Senior R&D Reliability 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.

What we need

The Battery Systems Development (BSD) team is seeking a highly motivated Scientist or Engineer to drive critical improvements in our cells, modules, and packs. You will lead technical initiatives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, collaborating closely with process engineers, R&D scientists, and failure analysis teams to bridge the gap between fundamental research and product integration. Come join our team!

What you’ll need

• Design and implement experiments to evaluate and improve QS battery performance at the cell, module, and pack level
• Collect and analyze electrical and characterization data
• Collaborate closely with our colleagues in cell manufacturing, failure analysis, and pack design to deliver pack-level performance improvements
• Deliver and document high-quality technical insights and recommendations

Skills you’ll need

• A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with experience in battery research; or M.S. and 3+ years of experience; or B.S. and 5+ years of experience
• Strong fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry, electrochemical testing, and statistics
• Established skills in data analysis using Python or similar
• Superb communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Dedication to workplace safety in a manufacturing and R&D setting

Nice to have

• Demonstrated track record of leading technical projects to successful completion, proven through impactful work in either an industrial or academic research setting
• Hands‑on experience working with ceramics, polymers, and metals
• Experience with modeling and simulation of battery cells, modules, and packs in Python or with tools like COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar
• Functional hardware literacy to interface effectively with electrical engineers: for example, experience using power supplies, oscilloscopes, and multimeters

ONSITE

This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position. As an on‑site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face‑to‑face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected salary range for this role is from $134,000 to $182,000, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. 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.