refining existing techniques. 

• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities.  

• Comfortable working with computer quality systems and databases.  

• Autonomous, personable, positive and a good teammate, communicator. 

• Demonstrate a track record of delivering on your commitments under ambitious schedules. 

• You are organized, detail-oriented and a have clear written and verbal communication skills 

Physical Requirements: 

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

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.