Title:  Senior Operations 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.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this hands-on role, you will work closely with technicians on the floor, manage operators, and solve complex operational issues. This position is essential to drive continuous improvement in our production processes, ensuring safety, quality and throughput goals are consistently met. You will be responsible for managing and optimizing processes, troubleshooting, and ensuring the successful execution of new and existing operations.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of production processes to improve efficiency, product quality, and throughput.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operation, quality, and development engineers to troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues.
•    Oversee and guide technicians and operators on the floor to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and performance standards.
•    Conduct root cause analysis and provide actionable solutions to resolve operational challenges, both for ongoing processes and in response to line excursions.
•    Manage process improvement projects, ensuring timely delivery while meeting quality and throughput objectives.
•    Design and implement new operational techniques and tools for continuous improvement.
•    Ensure that process changes and improvements are documented through formal change control processes.
•    Perform data analysis and utilize statistical methods (e.g., SPC, DOE) to evaluate process performance and support decision-making.
•    Monitor process performance, identify areas for improvement, and drive corrective actions as necessary.
•    Provide hands-on support in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to automated and manual equipment on the production floor.
 

Qualifications:
•    5+ years of industry experience & a BS degree (or 3+ years of industry experience and a Master's degree) with a focus in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
•    Minimum of 3 years of experience in a production or process engineering role or relevant experiences, with at least 2 years in a senior or leadership capacity.
•    Strong hands-on experience in managing operations, with an ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex process issues on the floor.
•    Proven track record in implementing process improvements and scaling up operations, preferably in high-volume production environments.
•    Familiarity with battery or batter material processes, including those related to electrochemical energy storage devices (e.g., lithium-ion or solid-state batteries) is a plus.
•    Proficiency in data analysis techniques and statistical tools (e.g., DOE, SPC, FMEA) for process optimization is a plus.
•    Knowledge of safety and quality standards, particularly in relation to handling chemicals, powders, and other potentially hazardous materials.
•    Familiarity with process control software, scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, JMP), and/or automation is a plus.
 

Desired Attributes:
•    A hands-on, problem-solving mindset, eager to tackle challenges on the production floor.
•    Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams, including technicians, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
•    Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and ensuring operational efficiency.
•    Strong leadership capabilities to guide and motivate teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
•    Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changing priorities and challenges in an innovative industry.

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 $134,800 to $205,600, 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.