Staff Data Product Engineer

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

5d•$122,400 - $166,000•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Current is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Staff Data Product Engineer to lead the development and optimization of our internal database and Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This role is pivotal in bridging complex cell development data to actionable software solutions through mastery of data architecture, product ownership, and UI design. This role exists because the quality, accessibility, and analytical power of Blue Current's battery development and manufacturing data directly determines how fast the company can learn and make decisions. Operating with significant autonomy, the Staff Data Product Engineer defines the product roadmap for internal software, manages third-party developers who build and maintain these systems, and serves as the internal advocate who translates the needs of cell engineers, process engineers, and manufacturing teams into precise software requirements. Success means that every team at Blue Current has reliable, intuitive access to the data they need — and that the underlying systems are built to scale alongside the company.

Requirements

PhD (with 3+ years of relevant experience), Master's (with 6+ years of relevant experience), Bachelor's (with 8+ years of relevant experience) in Computer Science, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience
Hands-on experience acting as a product owner or product manager for internal software tools, databases, or MES platforms, with personal accountability for roadmap decisions and feature delivery.
Direct experience defining software requirements and managing external or third-party developers, including setting expectations, reviewing deliverables, and maintaining delivery timelines.
Proven understanding of battery performance testing, cell characterization, and typical battery data structures.
High proficiency in SQL database and experience querying complex relational databases to troubleshoot user issues or validate data integrity.
Experience with data visualization tools and UI/UX design principles (e.g., Python, Tableau, Power BI, or front-end web frameworks) sufficient to guide interface development and evaluate delivered work.
Experience working cross-functionally with hardware engineers, software developers, and leadership teams to advance programs
Solid understanding of typical battery performance metrics and testing protocols, familiarity with time-series data generated by standard cyclers (e.g., Arbin, BioLogic, Neware).
Knowledge of battery manufacturing data structures, particularly material genealogy, batch tracking, and process data mapping.
Ability to write comprehensive product requirements documents, user stories, and acceptance criteria tailored for internal engineering tools.
Proficiency in agile development methodologies, sprint planning, and backlog prioritization.
Familiarity with data visualization frameworks to guide UI development and dashboard layouts.
Demonstrated product ownership skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment between software developers and battery engineers
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, taking accountability to translate user challenges into actionable software requirements and strategic updates
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

Direct experience developing data infrastructure or MES platforms in a battery manufacturing or advanced materials R&D environment.
Familiarity with data privacy and security considerations relevant to proprietary manufacturing and performance data in a competitive technology environment.
Experience scaling internal software systems from early-stage R&D use to pilot or high-volume manufacturing environments, where data complexity and user volume increase substantially.

Responsibilities

Design and oversee the development of intuitive user interfaces for battery data analysis, ensuring full database capabilities and robust metadata tracking for advanced performance analysis and rapid root cause analysis.
Lead product development for the internal database and MES, ensuring systems scale effectively from lab-scale R&D to pilot production.
Define detailed software requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria for new features and capabilities, translating the needs of cell engineers, process engineers, and manufacturing teams into specifications that third-party developers can execute against.
Lead the product development roadmap, feature prioritization, and lifecycle management for the internal database and MES.
Collaborate on architecting robust database structures that accurately reflect complex material tracking, process data, and testing workflows.
Monitor and maintain data integrity across all systems, developing validation protocols and troubleshooting data pipeline failures as they arise.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal troubleshooting, user training, and product documentation.