Director, Automation Systems Engineering

QuantumScape Corporation • San Jose, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Hardware, Automation & Metrology team provides custom automation and metrology solutions for the assembly of QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium metal batteries. We develop these tools either completely in-house or by working together with partners and system integrators. We also provide the required software systems to collect and analyze data on our production process.

What we need: We are looking for a Director, Automation Systems Engineering (CMTS) to lead automation systems development for our Hardware, Automation & Metrology organization. This leader will set technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up automation programs, drive end-to-end equipment delivery (concept through handoff to manufacturing), and partner cross-functionally to enable safe, reliable, and scalable manufacturing of our solid-state lithium-metal batteries. This role requires broad latitude, strong technical judgment, and proven people leadership across one or more areas. Experience working with electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, fuel cells, or similar technologies is highly desired. The following are success factors for this position:

Embrace new challenges, learn new techniques, and surpass internal goals
Curious, hands-on approach to problem-solving
Shares a real passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future
Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities
Possesses a can-do spirit and is a collaborative leader and teammate
Organized, meticulous, and has clear written and verbal communication skills

Requirements

• BS or higher degree in mechanical, electrical, controls, mechatronics, robotics, or related engineering field
• 12+ years of relevant experience (or MS+10 years / PhD+8 years) delivering complex automation/equipment programs in R&D-to-manufacturing environments; 5+ years of people leadership (hiring, developing, and managing senior professionals and/or managers)
• Strong command of automation system design and industrial controls (e.g., Allen Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robots, Ignition HMIs or equivalent) and the ability to set engineering standards across teams and suppliers
• Experience designing and deploying high precision equipment in cleanroom and dry room environments, with strong safety, EHS, and uptime mindset
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing processes and transferring complex technologies from research to pilot and commercialization, including establishing qualification/validation approaches
• Breadth across high-speed automation, industrial sensors, vision/metrology, and manufacturing data systems; comfortable driving interfaces with MES/SCADA and data stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-program portfolio in a fast-changing environment, including prioritization, resource planning, and clear communication to executive and cross-functional stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge or experience of lithium-ion, solid-state battery, or fuel cell manufacturing is highly desired
• Experience building and leading teams, including setting strategy, developing managers/tech leads, and driving execution through cross-functional groups

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and qualification activities for equipment on our current and future pilot lines, ensuring safe start-up, robust validation, and operational readiness
• Set the technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up cell assembly automation programs, ensuring alignment to product and operations priorities
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of automation systems engineers; establish operating standards, technical best practices, and talent development plans
• Build strong partnerships with Cell Design, Process R&D, Metrology, Operations, Quality, Safety, Facilities, and Data/MES to drive DFM/DFA, process control, and manufacturability for high volume and cost targets
• Institutionalize PFMEA, OEE, reliability, and maintainability considerations upstream in product and process development; define governance and review cadence to manage technical and program risk
• Own strategic supplier and system integrator relationships (RFP/RFQ through FAT/SAT), including technical governance, resourcing, schedule alignment, and performance management through handoff to manufacturing
• Manage technical and program risk across the automation portfolio; establish design validation strategy, drive executive-level tradeoffs, and ensure predictable delivery through the project lifecycle

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees