PMTS, Process Engineer

QuantumScape Corporation•San Jose, CA

6d•$136,700 - $208,500•Onsite

About The Position

QuantumScape is seeking a highly experienced Process Engineer at the Principal Member of Technical Staff (PMTS) level to own critical manufacturing processes on the Gen 1 battery line. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in precision process engineering, excels at leading complex process investigations, and operates with a high degree of independence to drive process stability, control, and continuous improvement across both the FSD and Development production lines. The Manufacturing and Yield team is a hands-on group of process and manufacturing engineers dedicated to ensuring stable, high-quality Gen 1 battery cell production. We work at the intersection of process control and manufacturing execution — maintaining process stability, driving yield improvement, and resolving excursions across both the FSD and Development production lines. Our team values technical rigor, cross-functional collaboration, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, with 8+ years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; or Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated expertise in precision process engineering in a production or high-precision manufacturing environment, preferably in battery, semiconductor, or related industries.
Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and controlling automated manufacturing processes.
Strong proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), DOE methodology, and data analysis tools (Python, JMP, or equivalent).
Proven ability to independently lead complex process investigations and drive corrective actions to closure.
Experience writing and maintaining SOPs, process specifications, and engineering documentation in a quality-managed environment.
Strong cross-functional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to drive alignment across teams with competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with KNS dispense units or similar high-precision automated dispense platforms.
Background in battery manufacturing, semiconductor, or other high-precision thin-film or materials deposition processes.
Familiarity with CAPA systems, MSA/GRR studies, and CTQ-based process qualification.
Experience supporting process transfer or new product introduction (NPI) to higher-volume production.

Responsibilities

Own assigned manufacturing processes on the Gen 1 battery line, covering both FSD and Development line operations.
Define, maintain, and optimize process recipes, control plans, and process specifications to ensure stability and repeatability.
Establish and maintain process monitoring strategies — including control limits, SPC charts, and response protocols for out-of-control conditions.
Lead process qualification and requalification activities following equipment maintenance, upgrades, or process changes.
Identify yield loss mechanisms and lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, fishbone, 5-Why).
Design and execute DOEs to optimize process parameters, improve process margins, and reduce variability.
Analyze production and metrology data to develop process insights and implement data-driven improvements.
Partner with Quality and Metrology teams to define and maintain CTQ metrics and measurement systems for process-critical attributes.
Diagnose and resolve complex process and equipment interactions, minimizing yield impact and production downtime.
Develop and maintain process-level troubleshooting guides and response procedures for production excursions.
Collaborate with equipment engineers and technicians to ensure process requirements are reflected in maintenance and PM strategies.
Maintain and update SOPs, process specifications, and engineering documentation for all assigned process areas.
Work closely with Manufacturing, Metrology, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure process requirements are understood and met across functions.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on process fundamentals, control strategy, and best practices.
Represent assigned processes in engineering reviews, CRB submissions, and cross-functional technical discussions.
Support process transfer activities to higher-volume production lines, ensuring process knowledge and control strategies are effectively scaled.