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

Blue Current is seeking an experienced and talented R&D Technician with a passion for batteries to join our team in Hayward, California. As a hands-on member of Blue Current’s R&D team, you will be instrumental in developing next-generation solid state battery chemistries for high performance applications such as electric vehicles. The successful candidate will build and test prototype batteries in furtherance of Blue Current’s technology.

Responsibilities

Work with team members to perform all tasks related to R&D cell building and testing
Follow recipes to create slurries for various battery formulations
Coat slurries using a Dr blade or similar coating method
Calender electrodes to target porosities, following instructions from engineers
Assemble solid state cells according to work order instructions specifying certain material combinations to test
Perform visual quality checks on coating quality, and take measurements to ensure various weights, voltages, dimensions, etc. are within specifications
Enter measurement results into internal data portal, ensuring completeness and accuracy
Assemble completed cells into test fixtures
Place cells on test with specific test protocols, and with specific test channels as determined by the team.
Monitor cell test status. Alert team members to tests with status changes such as errors, completion, and change orders.
Perform electromechanical assembly tasks as needed, such as terminating cables and soldering wires

Requirements

Minimum 5 years experience working in an R&D environment
Ability to work in a dry room and in gloveboxes for extended periods of time
Ability to follow written SOPs and identify errors or clarity issues
Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Sheet, Airtable, and similar software
Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to deal with a fast paced working environment with changing priorities and evolving assembly and test procedures
Respect and adherence to lab and work safety policies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
Able to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.

Preferred

Experience working with battery assembly and/or testing
Previous glovebox/dry room experience
Experience assembling R&D cells, including electrode punching, tab welding, alignment, taping, and quality control checks
Previous chemical handling experience, including slurry mixing, coating, inventory management

Job type - full time

Schedule - Monday through Friday, day shift

Ability to commute/relocate - Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work

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.

R&D Technician

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