Senior Director of EHSS

QuantumScape Corporation•San Jose, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

QuantumScape is seeking a Senior Director of EHSS to lead all aspects of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) strategy development and implementation. This executive leadership role will oversee environmental protection, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, functional safety, safe equipment design/installation/operation, emergency response, ESG initiatives, safety culture implementation, executive communication, and employee development. The ideal candidate is a high-integrity leader who makes risk assessment-based decisions and prefers building practical, high-impact systems. This role is crucial for overseeing all EHSS aspects of a complex operation that bridges cutting-edge lithium battery R&D with manufacturing.

Requirements

Master’s Degree required in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Occupational Health, or a related technical field.
20+ years of progressive EHSS experience.
At least 10+ years in an employee management role overseeing diverse teams.
Proven track record in battery, semiconductor, or advanced hardware manufacturing involving complex chemical usage, hazardous waste management, safety systems, and safety leadership.
A grounded, mission-driven executive who values practical safety solutions over administrative overhead.
Exceptional ability to translate complex technical risks into clear, actionable guidance for the CEO and the frontline workforce alike.
Ability to build a legacy of safety and sustainability.
Ability to manage processes and systems.
Ability to interface with multiple departments and external customers.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

PhD. preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the executive leader of all aspects of EHSS Strategy Development and Implementation, Environmental Protection, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Functional Safety, Safe Equipment Design/Installation/Operation, Emergency Response, ESG Initiatives, Safety Culture implementation, Executive communication, and Employee Development.
Create a vision, strategic and tactical plans to meet the vision, and allocate resources appropriately to ensure success.
Communicate from Leadership to Technicians using appropriate methods and protocols.
Develop and manage the EHSS budget, resource allocation, and a multi-year strategic roadmap that scales with the company’s growth.
Design and implement Safety programs tailored specifically to lithium battery R&D and Manufacturing.
Lead the Safety Council.
Oversee Incident Investigation programs, ensuring a culture where reporting is encouraged and root causes lead to systemic engineering controls.
Manage Hazardous Materials in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Establish rigorous, common-sense protocols for the procurement, handling, storage, and usage of a variety of chemicals.
Direct the company’s Hazardous Waste program, ensuring 100% compliance with RCRA and local regulations for Large Quantity Generators (LQG).
Oversee company strategy around recycling.
Lead the design and maintenance of specialized fire protection strategies for our technology, including thermal runaway mitigation and chemical containment.
Understand and oversee Functional Safety from Equipment Design to Disposition.
Lead EHSS training creation and delivery aligned with current technology such as the use of AI in creating hazard specific classes.
Manage and mentor a multi-disciplinary EHSS team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering professional development.
Serve as a visible leader on the manufacturing floor and in the labs, bridging the gap between PhD researchers and production technicians.
Cultivate a "Culture of Safety" where integrity, the alignment of thought and action, is the standard for every employee.
Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, DOT) and manage all environmental permitting.
Drive sustainability initiatives that focus on the material circularity of lithium batteries and reducing the carbon intensity of the production process.
Ensure all products and shipping procedures meet global DOT/IATA standards for the transport of batteries.