Manager, Electrode Scaleup

Role details

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 Manager, Electrode Scaleup leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of electrode manufacturing processes at Blue Current, driving the transition from R&D to pilot-scale production and eventually, toward high-volume manufacturing. This role is responsible for managing a team of process engineers while providing strategic and technical leadership across electrode processing operations, including mixing, coating and drying.

Working closely with cell engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams, the Manager establishes process development priorities, drives process capability improvements, oversees scale-up initiatives, and ensures the successful execution of projects that impact product performance, manufacturability, cost, and yield. The Manager, Electrode Scaleup plays a critical role in building organizational capability, developing technical talent, and establishing scalable manufacturing processes that support the company's growth objectives.

Essential Functions

& Responsibilities Establish team objectives, priorities, and resource allocation plans to support Blue Current’s electrode process development and manufacturing scale-up goals. Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of electrode manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with product requirements, manufacturing readiness targets, and company milestones. Manage a team of electrode process engineers through technical leadership, coaching, performance management, mentorship, and career development. Define and maintain process specifications, critical process parameters, qualification requirements, and process control strategies to ensure robust, repeatable manufacturing operations.

Partner with the Quality team to establish and continuously improve quality systems, process monitoring methods, and manufacturing acceptance criteria. Identify and implement process and equipment improvements that enhance yield, throughput, quality, manufacturability, and overall process capability. Develop and execute the electrode process scale-up strategy, identifying technical risks, capability gaps, infrastructure needs, and capital investments required to transition from R&D to pilot and commercial manufacturing.

Serve as the primary technical interface with equipment vendors, external partners, and contractors, ensuring alignment with Blue Current’s technical requirements and manufacturing roadmap. Drive cross-functional execution across R&D, cell engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to support process development, technology transfer, and commercialization activities. Review technical data, project progress, and engineering recommendations, ensuring decisions are data-driven and aligned with engineering and business objectives. Communicate project status, technical risks, resource needs, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Build organizational capability by establishing engineering best practices, documentation standards, and technical training programs that support operational excellence and manufacturing growth. Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the engineering team. Supports a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field Experience 5+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, process development, or scale-up within batteries, advanced materials, chemicals, semiconductors, or a related manufacturing industry. Experience developing and qualifying manufacturing processes, equipment, and process controls in a production setting. Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance yield, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.

Skills & Knowledge Demonstrated expertise in process development and optimization methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement. Hands on experience with electrode manufacturing processes and equipment, including slurry preparation, coating, drying, calendaring, and related unit operations. Ability to analyze complex technical data and make sound engineering decisions based on data and business objectives. Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to drive execution across technical and operational teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership. Proficiency with standard data analysis tools sufficient to process, visualize, and communicate process and quality data Certifications / Licenses N/A Preferred Qualifications 2+ years of experience leading engineers, technical teams, or cross-functional projects. Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing processes from laboratory or pilot environments to larger-scale production. Familiarity with quality systems, process qualification, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices.

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 Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.

Regularly works in an active manufacturing and laboratory environment; standing and walking for a significant portion of the workday (approximately 4-6 hours per day) Frequent interaction with process equipment, requiring manual dexterity and the ability to make detailed visual inspections of materials and coated electrodes Occasional lifting of items up to 30 lbs (e.g., material containers, equipment components) Prolonged periods of screen-based work for data analysis, documentation, vendor communication, and executive reporting Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat; additional PPE may be required depending on materials handled Exposure to industrial solvents, electrode materials, and other chemical substances; adherence to all applicable safety protocols and handling procedures is required Travel estimated at 10–15% of working time, primarily domestic, reflecting increased vendor engagement and external partner coordination relative to junior roles Standard weekday business hours; occasional off-hours availability may be required during critical process runs, equipment installations, or qualification events Salary Range $125,100 — $167,000 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.