Staff Scientist, Cell Modeling

Blue Current•Hayward, CA

6d•$125,100 - $153,000•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 The Staff Scientist, Cell Modeling leads Blue Current's physics-based simulation work across electrochemical, thermal, and safety domains, connecting physical measurement data to quantitative models that inform decisions made by experimental and process engineering teams. This role requires broad simulation expertise and works with significant autonomy, coordinating both internal efforts and external simulation specialists toward company priorities. The Staff Scientist acts as a reality check on technical hypotheses by translating model outputs into clear, actionable guidance for colleagues across the organization. Success means that modeling is a reliable, integrated part of how Blue Current develops its battery technology.

Requirements

PhD + 3+ years relevant experience, Master's + 6+ years relevant experience, Bachelor's + 8+ years relevant experience in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience
Hands-on experience developing and applying Newman-type continuum electrochemical models to predict battery cell behavior
Experience applying finite element analysis to thermal, mechanical, or coupled multiphysics problems
Track record of comparing model predictions against experimental data, identifying sources of discrepancy, and iterating on model assumptions
Experience working across functional teams, translating quantitative modeling outputs into guidance that non-specialists can act on
Proficiency with at least one scientific programming environment (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for model development, data processing, and results communication
Familiarity with lithium-ion or solid-state battery electrochemistry sufficient to contextualize model inputs and outputs within the broader cell development process

Nice To Haves

Prior work with solid-state or lithium-ion battery systems, including degradation mechanisms, rate limitations, or aging behavior
Thermal modeling of battery packs or modules, including safety-relevant scenarios such as thermal runaway propagation
Experience defining scope and reviewing technical deliverables from external simulation contractors
Hands-on familiarity with battery characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, rate testing, or ion transport measurements
Ability to present modeling results clearly to mixed technical audiences through written reports or design reviews

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains physics-based electrochemical models of solid-state battery cells, with particular emphasis on Newman-type continuum models, to predict and explain cell performance across a range of operating conditions
Builds and executes thermal models of cells, modules, and packs to evaluate heat generation, dissipation, and safety-relevant failure scenarios under realistic use conditions
Applies finite element and other numerical methods to simulate mechanical, thermal, and coupled multiphysics problems relevant to cell and pack design
Interprets experimental data from cell testing and characterization, comparing measured results against model predictions to validate assumptions, identify discrepancies, and generate testable hypotheses for the experimental team
Translates model outputs into clear, written technical recommendations for experimental and process engineering colleagues, directly informing decisions on cell design, process parameters, and test priorities
Defines scope, reviews deliverables, and manages progress of external simulation work performed by third-party specialists, ensuring alignment with internal technical goals and timelines
Identifies gaps between current modeling capabilities and the questions the business needs answered, and develops plans to close those gaps
Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position