Sr. Equipment Engineer, Cell Engineering

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

1d•$111,600 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) and 5 years of relevant experience, MS degree with 3 years relevant experience, or PhD in relevant field with focus on mechanical design and automation.
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
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
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.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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