Separator R&D Engineer NGP

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: We are a core part of the R&D division dedicated to advancing proprietary solid-state battery technology. Our team focuses specifically on improving the physical, mechanical, and electrical performance characteristics of our ceramic separator material. We conduct daily material synthesis, processing, and sophisticated characterization to establish and refine the key performance indicators (KPIs) driving future innovation.

What we need: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled new college graduate with a strong background in Materials Science to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on R&D experience by owning projects focused on ceramic material improvement, leveraging a solid foundation in experimental design and data-driven analysis.

What You’ll do:

• Project Ownership: Independently design, scope, and manage an exciting, defined R&D project from concept through maturity.
• Experimental Execution: Implement designed experiments, collaborating closely with both junior and senior team members.
• Advanced Characterization: Perform extensive materials characterization using techniques such as microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and others.
• Data Analysis: Apply rigorous data processing and statistical analysis methods to interpret results, draw data-informed conclusions, and determine next steps.
• Laboratory Work: Spend a significant amount of time conducting hands-on work in specialized lab settings, including dry-rooms and fume hoods, utilizing novel equipment and instrumentation.
• Communication: Clearly document processes, analyze findings, and formally present project results and recommendations to the technical team.

Skills You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 0–1 years of hands‑on experience in materials synthesis, processing, or characterization within an academic or industry laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with materials synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques.
• Solid theoretical and practical understanding of experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Demonstrated commitment to meticulous data recording and rigorous adherence to complex experimental protocols.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear technical documentation and collaboration.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment and demonstrate a strong sense of urgency.

Nice to have:

• Prior hands-on experience with ceramic material synthesis and processing techniques.
• Experience working in controlled environments such as dry-rooms or clean-rooms.
• A proven ability to approach problems with an "out-of-the-box" thinking mindset.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to perform fine motor skills necessary for work in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox.
• Capacity for sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform reaching and twisting motions with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift 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 $88,000 to $101,000  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.