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
As a Sr. Electrolyte Scientist, you will be focused on synthesizing and characterizing new solid state electrolyte materials, with a focus on inorganic materials. You will be designing and assessing novel electrolyte materials for targeted improvement of Blue Current’s solid state cells. Hands-on experience in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization is required. A background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field is preferred. This position will offer hands-on, fast-paced work in a growing team that has a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Synthesize inorganic solid electrolyte materials, targeting properties that improve performance, manufacturability, or cost
- Characterize and evaluate solid electrolyte materials and their interactions with other battery components, developing new characterization methods as needed
- Clearly communicate complex results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
- Work with cross-functional teams ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution of projects.
- Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company’s technical strategies.
- Contribute to the company's IP portfolio by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance.
- Support a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- PhD, MS (with 3+ years of industry experience), or BS (with 5+ years of experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on materials synthesis or characterization
Experience
- Hands-on experience synthesizing solid state materials by various methods, such as thermal, mechanochemical, or solvent-mediated
- Development of structure-property and/or process-property relationships for materials development
- Materials characterization with various techniques such as XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, Raman, or FTIR
- Experience planning, leading, and executing R&D projects
- Demonstrated experience collaborating cross-functionally with co-workers with various technical expertise including cell engineering, electrode development, and manufacturing teams
Skills & Knowledge
- Familiarity with solid-state ion-conducting material classes, and techniques for their synthesis and characterization
- Strong data analysis, documentation, and structured problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical results to cross-functional teams and leadership
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively to solve technical challenges
- High attention to detail and commitment to experimental rigor and data quality
- Commitment to safety and experience following and improving laboratory best practices
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience synthesizing solid state Li-ion conducting materials
- Experience with electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, CV, etc
- Experience with solid-state battery systems
- Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions
- Previous experience working in an industry R&D environment
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
- Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
- Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
- Able to work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.
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.
Skills Required
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field; OR MS with 3+ years industry experience; OR BS with 5+ years experience
- Hands-on experience synthesizing solid-state materials (thermal, mechanochemical, solvent-mediated methods)
- Experience developing structure-property and/or process-property relationships for materials
- Materials characterization experience with techniques such as XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, Raman, FTIR
- Experience planning, leading, and executing R&D projects
- Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration with cell engineering, electrode development, and manufacturing teams
- Familiarity with solid-state ion-conducting material classes and their synthesis/characterization techniques
- Strong data analysis, documentation, structured problem-solving, and communication skills
- High attention to detail, experimental rigor, and commitment to laboratory safety and best practices
- Ability to wear PPE, pass a respirator fit test, and work in lab/manufacturing environments with chemical and mechanical hazards
- Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
- Prior experience synthesizing solid-state Li-ion conducting materials
- Experience with electrochemical testing techniques (EIS, CV)
- Experience with solid-state battery systems
- Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions
- Previous experience working in an industry R&D environment
What We Do
Blue Current manufactures silicon elastic composite solid-state batteries for EVs and non-automotive device applications. Blue Current leads with science, data and thoughtful IP across the full solid-state battery solution stack.
