Senior Pilot Maintenance Technician

Blue Current; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,750; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current is seeking a Machine Maintenance Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize equipment in its pilot-scale and R&D solid-state battery production facility in Hayward, CA. The role requires strong mechanical and electrical skills, experience with automated manufacturing systems, and a focus on safety in a high-tech environment.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in manufacturing equipment maintenance, familiarity with powder handling, sintering, and Li-ion or solid-state

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing equipment maintenance.
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems and industrial control systems.
• Experience in Li-ion or solid-state battery manufacturing preferred.
• Familiarity with powder handling and sintering processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on solid-state battery manufacturing equipment including small scale to pilot scale machines for powder processing systems, electrode process, cell assembly lines, and glove boxes.
• Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, and calibration of precision manufacturing tools.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems to minimize downtime.
• Replace worn components, seals, filters, and other consumable parts.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs and equipment history records.
• Communicate effectively with machine suppliers for trouble shooting and preventive maintenance.
• Assist in equipment setup and changeover procedures for different product configurations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement equipment improvements and modifications.
• Participate in root cause analysis for equipment failures and process deviations.
• Support installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical knowledge

Reading drawings

Predictive maintenance

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical/Electrical Technology

Certification: forklift & aerial lift

Military technical training

Tools

PLCs

SCADA

P&ID reading

Welding (basic)

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., https://bluecurrent.com/

Summary

Are you a Machine maintenance technician who is passionate about clean energy? Have you worked in the battery, fuel cell, solar, electronic materials or other high speed process manufacturing industries? Are you hungry for a role where you will have an immediate impact across the company and in the industry? Batteries are the single most critical part of the new energy economy for EVs, grid storage, consumer electronics and IoT. Blue Current has developed a solid- state battery solution that exceeds the best batteries in the industry. The company is well funded and has a deep IP portfolio with dozens of patents granted and pending. Now we need you to drive the next level of innovation in our cell manufacturing process.

Description

This role is critical in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing specialized equipment used in our pilot-scale and R&D scale all solid-state battery production facility. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical skills, experience with automated manufacturing systems, and a commitment to safety in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive maintenance on all solid-state battery manufacturing equipment including small scale to pilot scale machines for powder processing systems, electrode process, cell assembly lines, and glove boxes
• Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, and calibration of precision manufacturing tools
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems to minimize downtime
• Replace worn components, seals, filters, and other consumable parts
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs and equipment history records
• Communicate effectively with machine suppliers for trouble shooting and preventive maintenance

Process Support & Optimization

• Assist in equipment setup and changeover procedures for different product configurations
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement equipment improvements and modifications
• Participate in root cause analysis for equipment failures and process deviations
• Support installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety protocols and regulatory requirements
• Maintain expertise in handling specialized materials used in all solid-state battery manufacturing
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and other safety protocols
• Participate in safety training and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain controlled atmosphere environments and inert gas handling systems required for solid-state processing

Documentation & Reporting

• Update equipment documentation, drawings, and standard operating procedures
• Track spare parts inventory and coordinate with procurement for equipment needs
• Provide technical input for equipment specifications and vendor evaluations

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, or related technical field
• Technical certification from accredited trade school or equivalent military training
• Forklift and aerial lift certifications (or ability to obtain)

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing equipment maintenance, preferably in Li ion battery, all solid-state battery manufacturing, ceramics, or advanced materials industries
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems, PLCs, and industrial control systems
• Familiarity with powder handling systems, sintering processes, chemical material processes, Li ion battery manufacturing process including formation

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs
• Experience with predictive maintenance techniques (vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis)
• Basic welding and fabrication skills preferred

Personal Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Flexibility to work various shifts and respond to emergency calls

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in all solid-state battery manufacturing, advanced ceramics, or solid-state electrochemical processes
• Knowledge of Li ion battery and/or solid-state battery production equipment
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with dry air, clean room, and inert gases
• Controlled atmosphere environment requiring appropriate PPE and specialized safety protocols
• Occasional work in confined spaces or at heights
• May require overtime, weekend work, and emergency response calls
• Shift work may be required to support 24/7 operations in the future

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Salary Range: $35—$43.75 USD

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.