Hardware Engineer, Battery Systems

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 role: As a hardware engineer, you own the electrical design of the battery management system. From AFE architecture to temperature monitoring, to selecting fuses and FETs for protection, you ensure the battery pack can work reliably under all conditions without compromising safety. Why this role matters:  As the hardware engineer for battery systems, you are responsible for all design aspects of the battery management system. You will collaborate closely with the mechanical engineering team to create state-of-the-art designs with high power and energy density, while meeting all regulatory safety requirements. You will also work with the firmware team closely to ensure all functions are implemented properly and validated thoroughly. What you'll do: Design BMS system with pack voltages up to 600V and power >20kW Create schematics and design PCB for the BMS Define connection for voltage sensing, balancing and temperature monitoring Select protection devices based on worst case operating conditions Collaborate with mechanical engineers to design heat sinks and wiring harnesses Implement inrush current limiting features Ensure hardware redundancy on critical protection functions Closely work with marketing team to generate detailed engineering specifications Perform design margin analysis and DFMEA Specify design verification tests to ensure functional performance and regulatory compliance of the battery pack Support UL 1973 and UL 9540A safety certification activities Work with external design teams to ensure the battery pack integrates well in its application What you bring: a relevant Bachelor’s degree and 9+ years’ experience or a relevant Master’s degree and 8+ years’ experience or relevant Ph.D. and 5+ years’ experience   5+ years in battery pack or BMS design with at least two products through prototype validation or production Familiar with schematic and PCB design tools like Altium or Cadence In depth understanding of Li-Ion battery technology and protections Expertise in designing analog, digital and generic power circuits, especially on low power design for battery applications Familiar with simulation tools such as PSPICE, LTSpice, Simulink and PSIM Good PCB layout knowledge including high-speed design, thermal design, design for manufacturing and EMI mitigation techniques. Understand component management and BOM structures, capable of identifying agency critical components and verifying safety specifications Experienced in designing, bringing up, testing and troubleshooting brand new platforms Analysis of circuit components, including their thermal and…