Metrology Engineer - High Speed Manufacturing (Battery Technology)

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future.

Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises diverse brands in several European countries: e.g. Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, KODA, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Scania or MAN.Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity.

With our battery activities, we are ready to challenge the status quo. Our mission is to power the transformation towards electric mobility and renewable energy by building a local battery industry. And we believe that it is time for a new generation of batteries: Safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. Batteries with positive power. Batteries for generations to come. We are shaping the battery's future. And just as it needs a lot of different expertise to scale big projects, the battery future will be built by people with a wide range of skills and experience. We are chemists, project managers, battery experts, procurement specialists, IT professionals, sustainability experts, and more. Regardless of your background, if you are up for the challenge, join our missionand be part of the change.

Metrology Engineer, salary grade 8, reports to Head of Operations of Battery Activities and is in San Jose, California, with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

Role Summary:

To achieve these ambitious goals, we are seeking a dedicated Metrology Engineer. This is a engineer level Member of Technical Staff to our Operations Department. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in metrology or inspection systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for driving continuous improvement. As a member of the Quality planning team, you will help us develop and deploy metrology tools to collect high volume and high velocity data that is predictive of battery and process performance. Experience working with electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, fuel cells, or similar technologies is highly desired.

Role Responsibilities:

• Develop, build, and become the expert on metrology tools that will evaluate the critical components of our batteries.
• Work with suppliers and stakeholders to identify and understand technology options and to integrate new inspection systems and sensors.
• Develop and deploy new features and capabilities on existing and future metrology systems.
• Create and execute test plans and analyze data to deliver accurate, reliable measurement methods.
• Support production teams by troubleshooting tool issues, training users, and eliminating tool down-time with engineering controls

Qualifications:

5+ years MINIMUM of professional experience in equipment design or validation OR Master's degree and 1+ year of professional experience

Education:

Required: Bachelor's Degree B.S. in metrology, optics, mechatronics, electrical or systems engineering, applied physics or related field.

Desired: Master's or higher B.S. in metrology, optics, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical or systems engineering, applied physics or related field.

Skills:

• Shares a real passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking - using logic and reason, creative and strategic.
• Lead metrology projects by setting clear goals, managing budgets, and coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.
• Communication skills - interpersonal, ability manage relationships internally (within team, with other teams) and externally (suppliers, teams of partnering companies).
• Organized, meticulous, and has clear written and verbal communication.
• Skilled in relevant software tools, including CAD programs and data analysis software.
• Ability to successfully manage projects and meet deadlines amidst changing requirements and priorities.
• Proven experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams, integrating people, processes, and systems.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements and implement innovative solutions to improve measurement accuracy and efficiency.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness, allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities.

Specialized Skills (Required):

• Design and implementation of effective in and at line measurement strategies to ensure accuracy, reliability, and quality of battery production processes at scale.
• Experience in metrology in- and at-line equipment such as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM; e.g. Zeiss CONTURA), optical metrology systems (e.g. Keyence VR series; Olympus LEXT OLS5000) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as ultrasonic testing (e.g. Olympus OmniScan MX2), CCD camera and flatness/thickness measurement solutions (e.g. ABB)
• Demonstrated experience in applying statistical methods to engineering problems using Minitab or equivalent software, as well as metrology software PolyWorks.
• Ability to write work instructions and test protocols incl. calibration logic.
• Proven track of record in leading complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement in automation systems.
• Extensive experience in scaling up manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless transition from prototype to high-volume production.
• In-depth understanding of control plans, including the development and implementation of quality control procedures to maintain process consistency.

Desired:

• Hands-on experience developing, validating, and releasing robust measurement systems.
• Experience validating processes or equipment in high-tech manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools and techniques to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
• Experience in conducting Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify potential failure modes and implement corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement and defect reduction.
• Familiarity with measurement systems analysis, statistical process control, and design of experiments.
• Experience and understanding of digital image processing or digital signal processing as well as in software programming for automated vision systems.

Work Flexibility:

• Job classification is fully onsite in San Jose, California
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe when necessary.
• Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines.
• 10% Travel.

In San Jose, California, the base pay salary range for this role is $121,400 - $176,300, depending on education and experience.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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