Director (CMTS), Automation Systems Engineer

Job Title: Director, Automation Systems Engineering (CMTS)

Reports To: VP, Hardware, Automation & Metrology

Location: Onsite

About QuantumScape

QuantumScape is on a mission to revolutionize energy storage to enable a sustainable future. Our next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology is designed to deliver 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 Hardware, Automation & Metrology team develops custom automation and metrology solutions for the assembly of QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal batteries. We build these systems either fully in-house or in partnership with external system integrators and equipment vendors. The team also develops the software systems required to collect, manage, and analyze manufacturing and process data.

What We Need

We are seeking a Director, Automation Systems Engineering (CMTS) to lead automation systems development within our Hardware, Automation & Metrology organization. This leader will define the technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up automation programs, drive end-to-end equipment delivery from concept through handoff to manufacturing, and partner cross-functionally to enable safe, reliable, and scalable manufacturing of our solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

This role requires strong technical judgment, broad leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively across complex, fast-moving engineering environments. Experience with electrochemical energy storage technologies such as lithium-based batteries, solid-state batteries, fuel cells, or similar systems is highly desired.

Success Factors

• Embraces new challenges, learns quickly, and consistently exceeds internal goals
• Brings a curious, hands-on approach to solving technical problems
• Demonstrates passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future
• Adapts smoothly to changing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Operates with a collaborative, can-do spirit and strong leadership presence
• Is organized, detail-oriented, and communicates clearly in both written and verbal form

What You’ll Do

• Lead commissioning and qualification activities for equipment on current and future pilot lines, ensuring safe startup, robust validation, and operational readiness
• Set the technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up cell assembly automation programs, aligned with product and operations priorities
• Lead pilot-scale and scale-up automation programs for cell assembly equipment and systems
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of automation systems engineers; establish operating standards, technical best practices, and talent development plans
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the design and development of high-speed manufacturing systems
• Partner closely with Cell Design, Process R&D, Metrology, Operations, Quality, Safety, Facilities, and Data/MES teams to drive DFM/DFA, process control, and manufacturability at high volume and cost targets
• Develop strong partnerships with product design and R&D teams to drive simplicity, process control, and scalable manufacturing solutions
• Institutionalize PFMEA, OEE, reliability, and maintainability considerations upstream in product and process development; establish governance and review cadences to manage technical and program risk
• Own strategic supplier and system integrator relationships from RFP/RFQ through FAT/SAT and handoff to manufacturing, including technical governance, resourcing, schedule alignment, and performance management
• Define machine system specifications, interfaces, and concept designs
• Manage technical and program risk across the automation portfolio; establish design validation strategies, drive executive-level tradeoff decisions, and ensure predictable delivery throughout the project lifecycle

Skills You’ll Need

• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field
• 12 years of relevant experience, or MS with 10 years, or PhD with 8 years, delivering complex automation and equipment programs in R&D-to-manufacturing environments
• 5 years of people leadership experience, including hiring, developing, and managing senior engineers and/or managers
• Strong command of automation system design and industrial controls, including Allen-Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robots, Ignition HMIs, or equivalent platforms
• Experience designing and deploying equipment for high-precision manufacturing in cleanroom and dry room environments
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing processes and transferring complex technologies from research through pilot and commercialization, including qualification and validation strategies
• Broad knowledge of high-speed automation, industrial sensors, vision and metrology systems, and manufacturing data systems
• Comfortable driving interfaces with MES, SCADA, and data stakeholders
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex programs in fast-changing environments, including prioritization, resource planning, and communication to executive and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with lithium-ion, solid-state battery, or fuel cell manufacturing
• Experience building and leading teams, including setting strategy, developing managers and technical leads, and driving execution across cross-functional organizations

Onsite Requirement

This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week in order to meet the essential duties of the role. As an onsite R&D and manufacturing organization, in-person collaboration is critical to building strong relationships, trust, teamwork, and execution.