Senior Associate Engineer, Process Quality

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 Senior Associate Engineer, Process Quality carries out the day-to-day quality work that keeps Blue Current's measurements trustworthy and its processes in control. Working under the direction of senior engineers and the Process Quality manager, this role performs quality testing and inspection, keeps quality records and control charts current, and gathers the evidence that investigations depend on. It is a hands-on role at the bench and on the manufacturing floor, learning the methods and systems that govern quality at Blue Current while taking on steadily more of their execution. Success means quality data that is complete, accurate, and available for the team to make decisions, while continuously improving the company’s understanding of process and product performance.  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Performs routine quality control testing and inspection on incoming materials, in-process components, and finished cells according to established test methods and acceptance criteria 
• Collects, enters, and verifies quality data in established systems, checking records for completeness and flagging values that fall outside expected ranges 
• Maintains process control charts for assigned operations, identifies out-of-control signals, and escalates them to the responsible process owner and the Process Quality manager 
• Shares feedback between engineering and quality by observing process execution, identifying gaps between documented and actual practices, and highlighting opportunities to improve safety, reproducibility, or quality.  
• Executes measurement system analysis studies, including Gauge R&R, following established protocols, and documents the results 
• Drafts and revises standard operating procedures (SOP) and work instructions for quality control methods under the direction of senior engineers, and routes them through document control 
• Conducts first-pass investigation of nonconforming material and process deviations, documenting observations and evidence, and contributes findings to root cause analyses led by senior engineers 
• Performs incoming inspection on supplier materials against specification, documents non-conformances, and tracks open supplier quality issues to closure 
• Compiles quality metrics and prepares recurring reports for process owners and the Process Quality team 
• Follows and helps improve laboratory and manufacturing safety practices, including correct use of personal protective equipment and proper handling of materials 
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• BS in relevant field, or AS with 2+ years of relevant experience, or 4+ years of relevant experience; relevant fields include Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices 

Experience

• Hands-on experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting, which may include internship, co-op, or academic research, involving measurement, testing, and documentation of results 
• Experience following written procedures and recording data accurately where the record matters to someone downstream 

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to connect observations from the manufacturing floor to potential quality or process risks and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.  
• Working knowledge of basic statistics as applied to process data, including central tendency, variation, and control limits. 
• Ability to use a spreadsheet or statistical software (e.g., Excel, JMP, Minitab, or R) to summarize, chart, and interpret measurement data 
• Clear written communication sufficient to document observations, record results, and draft procedure text that another person can follow 
• Attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to data integrity and record traceability 
• Demonstrates technical curiosity by questioning unexpected results and using observations and data to determine if further investigation is needed.  
• Ability to take direction, ask clarifying questions, and escalate problems rather than work around them. 

Certifications / Licenses 

• N/A 

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or practical exposure to Lean Six Sigma, statistical process control, or design of experiments 
• Experience in a battery, semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing environment 
• Familiarity with measurement systems analysis concepts such as gauge repeatability and reproducibility 
• Exposure to quality management system elements such as document control, change management, or nonconformance handling 
• Experience working in a dry room, glovebox, or other controlled-environment laboratory 
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt 

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

• Occasional lifting and positioning of equipment and components up to approximately 30-50 lbs (e.g., test fixtures, chamber components, cabling); installation and maintenance work may involve bending, reaching, and working around electromechanical equipment.  
• Work in proximity to electrical test equipment, batteries, and temperature-control systems; adherence to all applicable electrical, battery, and laboratory safety protocols is required. 
• Prolonged periods of screen-based work for test configuration, monitoring, data review, and documentation. 
• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat; additional PPE may be required depending on materials handled 
• Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically. 
• Travel is estimated at less than 10% of working time and would be primarily domestic (e.g., vendor or equipment site visits) 
• FAT program execution or in the event of vendor or supplier visits.  
• Work in gloveboxes or a dry room may be required at times, up to a full work day 
• Standard weekday business hours; occasional off-hours availability may be required to support long-running test campaigns, installations, or troubleshooting.

Salary Range

$95,400—$127,000 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.