Principal Systems Engineer (m/w/d)

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.

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing team to lead the design and integration of advanced automation systems. In this leadership role, you will drive end-to-end systems engineering across a range of automation projects, ensuring reliable, scalable, and innovative solutions that meet client and industry needs.

Do you enjoy a meaningful and creative environment where you can excel and autonomously solve difficult problems? We are looking to grow our team with the addition of a motivated individual who is seeking technical challenges and professional growth.

This role includes leading the architecture, design, and integration of complex automation systems involving PLCs, robotics, sensors, and control networks.

You will work with other engineers and scientists and will be responsible for driving and completing assigned projects through all stages of the design process, including specification, design, prototyping, assembly and testing.

Responsibilities

• Independently, develops and implements concepts for range of significantly complex product issues and engineering solutions.
• Technically lead and/or execute engineering projects and spearhead research and development of new technologies, as appropriate.
• Lead design reviews, FMEA analysis, and risk mitigation planning.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including controls, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering to deliver cohesive system solutions.
• Problem identification and troubleshooting a wide range of significantly complex engineering problems.
• Generate tool/ equipment specifications, system interface specifications, DOEs, 8D, fishbone, risk matrix, P&ID schematics.
• Solves unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business; requires conceptual and innovative thinking to develop solutions
• Define, coordinate, perform, and document engineering test reports.
• Perform engineering analysis of difficult scope.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new tools/processes and bring them to our production line
• Work with a team to root cause and address problem statements
• Communicate results to the broader team
• Coaches and mentors the team, setting methodologies that inspire and motivate the team.

Functional Knowledge

• Additional responsibilities include, technical mentoring as required within the engineering group, help professional and personal development.
• Regarded as the technical expert in automation components, linear guides, rotary actuators, robots, end effectors, dispense, vacuum and complex mechanical assemblies.
• Plan and Execute DoEs to characterize boundary conditions and optimize process for manufacturability and quality.
• Automation equipment design and development experience - High speed automation, robotic, vision, material handling, conveyors, PLC, HMI, etc.
• Experience with supplier management and collaborating with remote engineering teams.
• Leads projects with notable risk and complexity; develops the strategy for project execution

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering within the automation, industrial controls, or manufacturing technology sector.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation components: PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, motion control, robotics, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, etc.).
• Experience with system integration, P&ID schematics, lifecycle management, and technical project leadership.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work well individually and in a team driven environment
• Excellent hands-on troubleshooting of automated systems
• Excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude
• Travel: 5-10% of the Time

This position is required 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

Salary range for this role has a range of $152,850 to 233,100, 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 exciting perks.

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.