Senior Cell Engineer, Cathode

About Blue Current Blue Current (the "Company") is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Currents fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Currents silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Currents team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit http://bluecurrent.com.

Position Summary As a Sr. Cell Engineer, you will be focused on developing new solid state electrode materials with a specific focus on Blue Currents composite cathode technology. Through careful design of experiments, you will be testing and integrating novel cathode active materials and solid electrolytes into a solid-state battery cathode. Hands-on experience in electrochemistry of lithium-ion battery, electrode formulations and processing is required. A background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field is preferred. This position will offer hands-on, fast-paced work in a growing team that has a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and test composite solid state cathode materials and formulations that improve cell performance and safety.
• Prepare and characterize solid state cathode composites and slurries (for example, rheology, stability, conductivity, dispersion, etc.) using state-of-the-art tools.
• Optimize and engineer composite solid-state cathodes based on a strong understanding of how that cathode interacts with the solid electrolyte.
• Assemble solid state cells and perform electrochemical testing to analyze the impact of cathode active materials and electrode composition on cell performance.
• Characterize cell materials using various analytical (e.g. SEM, XRD, TGA, etc.) and electrochemical (e.g. EIS and CV) techniques.
• Document and analyze electrochemical tests and analytical characterization results to measure the impact of cathode material properties on cell performance.
• Clearly communicate complex results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Work with cross-functional teams ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution of projects.
• Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the companys technical strategies.
• Contribute to the companys IP portfolio by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance.
• Support a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.

Minimum Qualifications Education

• PhD, MS (with 3+ years of industry experience), or BS (with 5+ years of experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices.

Experience

• Experience in battery R&D, with a strong focus on lithium-ion or solid-state battery systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with electrochemical materials, cathodes, or full-cell development in an industry or applied research environment.
• Experience preparing and optimizing composite cathodes, including slurry formulation and processing.
• Hands-on experience assembling cells and performing electrochemical testing to evaluate material and cell performance.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and deliver on R&D projects in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, GITT, HPPC, CV, and related methods.
• Familiarity with analytical and characterization tools such as SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC, and related techniques.
• Ability to analyze and interpret relationships between material properties, electrode design, and cell performance.
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and structured problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical results to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively to solve technical challenges.
• High attention to detail and commitment to experimental rigor and data quality.
• Commitment to safety and experience following and improving laboratory best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with solid-state battery systems, particularly composite cathodes and solid electrolytes.
• Experience with slurry rheology, dispersion, and stability optimization for electrode fabrication.
• Familiarity with advanced characterization or in situ/operando techniques.
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions.

Core Values - Minimum Qualifications

Safety & Security First

• For employees, customers, and intellectual property.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment, including adherence to workplace safety protocols, data privacy standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Proven ability to identify and appropriately escalate potential risks to personnel, customers, or sensitive information.

Trust & Respect

• Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles.
• Track record of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all workplace interactions.

Ownership & Accountability

• Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Dont wait for others.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, execute, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Proven track record of setting measurable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve challenges proactively.

Technical Excellence

• Always strive for the best solution possible.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise.
• Ability to evaluate options critically and apply sound judgment to identify the most effective and scalable solution.

Learn & Be Curious

• Think outside the box. Always learning.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, or domain knowledge in response to evolving business needs.
• Proven track record of applying creative or unconventional thinking to solve problems.

Be Resourceful

• Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments by maximizing existing tools, processes, and partnerships.
• Proven ability to adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.

Delight Customers

• Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers.
• Track record of building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
• Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
• Able to work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.

Salary Range $93,382 - $109,305 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

At-Will Employment & Disclaimer Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Companys discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.