MTS, Operation Engineer

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.

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 Operations 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 across cathode 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.
• Ensure all process changes are properly documented and implemented through change control.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with cross functional 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.
• Maintain and update SOPs, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides for assigned production areas.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive throughput and efficiency improvements across assigned production tools and processes.
• Develop automation tools and scripts to streamline data collection, monitoring, and routine engineering tasks.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve the reliability and repeatability of production processes.

Skills You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of hands-on manufacturing or production engineering experience; or a Master’s degree and 1+ in a related field.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably in battery, semiconductor, or other high-precision, high-volume industries.
• Hands-on proficiency in process monitoring and equipment troubleshooting.
• 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, reporting, and automation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities 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 environment; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods; reaching and twisting motions with hands.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Onsite: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week. As a manufacturing operations organization, in-person presence is essential to supporting floor operations, building effective working relationships, and fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $88,600 to $128,500 and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience, educational background and internal equity. 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.