Controls Engineer, Principal Member of Technical Staff

Title : Controls Engineer, Principal Member of Technical Staff

Location : CA, US, 95131

Work Location Type : On-site

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.

What We Need : QuantumScape is seeking a highly skilled Principal Controls Engineer with extensive technical expertise and at least 10 years of experience to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced automation systems for manufacturing. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driving innovation and operational excellence in cell manufacturing processes.

What You’ll Do :

• Lead the design and development of complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision, and advanced control systems.
• Provide technical leadership to cross‑functional teams, guiding engineers through the entire automation project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics using advanced CAD software.
• Program and debug complex control systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance optimization.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as SEMI, NFPA 79, UL, and local safety regulations.
• Validate and test safety circuits, I / O systems, and industrial communication interfaces Ethernet / IP, Profinet, OPCUA to ensure compliance with stringent safety and performance criteria.
• Develop detailed equipment specifications and lead quality assurance efforts throughout the design and implementation phases.
• Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, assembly teams, and external engineering teams to ensure cross‑disciplinary alignment and optimal system performance.
• Lead the installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation systems in manufacturing environments, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems, ensuring that specifications, timelines, and quality standards are met.
• Manage supplier relationships , driving technical discussions and resolving any issues that may arise during procurement, testing, and integration stages.
• Support the evaluation of new technologies and suppliers to enhance automation capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing environment.

Skills You’ll Need :

Onsite : 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 is $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, it includes a comprehensive 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.

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