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 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

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…