Senior Process Engineer

Blue Current; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current in Hayward, CA is seeking a Process Engineer to develop formulation and coating processes for next-generation solid-state battery separators. A background in materials science or chemical engineering is required.

You will work hands-on with a team of scientists and engineers to test materials, characterize slurry, and collaborate with cell build and manufacturing teams to transfer processes to production. Join a well-funded company driving energy storage innovation.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or related field; MS/PhD preferred.
• Experience with slurry mixing, coating and calendering equipment is required/ preferred.
• Background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics.
• Experience with lithium-ion or solid-state battery-related processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new materials, formulation, mixing and coating processes for separators that enable safe, high energy density solid-state Li-ion batteries.
• Characterize slurry and separator quality using rheological, mechanical, imaging and electrochemical techniques, and develop new characterization methods as needed.
• Collaborate with cell build teams for evaluating novel separator compositions and architectures in solid state cells. Analyze test results to understand the impact of separator properties on cell performance.
• Collaborate with the Advanced Manufacturing team for transferring mixing and coating processes to manufacturing equipment.
• Document and analyze experimental results, and present findings in team meetings and company-wide events.
• Develop and submit intellectual property.

Skills

Slurry mixing

Coating processes

Calendering equipment

Electrochemical characterization

Statistical analysis (JMP/Minitab)

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

JMP

Minitab

SEM

EIS

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

Are you a process engineering super star? Have you worked in the battery, fuel cell, solar, electronic materials, pharmaceutical or other materials 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

As a Process Engineer, you will be focused on developing formulation and coating processes for next generation separators for Blue Current’s solid-state batteries. A background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field is required. Additional experience in electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries is a bonus. This is a hands-on, fast paced position with a team of scientists and engineers that have a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new materials, formulation, mixing and coating processes for separators that enable safe, high energy density solid-state Li-ion batteries.
• Characterize slurry and separator quality using rheological, mechanical, imaging and electrochemical techniques, and develop new characterization methods as needed.
• Collaborate with cell build teams for evaluating novel separator compositions and architectures in solid state cells. Analyze test results to understand the impact of separator properties on cell performance.
• Collaborate with the Advanced Manufacturing team for transferring mixing and coating processes to manufacturing equipment.
• Document and analyze experimental results, and present findings in team meetings and company-wide events.
• Develop and submit intellectual property.

Requirements

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or related fields. MS or PhD preferred.
• 2+ years industry experience working with materials and process development in lithium-ion batteries, fuel cell, thin film or other related fields
• Experience with slurry mixing, coating and calendering equipment is preferred (e.g. planetary mixers, roll-to-roll coating, slot-die, comma blade, gravure, etc.)
• Experience with characterization methods such as rheometry, SEM, TGA and tensile/compression testing, electrochemical methods such as EIS and CV, and statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab are preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and experience working with team members to overcome technical challenges
• Appreciation for and adherence to lab and work safety policies

Location

Hayward, California

Job Type

Full-time

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.