Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The Thermal/Mechanical Engineer will own the physical design of a power shelf combining power conversion and solid-state battery backup, ensuring it meets mechanical specifications and can be serviced efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Design the complete mechanical enclosure (1OU or 2OU shelf) in SolidWorks or Creo: sheet metal chassis, busbar routing, internal structural supports, and external connector interfaces
- Solve the core thermal challenge: power semiconductors and magnetics (tolerant to 100-125°C junction) sharing an enclosure with solid-state battery cells (requiring sub-45-60°C operation) - via directed airflow paths, thermal isolation zones, heat spreaders, and fan selection
- Run CFD simulations (Ansys Icepak, FloTHERM, or 6SigmaET) to optimize airflow distribution under worst-case conditions: full electrical load, 35-40°C inlet air (ASHRAE A1/A2), fan degradation scenarios
- Design to OCP ORv3 mechanical specifications:shelf width, depth, connector position, airflow direction (front-to-back), ejector handle placement, guide rail interface, and weight-per-OU limits
- Develop the hot-swap sled mechanism with proper insertion/extraction force curves, blind-mate power connector alignment, and guide rail compliance for tool-less serviceability
- Collaborate with the battery systems engineer on cell pack mounting, compression, thermal interface materials, and mechanical isolation within the enclosure
- Perform vibration and shock analysis for shipping (ISTA 3-series) and seismic requirements (GR-63-CORE or Bellcore Zone 4)
- Lead DFM engagement with contract manufacturers: tolerances, tooling, bend radii, spot welding, PEM fastener insertion, and assembly sequence optimization
- Support UL 62368-1 mechanical and flammability requirements (material selection for 94 V-0, spacing, enclosure integrity)
- Interface directly with hyperscaler mechanical integration teams during qualification reviews
Skills
- 8+ years designing thermal-mechanical enclosures for rack-mount power, compute, or telecom equipment
- Demonstrated experience with CFD thermal simulation tools (Ansys Icepak, FloTHERM, or 6SigmaET) - not optional
- Proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo for detailed mechanical design
- Sheet metal design for volume manufacturing (bend radii, punching/stamping, spot welding, tolerance stackup analysis)
- Track record of designs that went through contract manufacturing and passed thermal validation in a production or data center environment
- Understanding of airflow management in forced-convection rack environments
- Direct experience with OCP Open Rack/ ORv3 mechanical specifications
- Prior work on battery pack thermal management (EV, stationary storage, or telecom backup)
- Exposure to liquid cooling or cold plate design (emerging trend for rack power shelves)
- Experience with blind-mate connector integration (Amphenol, TE Connectivity, or Molex high-power connectors)
- Familiarity with UL 62368-1 mechanical/flammability requirements and UL 1973 battery enclosure requirements
- Knowledge of IP67/NEMA ratings for potential edge or outdoor deployment variants
- Experience with vibration/shock testing per ISTA 3-series or GR-63-CORE
Benefits
- Annual bonus
- Generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan
- Employee paid health care
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Other benefits
Company Overview