Advanced Manufacturing Technician
About the role
Blue Current is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Located in Hayward, California, Blue Current's team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility. To learn more, visit bluecurrent.com.
Position Summary
Blue Current is seeking a hands-on Technician to support the production of battery materials and assembly of high-performance battery cells. The ideal candidate has practical experience in technical or manufacturing environments and is comfortable working with precision processes, equipment, and documentation.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Perform routine tasks in material preparation, powder handling, slurry mixing, coating, and/or cell assembly with moderate supervision.
Operate basic laboratory and pilot-scale equipment (mixers, gloveboxes, drying tools, measurement instruments).
Assist in cell assembly steps such as stacking, winding, ultrasonic welding, and pouch sealing after training.
Conduct basic material characterization using tools such as microscopes, thickness gauges, viscometers, or particle size instruments.
Set up and operate equipment according to established SOPs.
Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of assigned tools.
Identify and communicate issues, perform simple troubleshooting steps before escalating to senior staff.
Record process parameters, observations, and results with accuracy and consistency.
Follow work orders, SOPs, and documentation protocols to ensure consistency, traceability, and quality.
Identify and communicate issues with materials or processes that may impact build quality or timelines.
Support process audits by maintaining organized logs, materials, and workspace conditions.
Safety & Lab Stewardship
Follow all safety procedures related to chemical handling, glovebox operation, PPE, and dry room environments.
Maintain a clean, organized workspace and assist with 5S and general lab upkeep.
Review and follow SDS guidelines for materials used in daily tasks.
Manage inventory of consumables and materials, including tracking usage, restocking, and coordinating with purchasing to prevent shortages.
Learning & Collaboration
Seek guidance from senior technicians and engineers to expand process knowledge.
Participate in training for new tools, materials, or processes.
Work collaboratively with team members to support daily workflow and production goals.
Participate in cross-training to build versatility across multiple battery fabrication steps.
Communicate effectively across shifts and with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associate's degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on training/experience.
Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive).
Skills & Knowledge: Basic understanding of laboratory procedures, chemical handling, or precision manufacturing tasks; ability to follow detailed instructions and consistently execute repetitive hands-on processes; experience with gloveboxes, mixing, powder handling, or simple assembly tasks preferred (training provided); strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation; basic proficiency with Excel, Word, or similar tools for logging data and maintaining records; good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment; commitment to safe work practices and willingness to learn new procedures; experience with simple analytical tools (microscopy, thickness gauges, viscometers) preferred; experience working in a clean room or chemical laboratory environment; coursework or interest in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields; understanding of glovebox or dry room environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with battery or electronics fabrication processes is a plus (powder/slurry mixing, coating (roll-to-roll, slot-die or equivalent), assembly, stacking, ultrasonic welding, etc.).
Experience with simple analytical tools (microscopy, thickness gauges, viscometers) preferred.
Experience working in a clean room or chemical laboratory environment.
Coursework or interest in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields.
Understanding of glovebox or dry room environments.
Core Values
Safety & Security First: 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.
Traust & 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
Ability to perform precise manual tasks while standing at a glovebox for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
Must possess the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination required to manipulate tools and materials through integrated gloves/sleeves.
Ability to maintain a standing or slightly leaned position for long durations, including reaching and extending arms within the glovebox environment.
Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs occasionally.