About the team: The Manufacturing and Yield team is a hands-on group of engineers and technicians dedicated to ensuring smooth, consistent production operations. We work directly on the manufacturing floor-maintaining equipment uptime, improving yield, and resolving production issues as they arise. Our team values collaboration, operational discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What we need: We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing 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 on Gen 1 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance 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.

Skills You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing or production engineering experience; or Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably in battery, semiconductor, or other high-precision, high-volume industries.
• Hands-on proficiency in equipment troubleshooting, including mechanical systems and automated tooling.
• 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 and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to manage tasks 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 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 $112,500 to $163,200, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. 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.