Director Automation Controls & Systems Engineering

About the role

The Hardware, Automation & Metrology team provides custom automation and metrology solutions for the assembly of QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium metal batteries. We develop these tools either completely in-house or by working together with partners and system integrators. We also provide the required software systems to collect and analyze data on our production process.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and qualification activities for equipment on our current and future pilot lines, ensuring safe start-up, robust validation, and operational readiness
• Set the technical direction and execution strategy for pilot-scale and scale-up cell assembly automation programs, ensuring alignment to product and operations priorities
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of automation systems engineers; establish operating standards, technical best practices, and talent development plans
• Build strong partnerships with Cell Design, Process R&D, Metrology, Operations, Quality, Safety, Facilities, and Data/MES to drive DFM/DFA, process control, and manufacturability for high volume and cost targets
• Institutionalize PFMEA, OEE, reliability, and maintainability considerations upstream in product and process development; define governance and review cadence to manage technical and program risk
• Own strategic supplier and system integrator relationships (RFP/RFQ through FAT/SAT), including technical governance, resourcing, schedule alignment, and performance management through handoff to manufacturing
• Manage technical and program risk across the automation portfolio; establish design validation strategy, drive executive-level tradeoffs, and ensure predictable delivery through the project lifecycle

Requirements

• BS or higher degree in mechanical, electrical, controls, mechatronics, robotics, or related engineering field
• 12+ years of relevant experience (or MS+10 years / PhD+8 years) delivering complex automation/equipment programs in R&D-to-manufacturing environments; 5+ years of people leadership (hiring, developing, and managing senior professionals and/or managers)
• Strong command of automation system design and industrial controls (e.g., Allen Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robots, Ignition HMIs or equivalent) and the ability to set engineering standards across teams and suppliers
• Experience designing and deploying high precision equipment in cleanroom and dry room environments, with strong safety, EHS, and uptime mindset
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing processes and transferring complex technologies from research to pilot and commercialization, including establishing qualification/validation approaches
• Breadth across high-speed automation, industrial sensors, vision/metrology, and manufacturing data systems; comfortable driving interfaces with MES/SCADA and data stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-program portfolio in a fast-changing environment, including prioritization, resource planning, and clear communication to executive and cross-functional stakeholders