Process Quality Engineer

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

2d•$98,100 - $146,000•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Current is looking for a Process Quality Engineer who will help establish foundational Quality infrastructure by improving measurement confidence, data quality, process and execution discipline, and promoting reproducibility at all scales of operation. You'll work across functions, from the lab bench to the manufacturing floor, to build quality methods and systems that enable Blue Current to scale with a foundation of high quality measurement data. This role sits at the intersection of rigorous technical work and cross-functional influence: you'll define what "good" looks like and help the organization get there.

Requirements

MS or BS (with 2+ years of relevant experience), Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices.
3+ years of hands-on experience in a process engineering or quality role in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment (e.g. batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive).
Industrial experience with battery manufacturing processes and quality systems is a strong plus; deep academic knowledge is acceptable.
Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience in designing and implementing a QMS for a fast-paced start-up environment, including document control, change management, non-conformance management and continuous improvement measures that support organization growth.
Strong interpersonal and cross-functional skills with proven capacity to partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to develop, implement, and maintain effective process documentation.
Strong technical judgement skills capable of turning product level engineering requirements into practical quality specifications, ensuring materials, components, and assemblies can be measured and controlled during development and scale up activities.
Proven ability in the development and implementation of SPC programs for new manufacturing processes, including control chart management, process capability analysis, and early detection of drift through data analysis to prevent quality losses.
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to mobilize resources, drive root cause analyses efforts, and implement practical solutions that improve end-to-end product quality and process yield.
Ability to assess and validate measurement systems through MSA and Gage R&R studies, identify sources of measurement variability, and lead improvements that ensure reliable process monitoring and quality decisions.
Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, making decisions with incomplete information while remaining flexible as conditions change.
Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities with limited supervision.
Clear written and verbal communication skills to document findings, write or revise official documents like SOPs, train other users, and interface with vendors.
Proficient in at least one of the following: JMP, R, or Minitab.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with the battery assembly sequence or meaningful portions of it, including electrode handling, lamination, layer stacking, and pouch sealing, with personal accountability for process outcomes.
Experience managing supplier quality activities, including qualification, performance monitoring, issue escalation, corrective action management, and verification of long-term effectiveness to ensure consistent material quality.
Experience working with manufacturing execution systems (MES) or similar production data platforms, including participation in their development or implementation.
Experience contributing to cell assembly scale-up efforts, including identifying critical process parameters and documenting process knowledge in a form that supports future manufacturing transfer.
Experience working in agile startup environments is strongly preferred.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Responsibilities

Establish scalable processes, risk controls, and governance mechanisms appropriate for a fast-moving product development environment.
Partner closely with engineers and technicians to develop, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs and QC test methods that lead to improved execution repeatability and reproducibility.
Collaborate closely with subject-matter-experts to define, monitor, and maintain Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) attributes for battery materials, components, processes, and products.
Contribute to the design and maintenance of structured data-collection and reporting systems that improve visibility into manufacturing performance, product quality, and process health.
Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities to identify and eliminate sources of process variation, improve yield, and prevent recurring failure modes in development and manufacturing workflows.
Develop process control charts for key value-added operations, track performance trends, and work with process owners to maintain process stability and control.
Monitor manufacturing and laboratory activities to identify opportunities for improving process consistency, data integrity, and overall quality performance.
Assess repeatability and reproducibility of developmental results, identify risks associated with implementation, scale up, and long term stability to improve confidence in technical and business decisions.
Facilitate change control activities by owning delivery of technical and non-technical requirements needed to validate changes to the product or process.
Partner with suppliers to maintain and improve incoming material quality through specification management, corrective actions, and ongoing quality monitoring.
Develop and validate QC test methods and measurement systems, applying MSA tools (e.g. GR&R) as appropriate for the organization's stage, to ensure accurate, repeatable, and reproducible results.
Support a strong safety culture by adhering to and modeling laboratory safety practices and PPE requirements.

Benefits

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.