Staff Data Product Engineer Hayward CA

Blue Current Inc.; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 122,400 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Current Inc. in Hayward, California is seeking a Staff Data Product Engineer. This role focuses on developing the internal database and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to ensure seamless data access across engineering teams. You will define product roadmaps, manage third-party developers, and translate team needs into software requirements.

The ideal candidate will have advanced degrees in relevant fields, extensive experience with SQL databases, and familiarity with data visualization tools. Competitive salary range is $122,400 - $166,000 USD.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience as a product owner or product manager for internal software tools.
• Direct experience defining software requirements and managing third-party developers.
• Proven understanding of battery performance testing and data structures.

Responsibilities

• Design intuitive user interfaces for battery data analysis.
• Lead product development for internal database and MES.
• Define software requirements translating needs into specifications.

Skills

SQL database proficiency

Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

UI/UX design principles

Cross-functional collaboration

Product ownership

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Master’s with 6+ years of experience

Bachelor’s with 8+ years of experience

Tools

Python

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Blue Current Overview

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.

Position Summary

Blue Current is seeking a highly motivated and hands‑on Staff Data Product Engineer to lead the development and optimization of our internal database and Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This role is pivotal in bridging complex cell development data to actionable software solutions through mastery of data architecture, product ownership, and UI design. Operating with significant autonomy, the Staff Data Product Engineer defines the product roadmap for internal software, manages third‑party developers who build and maintain these systems, and serves as the internal advocate who translates the needs of cell engineers, process engineers, and manufacturing teams into precise software requirements. Success means that every team at Blue Current has reliable, intuitive access to the data they need — and that the underlying systems are built to scale alongside the company.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the development of intuitive user interfaces for battery data analysis, ensuring full database capabilities and robust metadata tracking for advanced performance analysis and rapid root‑cause analysis.
• Lead product development for the internal database and MES, ensuring systems scale effectively from lab‑scale R&D to pilot production.
• Define detailed software requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria for new features and capabilities, translating the needs of cell engineers, process engineers, and manufacturing teams into specifications that third‑party developers can execute against.
• Lead the product development roadmap, feature prioritization, and lifecycle management for the internal database and MES.
• Collaborate on architecting robust database structures that accurately reflect complex material tracking, process data, and testing workflows.
• Monitor and maintain data integrity across all systems, developing validation protocols and troubleshooting data pipeline failures as they arise.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal troubleshooting, user training, and product documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• PhD (with 3+ years of relevant experience), Master’s (with 6+ years of relevant experience), Bachelor’s (with 8+ years of relevant experience) in Computer Science, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.

Experience

• Hands‑on experience acting as a product owner or product manager for internal software tools, databases, or MES platforms, with personal accountability for roadmap decisions and feature delivery.
• Direct experience defining software requirements and managing external or third‑party developers, including setting expectations, reviewing deliverables, and maintaining delivery timelines.
• Proven understanding of battery performance testing, cell characterization, and typical battery data structures.
• High proficiency in SQL database and experience querying complex relational databases to troubleshoot user issues or validate data integrity.
• Experience with data visualization tools and UI/UX design principles (e.g., Python, Tableau, Power BI, or front‑end web frameworks) sufficient to guide interface development and evaluate delivered work.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with hardware engineers, software developers, and leadership teams to advance programs.

Skills & Knowledge

• Solid understanding of typical battery performance metrics and testing protocols, familiarity with time‑series data generated by standard cyclers (e.g., Arbin, BioLogic, Neware).
• Knowledge of battery manufacturing data structures, particularly material genealogy, batch tracking, and process data mapping.
• Ability to write comprehensive product requirements documents, user stories, and acceptance criteria tailored for internal engineering tools.
• Proficiency in agile development methodologies, sprint planning, and backlog prioritization.
• Familiarity with data visualization frameworks to guide UI development and dashboard layouts.
• Demonstrated product ownership skills, with the ability to drive cross‑functional alignment between software developers and battery engineers.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills, taking accountability to translate user challenges into actionable software requirements and strategic updates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience developing data infrastructure or MES platforms in a battery manufacturing or advanced materials R&D environment.
• Familiarity with data privacy and security considerations relevant to proprietary manufacturing and performance data in a competitive technology environment.
• Experience scaling internal software systems from early‑stage R&D use to pilot or high‑volume manufacturing environments, where data complexity and user volume increase substantially.

Core Values — Minimum Qualifications

Safety & Security First

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

Customer Focus

• 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

• Primarily sedentary role; sitting at a computer workstation for the majority of the workday (approximately 6‑7 hours per day).
• Occasional lifting of items up to 15 lbs (e.g., laptops, printed materials).
• Prolonged periods of focused screen‑based work requiring sustained visual attention and concentration.
• Regular verbal and written communication with internal engineering teams and external software development partners.
• Occasional access to laboratory and manufacturing areas may be required; standard PPE protocols apply when entering these spaces.

Salary Range

$122,400 - $166,000 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.

Work Authorization

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