Quantumscape
Transforms EV energy storage with next‑gen solid‑state lithium‑metal batteries for faster, safer, longer-range charging
2 days ago
$134,800 - $182,000
Intermediate (4-7 years), Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
San Jose, California, United States
Onsite
Company Size
850 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
catholyte development
interface engineering
process development
electrochemical testing
model integration
mentoring
- Develop and optimize oxide/oxyhalide/sulfide catholytes, establishing structure‑property relationships.
- Engineer solid‑electrolyte|catholyte|CAM interfaces to reduce impedance and enhance stability.
- Lead process development: mixing, slurry rheology, casting, lamination, densification, and curing, with CTQ parameters and SPC.
- Correlate catholyte microstructure to cathode utilization, rate capability, and cycle life.
- Create and execute electrochemical, mechanical, and microstructural test plans.
- Collaborate with cell design, modeling, reliability, manufacturing, and quality teams to translate materials insights into cell architectures.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, ensuring rigorous experimental protocols and data reliability.
- Apply expertise in EIS, cycling protocols, and microstructural/mechanical characterization.
- Integrate computational and physics‑based models to guide material selection and down‑selection.
Requirements
ph.d.
smts
assb
eis
nmc
glovebox
We are seeking a Senior Member of Technical Staff (SMTS) with deep expertise in catholyte development for all‑solid‑state batteries (ASSB). The role will lead formulation, processing, and integration of catholytes with solid‑state electrolytes and cathode active materials to achieve cell‑level performance, reliability, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate blends materials science and electrochemistry with hands‑on process development and can drive execution from concept to pilot scale.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Electrochemistry and have at least three years of hands‑on experience developing catholytes for oxide, sulfide, or halide ASSB systems. Proficiency with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cycling protocols, and microstructural/mechanical characterization is required, while experience with specific cathode chemistries, interface coatings, and computational modeling is considered a plus.
The position requires work in a dry room, glovebox, fume hood, and laboratory environments, demanding fine motor skills. Onsite presence five days a week is essential to foster in‑person collaboration, trust, and effective partnership within the R&D and manufacturing operations teams.
- Utilize knowledge of CAMs (NMC, LMO, LMR) and interface control materials such as coatings, binders, and functional fillers.
Benefits
Compensation ranges from $134,800 to $182,000, supplemented by an annual bonus, RSU/Equity package, employer‑paid healthcare, and participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. QuantumScape is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
Overview
40 GWh/year
Mass Production Capacity
Licensed mass production partnership for solid-state battery technology with Volkswagen's PowerCo.
1 Billion USD
SPAC Merger
Secured a significant funding milestone through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
1000x
Scale Production
The 'Cobra' separator production line aims to scale separator output by over 1000x for EV deployment at gigawatt-hour volumes.
- Began with a mission to reinvent EV batteries using solid-state lithium-metal technology.
- Innovative anode-less ceramic separator significantly boosts energy density, safety, and charging speed.
- Produced first B-sample QSE-5 cells in late 2024, now undergoing automotive testing.
- Unveiled 'Cobra' in 2025—a separator production line designed for gigawatt-hour volume scaling.
- Strategic alliance with Volkswagen’s PowerCo for licensed production upon meeting key milestones.
- Maintains tight secrecy and high expectations, focusing on anode-free solid-state innovation without a commercial product yet.
- Carving a niche at the intersection of Energy, Transport, and Industrial sectors, targeting next-gen mobility infrastructure.
Culture + Values
- “Passion for the problem”
- “Collaboration”
- “Authenticity”
- “A priority of the customer”
- “Bias to action”
- Transparency in communication and operations
- Fairness and environmental stewardship in partnerships and suppliers
Environment + Sustainability
30,000 lbs Recycled
Battery Components
Over 30,000 pounds (≈13,600 kg) of battery components were recycled in 2023, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste.
300°C Stability
Prototype Cells Tested
Prototype cells passed rigorous safety tests, including nail penetration, external short-circuit, and thermal stability at 300°C, demonstrating advanced safety and reliability.
- Using fully electrified heat-treatment in fast separator production with no natural gas or fossil fuels in that step.
- Entered battery component recycling agreement in 2022 to divert manufacturing scrap and waste.
- Supplier Code of Conduct includes environmental impact standards and enforcement mechanisms.
Inclusion & Diversity
4.0/5 Rating
D&I Rating
The company has received a 4.0/5 rating for Diversity & Inclusion on Glassdoor, based on employee reviews.
- Employees report improved diversity & inclusion ratings over past 12 months