Process Engineer, PMTS
QuantumScape
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 Manufacturing and Yield team is a hands-on group of engineers and technicians dedicated to optimizing QuantumScape’s production processes. We work at the intersection of research and manufacturing—driving improvements in safety, quality, and throughput as we bring our groundbreaking battery technology from lab to scale. Our team values collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
What we need: We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Process Engineer who excels at solving complex process challenges and leading cross-functional initiatives. This role requires a hands-on, floor-oriented approach where you will take ownership of key production processes, working directly with operators and engineers to maintain line throughput, yield, and performance. You will also develop, optimize, and troubleshoot automated production processes while collaborating with Operations, R&D, Automation, Quality, and Specification teams to improve throughput, efficiency, and yield. You will lead the introduction of new processes, identify bottlenecks and failure points, and implement both short- and long-term mitigation strategies, including control plans. A strong background in electrochemical energy storage and mechanical/data aptitude are highly desirable for success in this position.
What You’ll do:
- Be a process owner on the one or a few manufacturing processes, working side-by-side with Operations and other engineers to maintain and improve production throughput, efficiency and yield.
- Monitor process performance in real time, respond quickly to abnormalities, and lead efforts to contain and correct issues.
- Use production data to identify process inefficiencies, yield loss, and quality trends, and act on findings through engineering controls and improvement plans.
- Develop and maintain SPC charts, control plans, and other tools to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintain process health.
- Support structured root cause investigations (RCAs) and lead or coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Build dashboards, tools, and reports that help operators and engineers make faster, more informed decisions.
- Collaborate with Quality, R&D, and Automation teams on process qualifications, scaling efforts, and technology transfers.
- Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and documentation related to assigned processes.
- Lead projects to introduce and qualify new processes for automated production
- Navigate the continuous improvement process with automation groups to enhance tool performance and product quality
- Collaborate with R&D teams to validate new materials or processes on existing tooling to improve cell yield and reliability
- Identify potential process or tool failure modes and develop robust mitigation strategies
- Take ownership of process failures and spearhead root cause analysis and corrective actions directly on the production floor
- Present clear findings and actionable next steps to stakeholders on a routine basis
Skills You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree & 10+ years of experience, Master’s Degree & 8+ years of experience, or PhD& 6+ years of experience with an education focus in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Strong understanding of batteries and relevant electrochemical metrics
- Strong proficiency in Python, JMP, or data analysis equivalent
- Experience in mechanical design and hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical systems
- Proven track record of driving projects to completion with little oversight
- Highly developed written and verbal cross-functional communication skills
Nice to have:
- Hands-on research experience in device assembly from battery, semiconductor, or other high-volume/high-precision manufacturing industry
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 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.