SEM Lab Manager - Senior Member Technical Staff [SMTS]

Come join us on our mission as we revolutionize energy storage to enable a sustainable future.

QuantumScape is a well-funded start-up located in San Jose, CA, and is the leader in developing next-generation, lithium-metal, solid-state batteries that will revolutionize energy storage and power a lower-carbon future. The company is building a better battery that enables electric vehicles to charge faster, go further, last longer, stay safer and cost less than current electric or gas-powered vehicles. We are working to electrify cars and grid storage by building the next generation of energy storage technology!   Do you want to make a major contribution to this part of the energy economy? Join us on our mission as we transform energy storage to enable a more sustainable future.  We are looking to add a SEM Lab Manager - Senior Member Technical Staff (SMTS) to our R&D Physical Characterization team. The ideal candidate has a passion for microscopy and seeks to lead and build a team of microscopists using new imaging, preparation, and data processing techniques.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, evaluate, and perform actions to improve and sustain technician performance and team throughput
• Daily queue management to ensure optimized sample preparation and throughput, TAT, and tool utilization
• Monitor and audit team metrics versus targets and goals
• Advise on technique development and sample preparation for FIB/SEM, XCT, optical microscopy, and ion mill
• Deliver high-quality/volume analysis of samples while meeting sampling goals with minimal errors
• Assist and identify regions of interest-based upon submitted instructions
• Facilitate inter-department collaborations to develop and support safety, 5s, test plans, QC, and FA
• Coordinate lab layout, facilities, tool delivery, and installation
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and performance spec verification on tool fleet

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Inspire and lead a team to embrace new challenges, learn new techniques, and surpass internal goals
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities
• Comfortable working with computer quality systems and databases
• Possesses a can-do spirit and is a collaborative teammate and clear communicator
• Organized, meticulous, and have clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work into evenings, weekends and flexibility to cover shift gaps on short notice

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or other related fields
• Minimum 3 years managerial experience in an analytical lab setting
• Hands-on experience and deep knowledge of analytical tools such as dual-beam FIB, SEM, and corresponding sample preparation
• Able to perform GR&R, MSA, SEM maintenance and calibration, and minor repairs
• Safely handle chemicals and dispose of hazardous waste
• Ability to perform work in a glovebox, dry room, and fume hood

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated experience with semiconductor FA techniques such as but not limited to: XIVA, TIVA, OBRICH, EBIC, EMMI, etc.
• Proficiency in at least one type of programming language (e.g., Python, R, JMP, MATLAB, etc.)
• Familiar operating a plasma FIB system
• Proven experience working with a Li-ion battery or analytical test lab
• Experience preparing samples in an inert environment, such as glovebox operations, sample preparation (e.g. electrode depositions)
• Previous TEM lamellae prep experience

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.

To ensure the ongoing health and safety of our team members, effective January 4th, 2022, QuantumScape will require all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before their first day of employment.  QuantumScape will seek to accommodate individuals with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions that contraindicate the vaccination, or who object to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief or practice.
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.
*QuantumScape does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers.