Sr. Process Engineer

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Blue Current is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the Technical Operations team, supporting solid-state battery R&D and prototyping operations. This role is responsible for improving process performance (yield, throughput, reproducibility) while owning the development, qualification, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of key process equipment. The Senior Process Engineer will work cross-functionally to translate evolving process requirements into robust, scalable, and well-controlled operations. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of process engineering and equipment engineering in a fast-paced development environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
5+ years of experience in process engineering, equipment engineering, or manufacturing engineering in a relevant field (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, coatings, thin films)
Demonstrated ownership of both process optimization and equipment performance
Experience with equipment specification, commissioning, and qualification
Experience with fabrication processes such as coating, mixing, calendering, or similar
Experience with DOE, data analysis, and process optimization methodologies
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills across process and equipment
Ability to define equipment requirements and translate process needs into technical specifications
Strong collaboration and communication skills across engineering and operations teams
Familiarity with safety practices, including chemical handling and engineering controls
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.
Ability to perform precise manual tasks while standing at a glovebox for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day)
Must possess the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination required to manipulate tools and materials through integrated gloves/sleeves.
Ability to maintain a standing or slightly leaned position for long durations, including reaching and extending arms within the glovebox environment.
Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs occasionally

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with battery fabrication processes and equipment
Familiarity with statistical tools or programming (e.g., Python, JMP)
Experience in R&D, pilot line, or early-stage manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Act as the primary engineering owner for assigned battery R&D equipment (e.g., gloveboxes, slurry mixers, film coaters, cell assembly tools, etc.)
Manage projects and design experiments to improve and optimize technical processes in the fabrication lab to improve yield, throughput, and consistency
Establish and track key metrics (yield, variability, cycle time) and drive continuous improvement
Support specification, evaluation, and procurement of new process equipment
Partner with vendors and internal teams to modify or develop tools to meet evolving process requirements
Drive improvements in uptime, throughput, and process capability through equipment enhancements
Lead structured troubleshooting of process and equipment issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
Collaborate cross-functionally to connect process changes to cell performance outcomes
Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation for technicians
Provide technical training and guidance to technicians on new processes and tools
Develop and improve systems to manage work orders, inventory, and maintenance to track process and equipment performance
Communicate effectively with R&D scientists, engineers, and technicians to align on priorities and execution
Identify opportunities to improve safety, throughput, quality, and reliability of lab operations
Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position