Staff Control Engineer at QuantumScape Corporation in California

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.

What we need: Team is seeking a highly skilled Staff level Engineer with extensive technical expertise and at least 10 years of experience to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced automation systems for ultra-thin, heat-resistant ceramic separator design that enables QuantumScape's anode-free lithium-metal architecture and high-energy-density cells. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driving innovation and operational excellence in cell manufacturing processes.

What You’ll do:

• Lead the design and development of complex systems, including PLCs, HMIs, machine vision, and advanced control systems. • Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams, guiding engineers through the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. • Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics using advanced CAD software. • Program and debug complex control systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance optimization. • Conduct thorough risk assessments, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as SEMI, NFPA 79, UL, and local safety regulations. • Validate and test safety circuits, I/O systems, and industrial communication interfaces (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPCUA) to ensure compliance with stringent safety and performance criteria. • Develop detailed equipment specifications and lead quality assurance efforts throughout the design and implementation phases. • Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, assembly teams, and external engineering teams to ensure cross-disciplinary alignment and optimal system performance. • Lead the installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of systems in manufacturing environments, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime. • Communicate effectively with suppliers and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems, ensuring that specifications, timelines, and quality standards are met. • Manage supplier relationships, driving technical discussions and resolving any issues that may arise during procurement, testing, and integration stages. • Support the evaluation of new technologies and suppliers to enhance automation capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing environment.

Skills You’ll Need:

• A BS or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field.

• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and integrating automation systems for manufacturing, including R&D, prototyping, and production environments.

• Advanced proficiency in PLC programming, with deep expertise in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Siemens (TIA Portal), and other automation platforms.

• Expertise in industrial HMI / controls software platform systems (Ignition, etc.), including configuration, monitoring, and integration with production systems.

In-depth knowledge of motion control systems, industrial communication protocols, and safety standards, with proven experience in applying these to manufacturing environments.

• Expertise in Ignition systems, including configuration, monitoring, and integration with production systems.

• Proven track record in leading complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement in automation systems.

• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and system optimization skills with a collaborative and leadership-oriented mindset.

• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and external vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality components and systems.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge with machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) and their application in advanced automation.
• Experience with 6-axis robotics (FANUC preferred, KUKA secondary) and their integration into automation systems.
• Strong experience with CAD software (SolidWorks) for electrical and mechanical design, with the ability to create detailed schematics, BOMs, and interlock systems.

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 $136,700 to $208,500 and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience, educational background and internal equity. 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.