Title:  Principal Electrical Controls Engineer

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.

You will be responsible for aiding the design, build, test and ongoing support of custom automated equipment which is integral to the company’s success. You will work with team members across the company to determine the specifications and capabilities of the equipment. Your responsibilities will include design, analysis, debugging, testing, and modification of systems with the goal of increasing capability, uptime, quality, and yield of the process. Equipment design, automation, and integration from R&D to manufacturing environments. Significant experience in the design and implementation of automated manufacturing equipment is required to be successful in this position. 

Requirements:
•    Responsibilities develop, troubleshoot and continuously improve controls software and system through the full lifecycle, from process specification to software requirements, architecture, implementation algorithms, coding, testing, and production.  
•    Equipment design function, develops and implements concepts for range of significantly complex product issues and engineering solutions, lead and/or execute engineering projects/programs.
•    Design and execute experiments to evaluate new tools/processes and bring them to our production line.
•    Technically lead and/or execute engineering projects and spearhead research and development of new technologies, as appropriate.
•    Problem identification and troubleshooting a wide range of significantly complex engineering problems.
•    Generate tool/ equipment specifications.
•    Solves unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business; requires conceptual and innovative thinking to develop solutions.
•    Define, coordinate, perform, and document engineering test reports.
•    Perform engineering analysis of difficult scope.
•    Work with a team to root cause and address problem statements.
•    Communicate results to the broader team.
•    Ability to work well individually and in a team driven environment.
•    Excellent hands-on troubleshooting of electrical and automated systems. Direct hands-on experience on automation control for roll-to-roll processing equipment.
•    Excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude.
•    Regarded as the technical expert in building high temperature equipment, control application development of servo, actuator, vacuum generator/pump, sensors such as T/Cs, RTDs, pressure sensors, location/distance/presence sensors, encoders.
•    Leads projects with notable risk and complexity; develops the strategy for project execution
•    Additional responsibilities include, technical mentoring as required within the engineering group, help professional and personal development. 
 

Minimum Requirements
•    Requires a bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ experience or a master’s degree and 8+ years’ experience or Ph.D. and 6+ years of industry experience. Preferred degree in in mechatronics, electrical or software. 
•    Preferred: Automation equipment design and development experience - High speed automation, robotic, vision, material handling, conveyors, PLC, HMI, etc.
•    Experience in the design of robotics systems and automated capital equipment. Experience with roll-to-roll processing equipment is highly desired.
•    Experience in the design and optimization of temperature-controlled equipment and furnaces. 
•    Experience with electrical and Control system documentation, including System Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, BOM, Control Enclosure Layout, Power and Interlock Schematics.
•    Experienced in CAD.
•    Experience with supplier management and collaborating with remote engineering teams.
•    Strong PLC and HMI programming experience, Allen-Bradley preferred
•    Experience creating project documentation, strong understanding of tool systems and controls, including motion control, industrial interfaces (Ethernet/IP, serial communications, Ethernet, etc.) and safety interlocks.
•    Good written and spoken communication skills
•    Multi-tasking ability, priority management and sense of urgency. Able to work under pressure per tight schedule
•    Knowledge of system and parts reliability
•    Hands-on experience developing applications using servomotors, linear/rotary actuators, encoders, and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, and distance.
•    Experience designing electrical and control systems to meet electrical design standards, codes, and other requirements. A strong understanding of SEMI (S2, S8, S22 and F47), NFPA 79 and UL standards.
•    Experience supporting the installation and transitioning of early research and development prototypes into production-ready capital equipment.
•    Experience with supplier management and/or collaborating with remote engineering teams will be a plus.
•    Willingness to take on responsibilities outside of normal scope and take a collaborative approach to solving problems.
•    Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude required.
•    5% travel required.
 

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: Salary range for this role has a range of $152,850 to $233,100, 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 exciting perks.

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.