Staff Control Engineer at QuantumScape

Job description

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future. What we need : Team is seeking a highly skilled Staff level Engineer with extensive technical expertise and at least 10 years of experience to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced automation systems for ultra-thin, heat-resistant ceramic separator design that enables QuantumScape's anode-free lithium-metal architecture and high-energy-density cells. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driving innovation and operational excellence in cell manufacturing processes. What You’ll do: • Lead the design and development of complex systems, including PLCs, HMIs, machine vision, and advanced control systems. • Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams, guiding engineers through the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. • Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics using advanced CAD software. • Program and debug complex control systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance optimization. • Conduct thorough risk assessments, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as SEMI, NFPA 79, UL, and local safety regulations. • Validate and test safety circuits, I/O systems, and industrial communication interfaces (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPCUA) to ensure compliance with stringent safety and performance criteria. • Develop detailed equipment specifications and lead quality assurance efforts throughout the design and implementation phases. • Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, assembly teams, and external engineering teams to ensure cross-disciplinary alignment and optimal system performance. • Lead the installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of systems in manufacturing environments, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime. • Communicate effectively with suppliers and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems, ensuring that specifications, timelines, and quality standards are met. • Manage supplier relationships, driving technical discussions and resolving any issues that may arise during procurement, testing, and integration stages. • Support the evaluation of new technologies and suppliers to enhance automation capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing environment. Skills You’ll Need: • A BS or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field. • At least 10 years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and integrating automation systems for manufacturing, including R&D, prototyping, and production environments. • Advanced proficiency in PLC programming, with deep expertise in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Siemens (TIA Portal), and other automation platforms. • Expertise in industrial HMI / controls software platform systems (Ignition, etc.), including configuration, monitoring, and integration with production systems. In-depth knowledge of motion control systems, industrial communication protocols, and safety standards, with proven experience in applying these to manufacturing environments. • Expertise in Ignition systems, including configuration, monitoring, and integration with production systems. • Proven track record in leading complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement in automation systems. • Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and system optimization skills with a collaborative and leadership-oriented mindset. • Excellent communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and e