Senior Electrolyte Scientist

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 Electrolyte Scientist is a key individual contributor who can work within complex team environments, driving mission critical projects that impact annual company milestones. The Senior Electrolyte Scientist has deep knowledge in battery electrolyte performance and testing methodology. This person can attack open-ended problems with vigor, by developing hypotheses from disparate sources across the organization, and by developing and executing plans that leverage resources across the organization. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and test polymer electrolyte materials that provide benefits to cell performance, including evaluation of transport properties and mechanical properties 
• Evaluate polymer electrolytes in conjunction with other cell components such as ceramic electrolytes and active materials 
• Relate polymer chemical and physical properties to component level characteristics and cell performance results; optimize processes to maximize component performance 
• Design and execute high-quality experiments, knowing when to trade accuracy and speed, and balancing competing resources, including those of the company 
• Define projects consistent with company goals, track action items, drive progress to successful completion, and report results 
• Analyze data from multiple sources, including their own experiments 
• Take initiative to identify gaps or overlooked problems and present findings to senior management with clear, data-driven communications and recommendations 
• Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company’s technical strategies 
• Drive innovation and IP development by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance 
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• PhD in relevant field, MS + 3 years relevant experience, BS + 5 years relevant experience, or 10 years related industry experience 

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to test and measure electrolyte transport properties 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze electrochemical data and improve battery performance through optimization of different areas such as: interfacial impedance reduction strategies, ceramic and polymer electrolyte processing challenges, and chemical degradation modes of battery layer sub-components. 
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team  

Skills & Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of solid-state battery cell architecture and formulation, including detailed knowledge of the functional role of all materials in all components of the cell 
• Proficiency with analytical and electrochemical characterization techniques, such as EIS, CV, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC, and the ability to interpret results to inform design or process decisions. 
• Ability to condense complicated data into clearly presented analysis, conclusions, and recommendations 
• Ability to work in a team environment, serving as a mentor to junior employees and a source of truth for senior employees within the team 

Certifications / Licenses

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with polymer electrolytes and electrochemical cell testing and analysis, including some combinations of ion transport measurements, mechanical testing, polymer rheology, cycle life testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy 
• Experience interfacing polymer and ceramic electrolytes, measuring interfacial impedance, and evaluating strategies for minimizing interfacial impedance 
• Demonstrated ability to bring new materials from concept to fruition, through some combination of synthesis, materials processing, cell assembly and testing, and engineering analysis 
• Experienced data analyst with a demonstrated ability to apply statistics, perform novel analysis, present distilled data from a complicated source dataset, write data analysis scripts, or otherwise interpret complex electrochemistry data 

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

• Ability to sit for extended periods at a workstation and use a computer for up to 8 hours per day. 
• Ability to work in a glovebox, using machines or hand tools, for up to 8 hours per day.  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. 
• Domestic or international travel may be required intermittently but is not standard for this role 
• Work is performed in a combination of standard office environments and lab spaces, which may include dry rooms with extremely low humidity, chemistry labs, cell test labs, machine shops, and in gloveboxes - the specific combination of which depends on specific job duties and is expected to change over time.  
• Regular business hours required; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods. 

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.