Senior Cell Engineer, Cathode
Blue Current
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 Current’s 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 Current’s silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current’s 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 Current’s 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 company’s technical strategies.
- Contribute to the company's 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 |
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| Trust & Respect Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble. |
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| Ownership & Accountability Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others. |
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| Technical Excellence Always strive for the best solution possible. |
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| Learn & Be Curious Think outside the box. Always learning. |
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| Be Resourceful Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way. |
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| Delight Customers Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers. |
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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.
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 Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.