Power Electronics Lead: End-to-End High-Density Power

QuantumScape; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

QuantumScape in San Jose, CA is seeking a Power Electronics Lead to own the end-to-end power conversion architecture for a solid-state battery platform. You will be the chief engineer for the power stage and the technical decision-maker whose topology choices cascade to every other discipline.

You will define efficiency targets, design magnetics and select semiconductors, guide digital control loops with firmware, and collaborate with battery and PCB teams to ensure EMI-conscious layouts and

Qualifications

• 10+ years designing multi-kW AC-DC or DC-DC power converters that shipped in volume.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 12+ years experience or Master’s degree plus 10+ years or PhD with 8+ years.
• Deep expertise in LLC, PSFB, DAB, CLLC, or equivalent.
• Hands-on magnetics design experience (core selection, winding strategy, loss modeling).
• Experience with digital power control (DSP/MCU-based compensators).
• Track record in server PSU, telecom rectifier, EV onboard charger, or comparable high-density power product.
• Proficiency with simulation tools (PLECS, LTspice, Simplis, PSIM, or equivalent).
• Comfortable leading technical direction and mentoring a cross-functional team.

Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end power conversion topology (AC-DC front end, intermediate bus, DC-DC output stage, bidirectional battery converter path).
• Lead topology trade-off analysis: LLC resonant, phase-shifted full bridge, hybrid approaches, inline vs parallel sidecar integration.
• Design magnetics (planar transformers, coupled inductors) and select power semiconductors with thermal derating analysis.
• Define and drive efficiency targets and power density goals within a rack/shelf envelope.
• Collaborate closely with firmware/embedded engineer on digital control loop implementation.
• Work with the battery systems engineer to define the charge/discharge path, voltage window, and current limits.
• Design protection circuits and fault response behavior.
• Bring up and validate prototype power stages, perform thermal characterization and efficiency optimization.
• Interface with PCB layout contractor to ensure EMI-conscious layout and power plane integrity.

Skills

Power converters design

Topologies expertise

Magnetics design

Digital power control

High-density power products

Circuit simulation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 12+ years

Master’s degree + 10+ years

Ph.D. + 8+ years

Tools

PLECS

LTspice

PSIM

Simplis

Typhoon HIL

Job description

QuantumScape in San Jose, CA is seeking a Power Electronics Lead to own the end-to-end power conversion architecture for a solid-state battery platform. You will be the chief engineer for the power stage and the technical decision-maker whose topology choices cascade to every other discipline.

You will define efficiency targets, design magnetics and select semiconductors, guide digital control loops with firmware, and collaborate with battery and PCB teams to ensure EMI-conscious layouts and