What we need: We are seeking a motivated Operations Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced production environment. This is a floor-based role focused on keeping production equipment running reliably, identifying and resolving yield losses, and supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate is highly hands-on, data-driven, and effective at working directly with operators and technicians to maintain and improve line performance on our Generation 1 battery manufacturing line.
What You'll Do:Floor Operations & Equipment Support- Serve as the primary on-floor engineering resource for assigned manufacturing tools and process stations on the Gen 1 battery manufacturing line.
- Work side-by-side with operators and technicians to ensure equipment is running within specification and production targets are met.
- Monitor tool performance in real time, respond promptly to alarms or abnormalities, and coordinate rapid containment actions to minimize production impact.
- Perform hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical and process-related equipment issues, escalating to appropriate teams when needed.
- Ensure all assigned equipment and workstations are maintained, calibrated, and documented in accordance with established schedules and requirements.
Yield Improvement- Analyze production data to identify yield loss patterns, quality trends, and recurring defects across cathode manufacturing processes.
- Use data tools (e.g., SPC charts, control plans, dashboards) to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and highlight areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement practical, floor-level engineering controls to address root causes of yield loss.
- Build and maintain monitoring tools and reports that help operators and engineers make timely, informed decisions.
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving- Lead structured root cause analyses (RCAs) for equipment and yield-related issues directly on the production floor.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to resolution, tracking progress and verifying effectiveness.
- Identify potential failure modes in assigned tools and processes, and implement mitigation strategies to improve reliability.
- Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting guides, and work instructions for assigned manufacturing areas.
- Ensure all process changes are properly documented and implemented through change control.
Collaboration & Communication- Collaborate closely with cross functional teams to sustain line performance and address production challenges.
- Present clear, concise findings and recommended actions to team leads and stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Support equipment qualification activities and process change implementations as directed by senior engineering staff.
- Maintain and update SOPs, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides for assigned production areas.
Automation & Continuous Improvement- Drive throughput and efficiency improvements across assigned production tools and processes.
- Develop automation tools and scripts to streamline data collection, monitoring, and routine engineering tasks.
- Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve the reliability and repeatability of production processes.
Skills You'll Need:- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of hands-on manufacturing or production engineering experience; or a Master's degree and 1+ in a related field.
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably in battery, semiconductor, or other high-precision, high-volume industries.
- Hands-on proficiency in process monitoring and equipment troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), control charting, and data-driven process monitoring.
- Proficiency in Python, JMP, or equivalent data analysis tools for production monitoring, reporting, and automation.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
- Proven ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities independently and follow through to completion with minimal supervision.
Nice to Have- Experience with electrochemical systems or battery manufacturing.
- Familiarity with CAPA processes and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, fishbone, 5-Why).
- Experience writing or updating SOPs and engineering documentation in a regulated or quality-managed environment.
Physical Requirements- Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox environment; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods; reaching and twisting motions with hands.
- Lifting up to 25 lbs.
Onsite: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week. As a manufacturing operations organization, in-person presence is essential to supporting floor operations, building effective working relationships, and fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.
Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $88,600 to $128,500 and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience, educational background and internal equity. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits.
