Sr. Equipment Engineer, Cell Engineering

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

Blue Current is seeking a skilled Senior Equipment Engineer to support the development, qualification, and operation improvement of manufacturing equipment for our solid-state battery manufacturing pilot line. This role is central to translating cutting-edge battery chemistry into reliable, repeatable production processes by ensuring that equipment performs consistently and reliably. 

Reporting to the VP of Cell Engineering, the Senior Equipment Engineer will be responsible for processes involving equipment design, build-out, procurement, and optimization. This role will also be responsible for the continuous improvement and quality maintenance of critical battery manufacturing equipment, spanning electrode processing, cell assembly, and dry room systems. You will work closely with process engineers, scientists, and technicians to understand process requirements, translate them into equipment specifications, and drive performance improvements through data and hands-on engagement. 

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with precision manufacturing equipment in a battery, semiconductor, solar, fuel cell or advanced materials environment, combined with a systematic, safety-first mindset and the drive to solve complex equipment challenges in a fast-paced startup setting. 

This role is ideal for an experienced professional who will leverage in-depth, wide-ranging experience to own complex equipment issues and guide continuous improvement initiatives across multiple systems. The Senior Equipment Engineer will work closely with process and equipment owners on the Advanced Manufacturing team, as well as a diverse set of stakeholders on the facilities, Cell Engineering, and R&D teams.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Technical Execution 

• Drive equipment engineering projects including equipment upgrades, modifications, and capability expansions in response to evolving process and production requirements 
• Evaluate, specify, and recommend new equipment technologies aligned with the company's manufacturing roadmap 
• Design, install, and commission battery manufacturing equipment in coordination with Advanced Manufacturing, Facilities, Cell Engineering, and relevant R&D team members 
• Identify and execute bespoke equipment modifications as needed to improve equipment performance 
• Coordinate with equipment vendors on factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) activities 
•  Ensure all equipment is properly integrated with facility infrastructure including dry room systems, utilities, and environmental monitoring 
• Identify common sources of process variation and propose improvements to enhance consistency. 

Equipment Documentation & Troubleshooting 

• Own equipment documentation including user manuals, work instructions, maintenance schedules and procedures, calibration protocols, and qualification records. 
• Serve as the primary technical resource for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, and repairs on the battery manufacturing equipment 
• Develop and execute detailed equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and manage the associated documentation packages.  
• Develop and maintain equipment risk management documentation, such as FMEAs to anticipate failure modes and minimize unplanned downtime 
• Respond rapidly to equipment failures, conduct structured root cause analysis (RCA) and collaborate with engineers to implement corrective actions  
• Support production shifts by providing on-call troubleshooting assistance during critical pilot campaigns 
• Contribute to CMMS, SCADA, or equivalent asset management system development. 

Controlled Environment Equipment  

• Implement EHS monitoring solutions into manufacturing tools in collaboration with EHS and Advanced Manufacturing team members 
• Collaborate with and support the Facilities team on dry room infrastructure maintenance, including equipment integration into the facility and implementation of EHS controls 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering(or related field) and 5 years of relevant experience, MS degree with 3 yearsrelevant experience, or PhD in relevant field with focus on mechanical design and automation. 

Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and tool implementation in a high precision manufacturing environment (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive)
• Demonstrated experience specifying, procuring, installing, and maintaining equipment in a manufacturing or pilot-scale environment 

Skills & Knowledge

• Hands-on experience with precision manufacturing equipment such as coating systems, device assembly automation, roll-to-roll process equipment or similar. 
•  Demonstrated ability to own equipment commissioning and qualification activities and manage associated documentation 
• Strong troubleshooting skills with a structured, data-driven approach to root cause analysis 
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs, calibration management, and equipment lifecycle ownership 
• Proficiency with MS office, data analysis, and equipment systems (CMMS, SCADA, MES or equivalent) 
• Ability to read, interpret, and refine engineering drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals 
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations teams 

Certifications / Licenses

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with battery equipment is a plus (powder/slurry mixing, roll-to-roll coating and assembly, stacking, ultrasonic welding, etc.) 
• Experience managing projects involving cross-functional stakeholders 
• Experience with analytical and metrology tools (microscopy, thickness gauges, viscometers) 
•  Experience with PLC programming, HMI systems, or industrial automation troubleshooting 
• Background in equipment FMEA development and risk-based maintenance strategies 
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification 

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 perform precise assembly and maintenance tasks inside gloveboxes or in a dry-room  manufacturing environment.  
• Must possess the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination required to manipulate tools and materials through integrated gloves/sleeves. 
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs, occasionally 
• Core hours are adaptable, though increased availability may be required during peak periods. 
• Occasional work in confined spaces or at heights 

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.