About Blue Current

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 Senior Electrolyte Scientist is a key individual contributor who can work within complex team environments, driving mission critical projects that impact annual company milestones. The Senior Electrolyte Scientist has deep knowledge in battery electrolyte performance and testing methodology. This person can attack open-ended problems with vigor, by developing hypotheses from disparate sources across the organization, and by developing and executing plans that leverage resources across the organization.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Develop and test polymer electrolyte materials that provide benefits to cell performance, including evaluation of transport properties and mechanical properties
Evaluate polymer electrolytes in conjunction with other cell components such as ceramic electrolytes and active materials
Relate polymer chemical and physical properties to component level characteristics and cell performance results; optimize processes to maximize component performance
Design and execute high-quality experiments, knowing when to trade accuracy and speed, and balancing competing resources, including those of the company
Define projects consistent with company goals, track action items, drive progress to successful completion, and report results
Analyze data from multiple sources, including their own experiments
Take initiative to identify gaps or overlooked problems and present findings to senior management with clear, data-driven communications and recommendations
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
Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position

Minimum Qualifications

Education

PhD in relevant field, MS + 3 years relevant experience, BS + 5 years relevant experience, or 10 years related industry experience

Experience

Demonstrated ability to test and measure electrolyte transport properties
Demonstrated ability to analyze electrochemical data and improve battery performance through optimization of different areas such as: interfacial impedance reduction strategies, ceramic and polymer electrolyte processing challenges, and chemical degradation modes of battery layer sub-components.
Demonstrated ability to work within a team

Skills & Knowledge

Detailed understanding of solid-state battery cell architecture and formulation, including detailed knowledge of the functional role of all materials in all components of the cell
Proficiency with analytical and electrochemical characterization techniques, such as EIS, CV, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC, and the ability to interpret results to inform design or process decisions.
Ability to condense complicated data into clearly presented analysis, conclusions, and recommendations
Ability to work in a team environment, serving as a mentor to junior employees and a source of truth for senior employees within the team

Certifications / Licenses

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with polymer electrolytes and electrochemical cell testing and analysis, including some combinations of ion transport measurements, mechanical testing, polymer rheology, cycle life testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy