Senior Manager, Electrolyte Development

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

34d•$166,080 - $185,760

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Electrolyte Development will lead the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of advanced inorganic solid electrolytes, with a primary focus on sulfide-based and other ceramic ion-conducting materials for next-generation solid-state batteries. This role is responsible for driving electrolyte innovation from early discovery through product integration, ensuring strong electrochemical performance, manufacturability, and alignment with company product and commercialization goals.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field
8+ years of direct experience in inorganic solid electrolyte research and development, preferably within solid-state or advanced battery technologies
Demonstrated expertise in inorganic materials synthesis, powder processing, compositional optimization, and materials scale-up
Demonstrated experience working with solid electrolytes such as sulfides, oxides, and polymer electrolytes
Proven ability to build and lead teams in dynamic startup environments
Deep understanding of ion transport mechanisms, defect chemistry, interfacial phenomena, and electrochemical stability in inorganic electrolytes
Hands-on experience with characterization tools such as impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and electrochemical testing
Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence technical strategy and product decisions
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience leading multidisciplinary R&D team while defining technical roadmaps and development milestones
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with cell design, manufacturing, and external partners

Responsibilities

Define and lead the technical strategy for the development, synthesis, and optimization of inorganic solid electrolytes, including sulfide-based and other ceramic systems.
Drive materials design to improve ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical integrity of inorganic electrolytes.
Establish and oversee electrochemical, structural, and materials characterization methods to evaluate performance, reliability, and degradation mechanisms.
Manage and mentor a team of scientists and engineers focused on inorganic electrolyte research and development.
Ensure rigorous project planning, prioritization, and technical problem-solving to meet performance, timeline, and resource objectives.
Collaborate cross-functionally with cell engineering, manufacturing, and other R&D teams to enable successful integration of inorganic electrolytes into battery systems.
Align inorganic electrolyte development efforts with company product goals, commercialization strategies, and long-term technology roadmaps.
Support intellectual property generation through invention disclosures, patent filings, and high-quality technical documentation.
Communicate technical progress, trade-offs, and development status to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Uphold strong safety, documentation, and data integrity practices.