Sr Electrolyte Scientist

Sr Electrolyte Scientist

Hayward CA

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.

As a Sr. Electrolyte Scientist, you will be focused on synthesizing and characterizing new solid state electrolyte materials, with a focus on inorganic materials. You will be designing and assessing novel electrolyte materials for targeted improvement of Blue Current's solid state cells. Hands-on experience in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization 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.

• Synthesize inorganic solid electrolyte materials, targeting properties that improve performance, manufacturability, or cost
• Characterize and evaluate solid electrolyte materials and their interactions with other battery components, developing new characterization methods as needed
• 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.

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 materials synthesis or characterization

Experience

• Hands-on experience synthesizing solid state materials by various methods, such as thermal, mechanochemical, or solvent-mediated
• Development of structure-property and/or process-property relationships for materials development
• Materials characterization with various techniques such as XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, Raman, or FTIR
• Experience planning, leading, and executing R&D projects
• Demonstrated experience collaborating cross-functionally with co-workers with various technical expertise including cell engineering, electrode development, and manufacturing teams

• Familiarity with solid-state ion-conducting material classes, and techniques for their synthesis and characterization
• 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

• Prior experience synthesizing solid state Li-ion conducting materials
• Experience with electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, CV, etc
• Experience with solid-state battery systems
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions
• Previous experience working in an industry R&D environment

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