Senior Manager, Electrolyte Development

Blue Current; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 135,900 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current in Hayward, California is seeking a Sr. Manager, Electrolyte Development to lead synthesis, optimization, and characterization of inorganic solid electrolytes for next-generation solid-state batteries.

You will drive electrolyte innovation from discovery to product integration, ensuring high performance and manufacturability. The role requires 8+ years in inorganic solid electrolyte R&D, a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Strong background in inorganic solid electrolytes and battery materials research.
• Experience with sulfide/oxide/polymer electrolytes and scale-up knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead teams in startup-like environments.
• Ability to define technical roadmaps and milestones.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the development strategy for inorganic solid electrolytes (sulfide/ceramic).
• Improve ionic conductivity, stability, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical integrity.
• Establish characterization methods to evaluate performance and degradation.
• Mentor a team of scientists and engineers in electrolyte R&D.
• Plan and prioritize projects to meet performance, timeline, and resource goals.
• Collaborate with cell engineering, manufacturing, and other R&D teams.
• Align efforts with product goals and roadmaps; support IP activity.
• Communicate progress and trade-offs to senior leadership.

Skills

Ion transport mechanisms

Interfacial phenomena

Electrochemical stability

Impedance spectroscopy

X-ray diffraction

Electron microscopy

Thermal analysis

Electrochemical testing

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or related

Job description

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

The Sr. Manager, Electrolyte Development will lead the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of advanced inorganic solid electrolytes, with a primary focus on sulfide-based and other ceramic ion-conducting materials for next-generation solid-state batteries. This role is responsible for driving electrolyte innovation from early discovery through product integration, ensuring strong electrochemical performance, manufacturability, and alignment with company product and commercialization goals.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Define and lead the technical strategy for the development, synthesis, and optimization of inorganic solid electrolytes, including sulfide-based and other ceramic systems.
• Drive materials design to improve ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical integrity of inorganic electrolytes.
• Establish and oversee electrochemical, structural, and materials characterization methods to evaluate performance, reliability, and degradation mechanisms.
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists and engineers focused on inorganic electrolyte research and development.
• Ensure rigorous project planning, prioritization, and technical problem-solving to meet performance, timeline, and resource objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with cell engineering, manufacturing, and other R&D teams to enable successful integration of inorganic electrolytes into battery systems.
• Align inorganic electrolyte development efforts with company product goals, commercialization strategies, and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Support intellectual property generation through invention disclosures, patent filings, and high-quality technical documentation.
• Communicate technical progress, trade-offs, and development status to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Uphold strong safety, documentation, and data integrity practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field

Experience

• 8+ years of direct experience in inorganic solid electrolyte research and development, preferably within solid-state or advanced battery technologies
• Demonstrated expertise in inorganic materials synthesis, powder processing, compositional optimization, and materials scale-up
• Demonstrated experience working with solid electrolytes such as sulfides, oxides, and polymer electrolytes
• Proven ability to build and lead teams in dynamic startup environments

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of ion transport mechanisms, defect chemistry, interfacial phenomena, and electrochemical stability in inorganic electrolytes
• Hands-on experience with characterization tools such as impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and electrochemical testing
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence technical strategy and product decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience leading multidisciplinary R&D team while defining technical roadmaps and development milestones
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with cell design, manufacturing, and external partners

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. Don't 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

$135,900 — $172,000 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 Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.