Separator R&D Engineer NGP
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. We are a core part of the R&D division dedicated to advancing proprietary solid-state battery technology. Our team focuses specifically on improving the physical, mechanical, and electrical performance characteristics of our ceramic separator material. We conduct daily material synthesis, processing, and sophisticated characterization to establish and refine the key performance indicators (KPIs) driving future innovation. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled new college graduate with a strong background in Materials Science to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on R&D experience by owning projects focused on ceramic material improvement, leveraging a solid foundation in experimental design and data-driven analysis.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- 0–1 years of hands‑on experience in materials synthesis, processing, or characterization within an academic or industry laboratory setting.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with materials synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques.
- Solid theoretical and practical understanding of experimental design and statistical data analysis.
- Demonstrated commitment to meticulous data recording and rigorous adherence to complex experimental protocols.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear technical documentation and collaboration.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment and demonstrate a strong sense of urgency.
Nice To Haves
- Prior hands-on experience with ceramic material synthesis and processing techniques.
- Experience working in controlled environments such as dry-rooms or clean-rooms.
- A proven ability to approach problems with an "out-of-the-box" thinking mindset.
Responsibilities
- Independently design, scope, and manage an exciting, defined R&D project from concept through maturity.
- Implement designed experiments, collaborating closely with both junior and senior team members.
- Perform extensive materials characterization using techniques such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and others.
- Apply rigorous data processing and statistical analysis methods to interpret results, draw data-informed conclusions, and determine next steps.
- Spend a significant amount of time conducting hands-on work in specialized lab settings, including dry-rooms and fume hoods, utilizing novel equipment and instrumentation.
- Clearly document processes, analyze findings, and formally present project results and recommendations to the technical team.
Benefits
- annual bonus
- generous RSU/Equity package
- employee paid health care
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
