Director, Quality Systems
About The Position
QuantumScape is seeking a Director, Quality Systems to lead the Quality Systems pillar within the Quality & Reliability organization. This role is crucial for establishing and maintaining the company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards. The Director will be responsible for building scalable quality systems that transition from R&D to high-volume commercial production. Key responsibilities include owning the QMS backbone, leading governance bodies like the Change Review Board (CRB) and Material Review Board (MRB), managing the internal audit program and CAPA system, driving quality methodology and culture, establishing QMS metrics, and building a high-performing team. The role requires a strong focus on prevention, lean principles, and fostering a culture where quality is a value-add and a shared responsibility. The Director will collaborate with other Quality & Reliability pillars to ensure end-to-end quality consistency.
Requirements
- Deep, hands-on expertise in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems – certification, internal audit leadership, document control, CRB/MRB governance, and CAPA discipline
- Working knowledge of supplier quality fundamentals (APQP, PPAP, IQC) sufficient to partner effectively with the Supplier Quality pillar on incoming-material acceptance and excursions
- Demonstrated proficiency with core quality tools – 8D, root cause analysis, FMEA, SPC, MSA, control plans – and the lean problem-solving mindset of waste elimination and prevention over detection
- Proven leadership track record – building and leading multi-disciplinary quality teams of 8+ engineers and auditors, and developing individual contributors and emerging leads
- Highly developed written and verbal cross-functional communication skills – able to engage credibly with executives, suppliers, and shop floor teams, and to surface problems clearly without softening the message
- 12+ years of progressive quality experience in regulated, high-volume manufacturing – with at least 3 years in management or equivalent leadership roles in Quality Systems
- B.S. required in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related technical discipline
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing – or another industry where particle control, contamination control, and zero-defect supplier expectations are non-negotiable
- Familiarity with NPI quality gate processes, control plan deployment in dry room / glovebox environments, and the transition from R&D-stage quality systems to high-volume commercial QMS
- Advanced degree (M.S. or MBA) and ASQ CQE / CQM / CQA / Lead Auditor certifications
Responsibilities
- Own and continuously improve QuantumScape’s Quality Management System (QMS) including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 compliance, internal and external audit programs, document control / PLM-Vault integration, and the Quality Manual – ensuring the system serves the business, not the other way around
- Lead the Change Review Board (CRB) and Material Review Board (MRB) as cross-functional governance bodies with full mandate across all five Quality & Reliability pillars – driving disciplined decision-making on changes, deviations, and non-conforming material
- Own the internal audit program and CAPA system – driving on-time closure, effective root cause, and prevention of recurrence rather than audit theater
- Drive quality methodology, training, and culture across the organization – including 8D, root cause analysis, lean problem solving, statistical methods, and the philosophy of surfacing problems early over status reporting
- Establish and report QMS metrics that connect to corporate priorities (Reliability, Product, Gen 2 Readiness, Commercial, Finance) – making quality performance visible at the executive level and tying it directly to yield, scrap, and shippable output
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team of quality systems professionals and auditors – creating clear ownership at every handoff in the quality chain and growing the next generation of talent
- Partner with Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality (Spec Development & Process Metrology, Process Quality, ORT, OQA/OQC), Product Quality & Reliability (NPI gates, product FMEA, safety testing), and Customer Quality to ensure system-level quality standards are consistent end-to-end
Benefits
- annual bonus
- generous RSU/Equity package
- employee paid health care
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
