R&D Technician

Blue Current; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current, a leader in silicon solid-state batteries, seeks an experienced R&D Technician to join its Hayward team. You will build and test prototype cells, following recipes and test protocols to advance next-generation chemistries for EVs and storage.

Requires at least 5 years in R&D, ability to work in dry rooms and gloveboxes, and proficiency with Excel/Word/Sheets/Airtable. The role requires safety, teamwork, and the need to commute or relocate to Hayward.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience working in an R&D environment.
• Ability to work in a dry room and in gloveboxes for extended periods of time.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and identify errors or clarity issues
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Sheet, Airtable, and similar software
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to deal with a fast paced working environment with changing priorities and evolving assembly and test procedures
• Respect and adherence to lab and work safety policies

Responsibilities

• Work with team members to perform all tasks related to R&D cell building and testing
• Follow recipes to create slurries for various battery formulations
• Coat slurries using a Dr blade or similar coating method
• Calender electrodes to target porosities, following instructions from engineers
• Assemble solid state cells according to work order instructions specifying certain material combinations to test
• Perform visual quality checks on coating quality, and take measurements to ensure various weights, voltages, dimensions, etc. are within specifications
• Enter measurement results into internal data portal, ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Assemble completed cells into test fixtures
• Place cells on test with specific test protocols, and with specific test channels as determined by the team.
• Monitor cell test status. Alert team members to tests with status changes such as errors, completion, and change orders.
• Perform electromechanical assembly tasks as needed, such as terminating cables and soldering wires

Skills

R&D experience

SOP adherence

Attention to detail

Team communication

Lab safety

Tools

Excel

Word

Google Sheets

Airtable

Job description

About Blue Current

Blue Current 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, CA. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit https://bluecurrent.com/.

Summary

Blue Current is seeking an experienced and talented R&D Technician with a passion for batteries to join our team in Hayward, California. As a hands-on member of Blue Current’s R&D team, you will be instrumental in developing next-generation solid state battery chemistries for high performance applications such as electric vehicles. The successful candidate will build and test prototype batteries in furtherance of Blue Current’s technology.

Responsibilities

• Work with team members to perform all tasks related to R&D cell building and testing
• Follow recipes to create slurries for various battery formulations
• Coat slurries using a Dr blade or similar coating method
• Calender electrodes to target porosities, following instructions from engineers
• Assemble solid state cells according to work order instructions specifying certain material combinations to test
• Perform visual quality checks on coating quality, and take measurements to ensure various weights, voltages, dimensions, etc. are within specifications
• Enter measurement results into internal data portal, ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Assemble completed cells into test fixtures
• Place cells on test with specific test protocols, and with specific test channels as determined by the team.
• Monitor cell test status. Alert team members to tests with status changes such as errors, completion, and change orders.
• Perform electromechanical assembly tasks as needed, such as terminating cables and soldering wires

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years experience working in an R&D environment
• Ability to work in a dry room and in gloveboxes for extended periods of time
• Ability to follow written SOPs and identify errors or clarity issues
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Sheet, Airtable, and similar software
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to deal with a fast paced working environment with changing priorities and evolving assembly and test procedures
• Respect and adherence to lab and work safety policies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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

Preferred

• Experience working with battery assembly and/or testing
• Previous glovebox/dry room experience
• Experience assembling R&D cells, including electrode punching, tab welding, alignment, taping, and quality control checks
• Previous chemical handling experience, including slurry mixing, coating, inventory management

Job type

full time

Schedule

Monday through Friday, day shift

Ability to commute/relocate

Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Current is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and embraces diversity. We believe that our team is strengthened through hiring and retaining employees with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, ideas, and perspectives. We make hiring decisions based on merit and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender (including pregnancy) gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran, disability status or any other protected category in accordance with applicable law.