--- title: 'Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup at Blue Current' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/manager-cell-assembly-scaleup-blue-current-hayward-jamcnqgh74gd' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup at Blue Current - **Company:** Blue Current - **Location:** Hayward, CA - **Compensation:** $125k–$167k - **Posted:** 2026-07-27 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://bluecurrent.com/careers/?gh_jid=4700279006 ## Job description ## 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.](https://bluecurrent.com/) Position Summary The Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes that are critical to Blue Current’s solid-state battery technology. This role is responsible for building and leading a team of engineers while establishing the processes, equipment strategies, quality standards, and manufacturing systems required to consistently produce high-performance cells. Working cross-functionally with cell engineering, electrode process, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams, the Manager drives execution of process development and manufacturing readiness initiatives that support the transition from R&D to pilot-scale and future commercial production. Success in this role requires combining strong technical leadership with effective people management to advance cell assembly capabilities, mitigate scale-up risks, and build the organizational foundation for long-term manufacturing growth. Essential Functions & Responsibilities - Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes, ensuring consistent production of high-quality solid-state battery cells that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturing objectives. - Manage and develop a team of cell assembly engineers by providing technical leadership, coaching, performance management, mentorship, and career development. - Define and execute the cell assembly technology roadmap, establishing process strategies, equipment requirements, and manufacturing readiness plans to support pilot-scale and future commercial production. - Drive the identification, evaluation, and implementation of process, tooling, and equipment improvements that enhance yield, throughput, quality, process capability, and operational efficiency. - Establish and maintain process specifications, operating procedures, quality standards, and process control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing operations. - Lead cross-functional collaboration with cell engineering, electrode process engineering, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams to support process development, technology transfer, root-cause investigations, and commercialization activities. - Communicate project status, technical risks, resource requirements, and strategic recommendations to leadership while building organizational capability through engineering best practices, documentation standards, and technical training programs. - Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the engineering team. - Supports a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates - Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position. ## Minimum Qualifications Education - Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field ## Experience - 5+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, process development, or scale-up within batteries, advanced materials, chemicals, semiconductors, or a related manufacturing industry. - Experience with cell assembly processes, manufacturing equipment development, process qualification, and technology transfer. - Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance yield, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency. ## Skills & Knowledge - Strong understanding of battery cell assembly processes, manufacturing scale-up, process qualification, and technology transfer, with experience developing robust and repeatable manufacturing operations. - Demonstrated expertise in process development and optimization methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement. - Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, tooling development, quality systems, process validation, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership. Certifications / Licenses - N/A ## Preferred Qualifications - 2+ years of experience leading engineers, technical teams, or cross-functional projects. - Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing processes from laboratory or pilot environments to larger-scale production. - Familiarity with quality systems, process qualification, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices. - Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Core Values — Minimum Qualifications Safety & Security First For employees, customers, and intellectual property - 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. Trust & Respect Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble. - 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. Ownership & Accountability Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others. - 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. Technical Excellence Always strive for the best solution possible. - 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. Learn & Be Curious Think outside the box. Always learning. - 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. Be Resourceful Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way. - 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. Delight Customers Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers. - 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. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions - Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically. - Regularly works in an active manufacturing and laboratory environment; standing and walking for a significant portion of the workday (approximately 4-6 hours per day) - Frequent interaction with process equipment, requiring manual dexterity and the ability to make detailed visual inspections of materials and coated electrodes - Occasional lifting of items up to 30 lbs (e.g., material containers, equipment components) - Prolonged periods of screen-based work for data analysis, documentation, and communication - Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat; additional PPE may be required depending on materials handled - Travel is estimated at less than 10% of working time. Overseas travel is possible in the event of FAT program execution or in the event of vendor or supplier visits. Salary Range $125,100—$167,000 USD ## Equal Opportunity Employment Statement Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. At-Will Employment & Disclaimer Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future. ## About Blue Current ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Energy storage / solid-state battery technology - **Target customers**: B2B – battery manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and manufacturers of consumer electronics, wearables, and mobile devices - **Mission or purpose**: To create inherently safe, high-performance batteries that are affordable and scalable, enabling new products and experiences – from thinner wearables to lower-cost EVs. ## Products & Services - **Silicon Elastic Composite Solid-State Batteries** (Technology Platform): A fully dry, composite solid-state battery that uses high-content raw silicon anodes, polymer-ceramic electrolytes, and a thin separator. Benefits include high thermal stability (safety), low operating pressure (reduced packaging), long cycle life, and high energy density. The company partners with manufacturers to license its technology and know-how rather than selling cells directly at scale. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric**: Total funding raised – **$126.25 million** (as of Series D extension) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Amazon.com (anchor investor), Koch Disruptive Technologies, Piedmont (participation in Series D extension); also signed joint development agreements with automotive partners and material suppliers - **Growth Signals**: Completed safety testing on multi-amp-hour cells; installed initial pilot equipment; moved to a state-of-the-art pilot facility in Hayward with 4,000 sq ft of dry room space; 26 patent families; scaling to pilot production to supply samples to partners ## Competitive Advantages - **Silicon-first, fully dry chemistry**: Avoids flammable liquid/gel electrolytes and the complexity of lithium metal, using abundant raw silicon for lower cost and higher safety. - **Low operating pressure** (under 1 MPa) reduces packaging requirements. - **Cell-level safety**: Batteries are inherently safe by design – they do not explode or violently eject materials on failure. - **Proprietary elastic composite electrolyte** combines polymer adhesion/elasticity with glass ceramic ionic conductivity, enabling high silicon content to cycle effectively. ## Strategic Focus - **Commercialization**: Moving from R&D to pilot production, scaling manufacturing using existing high-volume equipment, and deepening partnerships with automotive and non-automotive device manufacturers. - **Business model**: Technology licensing and joint development with battery and automotive manufacturers; potential future own factories for other markets. ## Why Work Here - **Culture & values**: Emphasis on safety, ownership, accountability, technical excellence, curiosity, and respect. The company describes itself as “hungry, frugal, and flexible.” - **Work environment**: On-site at a purpose-built R&D and pilot manufacturing facility in Hayward, CA (Bay Area) – includes wet lab, dry rooms, battery cycling lab, and logistics space. Located near major automotive, cloud, and consumer electronics companies. - **Benefits**: Stock options, 401(k), generous vacation days, sick time, paid federal holidays, paid parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account. - **Team**: Diverse backgrounds in deep research, implementation, and go-to-market; currently hiring across R&D, advanced manufacturing, and business operations (e.g., Senior Manager of Cell Development, Senior Manager of Battery R&D). ## Sources 1. [Blue Current – About](https://bluecurrent.com/about/) 2. [Blue Current – Careers](https://bluecurrent.com/careers/) 3. [Blue Current – FAQ](https://bluecurrent.com/) 4. [CB Insights – Blue Current Profile](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/blue-current) 5. 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