Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

3d•$125,100 - $167,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes that are critical to Blue Current’s solid-state battery technology. This role is responsible for building and leading a team of engineers while establishing the processes, equipment strategies, quality standards, and manufacturing systems required to consistently produce high-performance cells. Working cross-functionally with cell engineering, electrode process, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams, the Manager drives execution of process development and manufacturing readiness initiatives that support the transition from R&D to pilot-scale and future commercial production. Success in this role requires combining strong technical leadership with effective people management to advance cell assembly capabilities, mitigate scale-up risks, and build the organizational foundation for long-term manufacturing growth.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field
5+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, process development, or scale-up within batteries, advanced materials, chemicals, semiconductors, or a related manufacturing industry.
Experience with cell assembly processes, manufacturing equipment development, process qualification, and technology transfer.
Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance yield, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
Strong understanding of battery cell assembly processes, manufacturing scale-up, process qualification, and technology transfer, with experience developing robust and repeatable manufacturing operations.
Demonstrated expertise in process development and optimization methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, tooling development, quality systems, process validation, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of experience leading engineers, technical teams, or cross-functional projects.
Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing processes from laboratory or pilot environments to larger-scale production.
Familiarity with quality systems, process qualification, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes, ensuring consistent production of high-quality solid-state battery cells that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturing objectives.
Manage and develop a team of cell assembly engineers by providing technical leadership, coaching, performance management, mentorship, and career development.
Define and execute the cell assembly technology roadmap, establishing process strategies, equipment requirements, and manufacturing readiness plans to support pilot-scale and future commercial production.
Drive the identification, evaluation, and implementation of process, tooling, and equipment improvements that enhance yield, throughput, quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.
Establish and maintain process specifications, operating procedures, quality standards, and process control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing operations.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with cell engineering, electrode process engineering, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams to support process development, technology transfer, root-cause investigations, and commercialization activities.
Communicate project status, technical risks, resource requirements, and strategic recommendations to leadership while building organizational capability through engineering best practices, documentation standards, and technical training programs.
Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the engineering team.
Supports a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.
Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position.