Sr Electrolyte Scientist

Blue Current, Inc.; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 111,600 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Electrolyte Scientist to design and characterize new solid-state electrolyte materials, with a focus on inorganic systems.

This role demands hands-on synthesis, processing, and rigorous material characterization to advance solid-state battery performance. You will work in a fast-paced team, communicating results to leadership and collaborating with cell engineering, electrode development, and manufacturing groups to deliver high-quality, timely projects.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS with 3+ years in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience synthesizing solid state materials by kinetic/thermal or solvent-mediated methods.
• Development of structure–property relationships for materials development.
• Materials characterization using XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, Raman, or FTIR.
• Experience planning, leading, and executing R&D projects; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize inorganic solid electrolyte materials to improve performance, manufacturability or cost.
• Characterize solid electrolyte materials and their interactions with battery components; develop new methods as needed.
• Communicate complex results clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, on-schedule project execution.
• Survey literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures to inform technical strategy.
• Contribute to IP by exploring novel materials and cell designs.
• Uphold safety practices and implement best-practice updates in the lab.

Skills

Solid-state synthesis

Materials characterization

Cross-functional communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science

MS in related field

BS in related field

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

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.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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

$111,600–$160,000 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.