About the team: The Solid State Cathode team is a cross-functional group of materials scientists, process engineers, and manufacturing technologists responsible for developing and scaling the cathode fabrication processes at the heart of QuantumScape's all-solid-state battery. The team carries cathode technology from lab-scale demonstration through pilot-line execution to repeatable, manufacturing-relevant processes, working in close partnership with R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, quality, equipment, and supply chain. The team prides itself on hands-on experimentation, rigorous data-driven problem solving, and turning R&D learnings into the specifications and controls that hold up at scale.
What we need: We are seeking a senior, hands-on technical leader to drive scale-up of solid-state cathode fabrication for larger-format all-solid-state battery builds. This role will help define the technical path from R&D demonstrations to repeatable, manufacturing-relevant processes, combining deep materials and process expertise, direct engagement with experiments and equipment, data-driven problem solving, and cross-functional leadership. If you want to own the path from a lab-scale demonstration to a production-intent process - and to influence the specifications, controls, and practices that make it stick - we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll do:- Lead technical strategy and hands-on execution for scaling solid-state cathode fabrication from lab-scale development to larger-format ASSB builds.
- Work directly with materials, tools, experiments, and process data to develop, troubleshoot, and improve cathode fabrication processes.
- Define key material and process requirements, process windows, and control strategies to improve yield, uniformity, reliability, and cell performance.
- Lead root-cause analysis for process variability, defects, equipment excursions, and performance issues.
- Translate experimental and manufacturing data into clear technical recommendations and execution plans.
- Influence and mentor cross-functional teams across R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, quality, equipment, and supply chain.
Skills You'll Need:- Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of experience, Master's degree with 8+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 6+ years of experience in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, along with demonstrated hands-on experience in catholyte development for sulfide, halide, and/or oxyhalide-based solid-state batteries.
- Demonstrated ownership of process scale-up, technology transfer, manufacturing qualification, or pilot-line execution.
- Strong understanding of how process conditions affect material properties, cell performance, yield, and reliability.
- Working knowledge of laboratory, controlled-environment, equipment, and process safety practices.
- Process engineering judgment, including use of DOE, SPC, process capability, failure analysis, and data systems.
- Ability to set technical priorities under uncertainty and make tradeoffs across performance, manufacturability, yield, reliability, cost, and schedule.
- Troubleshooting skills across materials, process, equipment, and measurement systems.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and align stakeholders around a technical plan.
- Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.
Nice to have: - Experience owning a pilot-line, manufacturing-transfer, or production-intent materials-processing workflow.
- Experience with ASSB stacks, solid-state cathodes, dry-processed cathodes, or solid-solid interface processes.
- Experience qualifying new materials, process changes, equipment platforms, suppliers, or manufacturing controls.
- Familiarity with electrochemical and physical characterization methods for diagnosing process-driven variability and performance loss.
- Experience mentoring technical contributors and translating R&D learnings into specifications, controls, or manufacturing-ready practices.
Physical requirements: - Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox requiring the use of fine motor skills
- 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 R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to 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.
