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: We are looking for a Equipment and Lab Ops Engineer to oversee the day-to-day operations of laboratory equipment and facilities, with a primary focus on equipment used for battery production, and high-throughput lab-scale equipment. You will play a critical role in troubleshooting equipment issues, proposing recovery plans, collaborating with international vendors, and ensuring the smooth operation of critical lab systems. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operations and drive process improvements.

What You’ll do:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of laboratory equipment used for battery production, including web handling technologies and high-throughput lab-scale equipment, ensuring continuous operation, high performance, and compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Interface with the process, procurement, and equipment teams to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure the seamless procurement, installation, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Work with the maintenance team to develop and improve preventative maintenance plans for lab equipment to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.
• Obtain and manage equipment documentation, including specifications, drawings, and manuals for permits, compliance, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with industrial layout engineers to evaluate facility readiness of sites, combining process knowledge and clean room operations expertise to provide input for optimal equipment placement and positioning.
• Work with project managers to prepare facilities for the installation or relocation of new equipment, ensuring infrastructure readiness for large-scale installations.
• Provide engineering support for large-scale process flow optimization, including tool relocations and system reconfigurations.
• Propose, evaluate, and implement solutions to improve the efficiency, reliability, and performance of laboratory operations and equipment.
• Coordinate and lead equipment shutdowns during site-wide shutdowns to ensure minimal disruption to operations and adherence to maintenance schedules.
• Support the development and maintenance of safety protocols, including hazard analysis and risk assessments related to laboratory equipment and operations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during equipment malfunctions, working with internal teams and vendors to resolve issues and restore equipment to optimal function quickly.
• Proactively identify operational inefficiencies or safety concerns in the lab, proposing and implementing solutions to continuously improve operations.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to drive process and operational

Skills You’ll Need:

• Experience with equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with engineering software and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, MS Project, etc.).

• Knowledge of compliance regulations, safety standards (OSHA, etc.), and industry best practices.

Nice to have:

• 1-2 years’ experience with lab buildings and equipment installations in another battery company
• Certification in Safety or Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO, Six Sigma, OSHA) is a plus.
• Experience in battery production, battery manufacturing, or a related industry using high-throughput processes.
• Fluency in technical communication with international teams, especially in English, with knowledge of German, Japanese, or Korean being a plus.

Physical requirements:

• Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox requiring the use of fine motor skills
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Reaching and twisting motions with hands
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Onsite: This position requires you 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 $117,500 to $142,700, 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.