Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. QuantumScape is developing solid-state lithium-metal battery technology to transform energy storage and support the transition to a lower-carbon future. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will provide senior technical leadership for the design, analysis, build, and validation of automation equipment, process tooling, fixtures, and metrology-enabled systems, while partnering cross-functionally to scale manufacturing and improve performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the mechanical architecture, design, analysis, build, and validation of automation equipment, process tooling, fixtures, and metrology-enabled systems from concept through production qualification
- Serve as a technical expert for complex mechanical design problems involving precision motion, material handling, dry-room/cleanroom constraints, process windows, safety, reliability, and manufacturability
- Partner with process, controls, software, metrology, quality, safety, production, and equipment teams to improve yield, uptime, throughput, capability, and product performance
- Translate early-stage process and product requirements into machine specifications, design requirements, risk assessments, validation plans, and robust engineering solutions
- Lead supplier and integrator engagement for critical components and equipment, including technical specifications, design reviews, build oversight, acceptance testing, and production handoff
- Provide technical guidance to engineers and technicians, establish best practices, and influence cross-functional decisions affecting cost, schedule, performance, safety, DFM, and DFA
Skills
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline, with 10+ years of experience (BS), 8+ years (MS), or 5+ years (PhD) in mechanical design, automation, tooling, equipment development, manufacturing scale-up, or related engineering environments
- Demonstrated record of leading complex technical projects that materially improve manufacturing capability, yield, throughput, reliability, safety, or cost
- Expert proficiency with 3D CAD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability/assembly, and release of production-ready mechanical designs
- Experience designing precision automation, fixtures, tooling, or equipment for high-volume or pilot-scale manufacturing
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, and cross-functional leadership skills
- Recognized technical expert who can independently solve highly complex problems and make sound engineering tradeoffs with incomplete or changing information
- Hands-on, data-driven problem solver who moves quickly between design, analysis, experimentation, floor support, and supplier execution
- Able to lead cooperative efforts across multiple teams, teach best practices, and raise the technical judgment of the broader organization
- Communicates clearly through specifications, design reviews, risk registers, test reports, and concise executive-level summaries
- Demonstrates ownership, safety leadership, urgency, flexibility, and commitment to QuantumScape's mission
- 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
- Cleanroom, dry-room, or battery manufacturing experience
- Working knowledge of controls architecture, machine safety, sensors, vision/metrology systems, PFMEA, OEE, and validation methods
- Experience supporting supplier technical reviews, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and production handoff for custom automation equipment
Benefits
- Annual bonus
- Generous RSU/Equity package
- Employee-paid health care
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
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