Principal Data Scientist

Title: Principal Data Scientist

Date: Apr 29, 2024

Location:

CA, US

Work Location Type: On-site

Company: QuantumScape Corporation

Description:

QuantumScape developed the industry's first anode-less cell design, which delivers high energy density while lowering material costs and simplifying manufacturing. Our innovative battery cell technology can store energy more efficiently and reliably than today's lithium-ion batteries.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a data science background to support our Cell Development R&D team. As a team member, you will help identify performance-limiting defect modes in our solid-state separator and define specifications to further improve our product performance and reliability. This position is an exciting multi-functional role that sits at the intersection of materials, manufacturing, and data science!

Responsibilities

• Leverage advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to uncover complex patterns in large datasets of battery and component-level electrical test outcomes.

• Build predictive models to identify key features in upstream metrology images of the ceramic separator that can be used to predict downstream electrical performance. Suggest opportunities to tighten specifications to improve performance.

• Collaborate with R&D engineers through weekly in-person team meetings to generate new metrics and/or deep learning models to capture defect modes in 2D/3D images and work face to face to solve through complex projects

• Analyze electrical test times-series data to build and improve ML models that identify and predict device failures. Maintain model performance as processes and chemistries change over time and have in person interacts with those who will leverage the models

• Leverage automation tools to execute training jobs in cloud infrastructure and automate pipeline steps like model evaluation and selection. Advance existing processes for subject matter experts to create labels.

• Provide technical leadership in machine learning and data science, ensuring best practices and innovative approaches.

Education & Experience:

• BS degree in Data Science/Statistics/Computer Science/Engineering/Applied Math/Applied Physics + 10 years. MS + 8 years or PhD preferred + 6 years.

• Experience in Data Science or Machine Learning experience working on highly complex problems in the fields of Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or equivalent fields.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience with a wide-variety of data science techniques including regression analysis, classification modeling, clustering, tree-based techniques, anomaly detection, neural networks, and deep learning applying these approaches to hard science areas

• Strong programming skills, especially in Python, with 5+ years of relevant experience in a programming intensive role.

• Proficiency with libraries like PyTorch, Tensorflow, scikit-learn, numpy, scipy, etc.

• Experience deploying machine learning models to production and contributing to the end-to-end lifecycle of an ML project including creating datasets, model training, deployment, and retraining

• Expert knowledge of statistical data analysis concepts including survival analysis, statistical power analysis, confidence intervals, normality testing, ANOVA, and curve fitting.

• Preferred: Fundamental understanding of battery electrochemistries and failure mechanisms. Familiarity of electrical test and metrics.

• Ability to communicate findings to colleagues from various disciplines through clear and concise reports, presentations, and data visualizations.

• Familiarity with version control systems like git

Compensation & Benefits: Salary range for this role is $167,000-$220,000, but a 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 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.