Staff Battery Scientist, Cathode

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Staff Battery Scientist, you will be focused on identifying and solving degradation modes of Blue Current’s solid-state composite cathode technology. Through careful design of experiments and data-driven problem solving, you will decouple various failure modes and guide a cathode design that achieves a complex balance between energy density and rate capability. A deep expertise in electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries is required. A background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field is preferred. This position will offer hands-on, fast-paced work in a growing team that has a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.

Requirements

PhD (with 3+ years of industry experience), MS (with 6+ years of experience), or BS (with 8+ years of experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices
7–10+ years of experience in battery R&D, with a strong focus on lithium-ion or solid-state battery systems
Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing cathode materials and composite electrodes in an industry or applied research environment
Hands-on experience assembling cells and executing electrochemical testing to evaluate material and cell performance
Proven track record of leading technical projects, including defining scope, milestones, and delivering results on schedule
Demonstrated contributions to intellectual property (patents, publications, or invention disclosures)
Experience working cross-functionally with materials, cell engineering, and leadership teams to advance programs
Deep understanding of lithium-based battery systems, including cathode materials, solid electrolytes, and interfacial interactions
Expertise in composite cathode design, including formulation, processing, and performance optimization
Strong knowledge of electrochemical testing methodologies (EIS, GITT, HPPC, CV) and data interpretation
Proficiency with analytical and characterization tools (SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC)
Ability to diagnose failure modes and link material properties, electrode design, and cell performance
Strong data analysis and structured problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor and data quality
Commitment to safety and adherence to laboratory best practices
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.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with solid-state battery systems, particularly composite cathodes and cathode - electrolyte interfaces
Experience with slurry formulation, rheology, and electrode processing for composite materials
Experience identifying failure modes and driving root-cause analysis for cell performance limitations

Responsibilities

Develop and test composite solid state cathode materials and formulations that improve cell performance and safety.
Optimize and engineer composite solid-state cathodes based on a strong understanding of how that cathode interacts with the solid electrolyte.
Identify failure modes of a solid-state cathode.
Assemble solid state cells and perform electrochemical testing to analyze the impact of cathode active materials and electrode composition on cell performance.
Characterize cell materials using various analytical (e.g. SEM, XRD, TGA, etc.) and electrochemical (e.g. EIS and CV) techniques.
Document and analyze electrochemical tests and analytical characterization results to measure the impact of cathode material properties on cell performance.
Clearly communicate complex results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
Lead projects by developing clear, actionable plans with defined milestones and success metrics, managing timelines effectively, and ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution.
Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company’s technical strategies.
Drive innovation and IP development by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance.
Support a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.