Principal Metallurgist

Job Title: Metallurgy Engineer, Principal Member of Technical Staff

Report To: Senior Director, R&D

Location: Onsite

At QuantumScape, we're transforming the future of mobility through solid-state Li metal battery technology. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before.

What we need: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Metallurgist to join our team. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in metallic materials, coatings, deposition and surface finishes. The metallurgist will be responsible for thin film alloy materials selection, process development, failure analysis, and quality control, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and third-party teams.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the alloy materials & process lead for metallic material selection, deformation and deposition processes for metal alloys
• Provide process and design guidelines for metal electrodeposition, rolling, cladding, alloy deformation or electroforming into sub-10-micron thickness
• Conduct research to support innovation. Lead and influence cross-functional peers with analyses and conclusions
• Author & support material & process specifications, test plans, test reports, and design guides
• Support Quantumscape production team through non-conformance dispositions, failure analysis, root cause investigations, and correct recommendations

Requirements:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy
• Requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years with a Master's degree; or PhD degree with 3 years industry experience.
• Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Strong knowledge of thin sheet high temperature alloys, their usage and application, including machining and forming processes, and heat treatment
• Strong knowledge of alloy mechanical properties vs. temperature, such as thermal expansion of coefficients, creep, modulus and strength etc.
• Experience developing test plans, specifications, and qualifications of alloy materials and formation including roll anneal and electrodeposition processes
• Experience working with a supplier to develop a thin film alloy component from concept to production
• Background in metallurgy, fracture mechanics, failure analysis techniques and non-destructive testing methods
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Desired

• FEA or mechanical modeling

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 is required to work at QS or Vendor’s 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 $ 160,700 to $217,000, 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.