R&D Technician

Summary

Blue Current is seeking an experienced and talented R&D Technician with a passion for batteries to join our team in Hayward, California. As a hands-on member of Blue Current's R&D team, you will be instrumental in developing next-generation solid state battery chemistries for high performance applications such as electric vehicles. The successful candidate will build and test prototype batteries in furtherance of Blue Current's technology.

Responsibilities

• Work with team members to perform all tasks related to R&D cell building and testing
• Follow recipes to create slurries for various battery formulations
• Coat slurries using a Dr blade or similar coating method
• Calender electrodes to target porosities, following instructions from engineers
• Assemble solid state cells according to work order instructions specifying certain material combinations to test
• Perform visual quality checks on coating quality, and take measurements to ensure various weights, voltages, dimensions, etc. are within specifications
• Enter measurement results into internal data portal, ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Assemble completed cells into test fixtures
• Place cells on test with specific test protocols, and with specific test channels as determined by the team.
• Monitor cell test status. Alert team members to tests with status changes such as errors, completion, and change orders.
• Perform electromechanical assembly tasks as needed, such as terminating cables and soldering wires

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years experience working in an R&D environment
• Ability to work in a dry room and in gloveboxes for extended periods of time
• Ability to follow written SOPs and identify errors or clarity issues
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Sheet, Airtable, and similar software
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to deal with a fast paced working environment with changing priorities and evolving assembly and test procedures
• Respect and adherence to lab and work safety policies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
• Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
• Able to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.

Preferred

• Experience working with battery assembly and/or testing
• Previous glovebox/dry room experience
• Experience assembling R&D cells, including electrode punching, tab welding, alignment, taping, and quality control checks
• Previous chemical handling experience, including slurry mixing, coating, inventory management

Job type - full time

Schedule- Monday through Friday, day shift

Ability to commute/relocate- Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work