Power Electronics Lead

QuantumScape Corporation•San Jose, CA

1d•$155,300 - $236,900•Onsite

About The Position

QuantumScape is seeking a Power Electronics Lead to own the complete power conversion architecture for their solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. This role involves designing the entire power stage, from AC mains or 48V DC bus input to regulated output rails, including the bidirectional charge/discharge path for the integrated battery pack. The Lead will be the technical decision-maker for topology choices that impact all other disciplines on the team. This is a unique opportunity to design a power platform from scratch with a transformative battery technology.

Requirements

10+ years designing multi-kW AC-DC or DC-DC power converters that shipped in volume
Deep expertise in at least two converter topologies (LLC, PSFB, DAB, CLLC, or equivalent)
Hands-on magnetics design experience (core selection, winding strategy, loss modeling)
Experience with digital power control (working with DSP/MCU-based compensators, not just analog)
Track record in server PSU, telecom rectifier, EVonboard charger, or comparable high-density power product
Proficiency with simulation tools (PLECS, LTspice, Simplis, PSIM, or equivalent)
Comfortable leading technical direction and mentoring a small cross-functional team

Nice To Haves

GaN or SiC wide-bandgap device design experience
Familiarity with 48V or high-voltage DC bus architectures
Experience with bidirectional power converters (critical for integrated battery path)
Knowledge of OCP Open Rack/ ORv3 power delivery specs
Prior exposure to battery charging systems (CC-CV profiles, temperature-dependent rate limits)
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing (Typhoon HIL, PLECS RT Box)

Responsibilities

Architect the 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, in-line vs. parallel sidecar battery integration
Design magnetics (planar transformers, coupled inductors) and select power semiconductors (GaN/SiC FETs, diodes) with thermal derating analysis
Define and drive efficiency targets (97%+ titanium-class at rack load) and power density goals within a lOU or 20U shelf envelope
Collaborate closely with the firmware/embedded engineer on digital control loop implementation (voltage/current mode compensation, loop bandwidth, phase margin)
Work with the battery systems engineer to define the charge/discharge power path, voltage window, and current limits for solid-state cells
Design protection circuits (OCP, OVP, OTP, short-circuit) and define fault response behavior
Bring up and validate prototype power stages on the bench, iterating through bringup, thermal characterization, and efficiency optimization
Interface with the PCB layout contractor to ensure EMI-conscious layout, proper creepage/clearance, and power plane integrity