Staff Technician, Advanced Manufacturing
About the role
Blue Current is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Our fully dry, inherently safe batteries offer a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, reducing risks to human and environmental health. Based in Hayward, California, our team works in our state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility. To learn more, visit bluecurrent.com.
Position Summary
Blue Current seeks a hands-on Staff Technician to lead daily operations in its solid-state battery pilot manufacturing line. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Pilot Line, the Staff Technician will execute fabrication steps, operate equipment, follow established workflows, and contribute to safe and efficient lab operations.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Lead production of advanced battery components, cell builds, and test-ready assemblies (electrode processing, slurry mixing, coating, cell assembly, formation, etc.).
Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot glovebox and pilot-scale manufacturing equipment including roll-to-roll systems, stacking machines, tab welders, and pouch sealers.
Develop, refine, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and repeatability of manufacturing processes.
Independently perform material and cell characterization using advanced analytical tools (Rheometer, Viscometer, PSA, SEM, XRD, thickness measurements, microscopy, and others).
Carefully prepare, stage, and move materials throughout the lab.
Maintain and uphold high standards for lab organization, safety, and compliance, proactively identifying and addressing gaps.
Process Optimization & Problem Solving
Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives related to yield, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability.
Interpret data to diagnose process deviations, propose corrective actions, and support the development of new manufacturing methodologies.
Collaborate closely with Process Engineers to scale experimental processes into reliable pilot-line operations.
Leadership & Mentorship
Train and mentor junior and fellow technicians on equipment operation, safety protocols, and documentation best practices.
Provide technical feedback, support project planning, and contribute to cross-functional team milestones.
Lead cross-training efforts and mentor junior technicians across multiple battery fabrication steps.
Communicate effectively across shifts and with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution.
Quality, Documentation & Safety
Maintain accurate and detailed records of material preparation, equipment operation, and process conditions.
Conduct frequent preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Promote and enforce laboratory cleanliness, safety compliance, and hazard awareness, including proper SDS interpretation.
Lead troubleshooting activities, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with engineering teams.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Associate's degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on training/experience.
Experience: 4+ years of hands-on experience in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment.
Skills & Knowledge: Proficiency operating and troubleshooting manufacturing tools or laboratory equipment; ability to diagnose issues and implement corrective actions; advanced experience with at least one major process areas; significant glovebox and/or controlled environment experience; proven ability to independently troubleshoot equipment and process issues; strong record of consistent, high-quality documentation and adherence to SOPs; ability to work for extended periods in gloveboxes, dry rooms, or at equipment stations; ability to perform repetitive manual tasks requiring fine motor skills and high attention to detail; proficiency with Excel, Word, and basic laboratory software tools; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate and lead within cross-functional teams; strong safety awareness and working knowledge of chemical and solvent handling practices, including SDS interpretation, labeling, waste streams, and PPE; ability to uphold safety standards; ability to collect, analyze, and communicate process or experimental data to support decision-making; strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills; ability to coordinate across teams; ability to follow, evaluate, and improve detailed procedures while maintaining accuracy and high-quality records.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency with advanced analytical instrumentation (SEM, XRD, TGA, rheology, particle analysis, bulk/tap density, microscopy, metrology tools).
Experience handling hazardous chemicals and maintaining compliance in chemical laboratory environments.
Fundamental chemistry knowledge (acid/base behavior, pH, chemical compatibility and risk management).
Experience supporting scale-up from lab operations to pilot-scale manufacturing.
Experience with battery fabrication processes (mixing, coating, stacking, glovebox work) is preferred.
Experience training or mentoring other technicians preferred.
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.
Treat Everyone with Honesty, Dignity, and Sensitivity: Embrace different perspectives. Be humble.
Ownership & Accountability: Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others. Demonstrate commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise.
Learn & Be Curious: Think outside the box. Always learning. Apply critical evaluation to identify the most effective and scalable solution.
Be Resourceful: Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way. Adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.
Delight Customers: Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers. Commit to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers.
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.
Salary Range
$31.59—$49.04 USD
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.