Electrochemistry Director
QuantumScape, San Jose, CA, United States
We are seeking a Research Fellow, Electrochemistry to provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise working closely with our cell development team. This role will be responsible for driving experimental execution and translating first-principles understanding into data-driven decisions that help speed-up learning cycles.
The ideal candidate has deep electrochemistry expertise and thrives in a startup environment, can work independently, and is equally comfortable in the lab and at the strategy table.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Research Strong foundation in first-principles battery electrochemistry, including electrode/electrolyte reactions, interphases (SEI/CEI), degradation mechanisms, and performance limits. Design, execute, and interpret electrochemical experiments to rapidly generate insight and guide technical direction. Apply advanced electrochemical characterization techniques such as EIS, CV, GITT/PITT, and operando or post-mortem analysis to diagnose performance and failure modes. Translate experimental results into clear recommendations for materials selection, cell design, and development priorities. Establish best practices for electrochemical testing, data quality, and interpretation. Independent Execution & Prioritization Operate with a high degree of autonomy while setting technical direction for the electrochemistry function. Capability for hands-on experimentation in the laboratory while also guiding broader research efforts. Teamwork & Collaboration Lead and mentor a small, highly technical electrochemistry team. Collaborate closely with materials science, cell engineering, modeling, and manufacturing teams to ensure electrochemical insights are integrated across development efforts. Work closely with executive staff on technical strategy, decision-making, and evaluation of tradeoffs. Participate in technical reviews, executive-level discussions, and partner technical diligence as needed.
Qualifications & Experience PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. 15 + years of experience in battery research, advanced energy storage, or related fields (industry, startup, or national laboratory experience preferred). Deep expertise in battery electrochemistry and electrochemical characterization. Demonstrated ability to drive early-stage concepts from fundamental research toward prototype or system-level validation. Proven track record of independent problem-solving and technical leadership in ambiguous, fast-paced environments. Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex electrochemical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Onsite:
This position requires employees 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:
Expected salary range for this role is from $187,600 to $262,600, 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 benefits.
The ideal candidate has deep electrochemistry expertise and thrives in a startup environment, can work independently, and is equally comfortable in the lab and at the strategy table.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Research Strong foundation in first-principles battery electrochemistry, including electrode/electrolyte reactions, interphases (SEI/CEI), degradation mechanisms, and performance limits. Design, execute, and interpret electrochemical experiments to rapidly generate insight and guide technical direction. Apply advanced electrochemical characterization techniques such as EIS, CV, GITT/PITT, and operando or post-mortem analysis to diagnose performance and failure modes. Translate experimental results into clear recommendations for materials selection, cell design, and development priorities. Establish best practices for electrochemical testing, data quality, and interpretation. Independent Execution & Prioritization Operate with a high degree of autonomy while setting technical direction for the electrochemistry function. Capability for hands-on experimentation in the laboratory while also guiding broader research efforts. Teamwork & Collaboration Lead and mentor a small, highly technical electrochemistry team. Collaborate closely with materials science, cell engineering, modeling, and manufacturing teams to ensure electrochemical insights are integrated across development efforts. Work closely with executive staff on technical strategy, decision-making, and evaluation of tradeoffs. Participate in technical reviews, executive-level discussions, and partner technical diligence as needed.
Qualifications & Experience PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. 15 + years of experience in battery research, advanced energy storage, or related fields (industry, startup, or national laboratory experience preferred). Deep expertise in battery electrochemistry and electrochemical characterization. Demonstrated ability to drive early-stage concepts from fundamental research toward prototype or system-level validation. Proven track record of independent problem-solving and technical leadership in ambiguous, fast-paced environments. Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex electrochemical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Onsite:
This position requires employees 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:
Expected salary range for this role is from $187,600 to $262,600, 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 benefits.