Sr Director of EHSS

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.

About the team

The EHSS team is a diverse group of engineers that bring various expertise as we interact with some of the most cutting-edge technologies integrating our battery solution. The team prides itself by providing compliant and safe environment both for our workers and in the product design.

Responsibilities

• Be seen as a Safety leader both within and outside the company.
• Partner with the executive team to build and execute the EHSS strategic roadmap.
• Allocate resources appropriately to ensure success.

Safety Program Architecture & Management

• Communicate from Leadership to Technicians using appropriate methods and protocols.
• Develop and manage the EHSS budget, resource allocation, and a multi-year strategic roadmap that scales with the company’s growth.
• Design and implement Safety programs tailored specifically to lithium battery R&D and Manufacturing.
• Lead the Safety Council.
• Oversee Incident Investigation programs, ensuring a culture where reporting is encouraged and root causes lead to systemic engineering controls.
• Manage Hazardous Materials in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Establish rigorous, common-sense protocols for the procurement, handling, storage, and usage of variety of chemicals.
• Direct the company’s Hazardous Waste program, ensuring 100% compliance with RCRA and local regulations for Large Quantity Generators (LQG).
• Oversee company strategy around recycling.
• Lead the design and maintenance of specialized fire protection strategies for our technology, including thermal runaway mitigation and chemical containment.
• Understand and oversee Functional Safety from Equipment Design to Disposition.
• Lead EHSS training creation and delivery aligned with current technology such as the use of AI in creating hazard specific classes.

Team Leadership & Employee Management

• Manage and mentor a multi-disciplinary EHSS team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering professional development.
• Serve as a visible leader on the manufacturing floor and in the labs, bridging the gap between PhD researchers and production technicians.
• Cultivate a "Culture of Safety" where integrity, the alignment of thought and action, is the standard for every employee.

Regulatory & Sustainability Strategy

• Be seen as a trusted leader both within and outside the company.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, DOT) and manage all environmental permitting.
• Drive sustainability initiatives that focus on the material circularity of lithium batteries and reducing the carbon intensity of the production process.
• Ensure all products and shipping procedures meet global DOT/IATA standards for the transport of batteries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Occupational Health, or a related technical field. Master's or PhD preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive EHSS experience, with at least 10+ years in an employee management role overseeing diverse teams.
• Proven track record in battery, semiconductor, or advanced hardware manufacturing involving complex chemical usage, hazardous waste management, safety systems, and safety leadership.
• A grounded, mission-driven executive who values practical safety solutions over administrative overhead.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex technical risks into clear, actionable guidance for the CEO and the frontline workforce alike.

Schedule

This position requires you to work onsite 5 days per week. Emergency Response may require you to come to the site during off-hours.