Senior Member of Technical Staff, Failure Analysis

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

QuantumScape is a start-up located in San Jose, California working on new energy storage technology to allow electric vehicles to outperform internal combustion cars. Our leap in energy density and charge rate is enabled by different chemistry and cell architecture which also benefits safety. Our quick progress is due in part to a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, highly automated data collection and analysis, and a strong and clear set of values.
Do you want to learn about and work on this critical part of the future energy economy?
We are seeking a motivated and conscientious technical contributor to join our team. You will have intellectual ownership of failure analysis method and technique development and collaborate with process experts and data analysts to identify root causes of failure. As it touches many facets of our product and directly influences development priorities, the position requires careful perception, a strong technical background, and strong interpersonal skills. Together, the Yield Enhancement team is responsible for integrating technologies from across the company into a device, identifying root causes for variability or failure modes, providing feedback on components, and resolving problems directly caused by the integration of the components.
What you will do:
Be the authority on failure analysis techniques and standard methodologies.
Work closely with the metrology and microscopy teams to evaluate, develop, and refine new techniques for detailed root cause analyses of failed batteries. Train engineers and technicians on these methods.
Contribute to scaling up existing failure analysis processes.
Analyze electrical data to identify behaviors contributing to failure and tie in with broader failure analysis efforts.
Clearly and promptly communicate relevant findings as feedback to cell component and platform designers.
Present findings to widespread audience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
You have expertise in XCT/Radiography, DC electrical testing, impedance spectroscopy, microscopy, and/or chemical characterization methods.
You possess a broad knowledge of materials characterization techniques.
Experience with ceramics, thin films, and/or fracture mechanics is a plus.
You have experience running electrical tests and/or interpreting electrical data.
You are capable of understanding and solving problems with technical depth, but also value quick turnaround and can adjust when needed to achieve company goals.
Minimum Requirements:
A master’s or Ph.D. degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field OR a bachelor’s degree plus several years of employment in a similar field.
One year or more of failure analysis experience or a materials laboratory class or similar.
You are organized and manage your time and projects effectively.
You are reliable and pride yourself on following through on commitments.
You eagerly ask questions for clarification and understanding as needed.
You love working closely with a team in an energizing environment and generally maintain a positive outlook.
You share our real passion for our mission and are motivated by hard problems.




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.