What we need: We are 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.
What You'll Do:Process Ownership & Control- 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.
Yield Improvement & Process Optimization- 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.
Process Troubleshooting & Equipment Collaboration- 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.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Process Transfer- 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.
Skills You'll Need:- 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 have:- 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.
Physical requirements:- Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox requiring the use of fine motor skills and PPE.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Reaching and twisting motions with hands.
- Lifting up to 25 lbs.
ONSITE: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position. As an on-site manufacturing operations organization, in-person presence is essential to supporting floor operations, building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.
Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $136,700 to $208,500 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.
