SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 136,700 - 208,500 / annual
QuantumScape is seeking a Principal Equipment Engineer to join the Equipment Operations team within the Hardware Automation and Metrology department. This role is central to the company's mission of transforming energy storage through solid-state lithium-metal battery technology.
You will drive automated production tools through their full lifecycle: installation, commissioning, modifications, upgrades, and maintenance planning. Your responsibilities include troubleshooting complex equipment issues, performing root cause analysis, and coordinating with Process and Production teams to minimize downtime. You'll create critical equipment documentation including spare parts lists, LOTO SOPs, and preventive maintenance procedures, while conducting associated training across the organization.
Key responsibilities include participating in design reviews to maximize equipment uptime, collaborating across cell component design, equipment design, process, safety, quality, metrology, and production teams. You will mentor team members to improve technical skillsets and provide strategic advice on equipment-related technical decisions.
Required qualifications: BS or higher in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or similar field. Minimum 10 years' experience with a Bachelor's degree (or 8+ years with a Master's degree). Proven expertise sustaining and optimizing automated equipment in R&D, pilot, and high-volume production environments. Strong competency in issue triage, mitigation, and resolution using methodologies like 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, 8D, and FMEA. PLC programming experience in at least one language (AB, Mitsubishi, or Siemens preferred). Familiarity with automation programs including Keyence/Cognex vision systems and Fanuc/Mitsubishi/Denso robotics. Experience with DOE experimentation and statistical analysis. Knowledge of at least one scientific programming language (Python, R, Matlab, or JSL/JMP). Lithium-ion battery science knowledge is a plus.
The role requires 5 days per week onsite in San Jose. Work occurs in dry rooms, fume hoods, lab areas, and gloveboxes, involving fine motor skills, extended sitting/standing, reaching, twisting, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
