Principal Systems Engineer (Job #AK-1031)

Quantumscape; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

QuantumScape is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to conceptualize, develop, and validate manufacturing equipment and process technology for scalable production of solid-state lithium-metal batteries in San Jose, CA. You will lead pilot-scale cell design, work with OEMs on design requirements, and drive advanced manufacturing system validation.

The role requires a Master’s degree (or bachelor’s with broader experience) in engineering and 6–8 years in hardware manufacturing or design.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Controls, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 6 years of experience in hardware manufacturing or design engineering.
• Alternative: Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of progressive experience in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• 5 years of experience managing equipment projects to meet deadlines.
• 5 years of experience with thermal and mechanical simulation.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and validate manufacturing equipment and process technology for scale manufacturing of solid-state batteries.
• Lead pilot-scale cell design and assembly programs.
• Work with OEMs to specify cell design requirements based on thermal and mechanical simulations.
• Serve as SME in equipment design, validation, and high-speed manufacturing systems.
• Drive DFx, process control, and cost considerations with Product Design & R&D teams.
• Drive FMEA and OEE considerations early in product development.
• Manage external machine integrators from RFP to FAT/SAT and handoff to manufacturing.

Skills

Hardware manufacturing

Design engineering

Thermal simulation

Mechanical simulation

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Controls/Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree + 6+ years experience

Job description

Title: Principal Systems Engineer (Job #AK-1031)

Location: CA, US, 95131

Work Location Type: On-site

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.

Principal Systems Engineer (Job #AK-1031)

SAN JOSE, CA

FULL-TIME

Job Description:

• Conceptualize, develop, and validate manufacturing equipment and process technology to enable scale manufacturing of the company’s solid‑state lithium‑metal batteries.
• Lead pilot‑scale cell design and assembly programs.
• Work directly with original equipment manufacturers to specify cell design requirements based on thermal and mechanical simulation.
• Serve as subject matter expert in equipment design, design validation and development of high‑speed manufacturing systems.
• Develop a strong partnership with Product Design & R&D teams to drive Design for Manufacturability / Design for Assembly , process control and simplicity considerations to enable high volume and cost.
• Drive Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and Overall Equipment Efficiency considerations as far upstream in product development as possible.
• Manage external machine integrators from Request for Proposal, Request for Quote through Factory Acceptance Test / Site Acceptance Test and subsequent handoff to manufacturing teams.
• Generate machine system specifications, interfaces, and concept designs.
• Manage technical risks and drive design validation throughout the project lifecycle.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6 years of experience working in hardware manufacturing or design engineering.
• Employer will accept a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 8 years of progressive experience working in hardware manufacturing or design engineering in lieu of a Master’s degree or equivalent and 6 years of experience.
• Work experience to include: (1) 5 years of experience (or 7 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree) managing equipment projects to meet deadlines amidst changing requirements and priorities. (2) 5 years of experience with thermal and mechanical simulation, modeling, and experimental validation. (3) 3 years of experience manufacturing scale‑up and transferring technologies from research to commercialization.
• Any and all experience may be gained concurrently.
• Position requires 10% international travel; expenses paid by employer.
• 40 hours/week.
• Salary: $220,470 to $ 232,400 per year .
• Address of employment: QuantumScape Battery, Inc. located at 1710 Automation Parkway, San Jose, CA 95131.

This position is eligible for employee referrals.

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.