Principal Process Engineer (Battery Cell Assembly and Formation) bei Blue Current
Blue Current · Hayward, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Senior
- Optionales Büro in Hayward
About Blue Current
Blue Current 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, CA. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit https://bluecurrent.com/.
Summary
Are you a Process Engineer who is passionate about clean energy? Have you worked in the battery, fuel cell, solar, electronic materials or other high speed process manufacturing industries? Are you hungry for a role where you will have an immediate impact across the company and in the industry? Batteries are the single most critical part of the new energy economy for EVs, grid storage, consumer electronics and IoT. Blue Current has developed a solid- state battery solution that exceeds the best batteries in the industry. The company is well funded and has a deep IP portfolio with dozens of patents granted and pending. Now we need you to drive the next level of innovation in our cell manufacturing process.
Description
As a Principal Process Engineer you will lead the Cell Assembly Process Engineering team to develop new cell assembly and formation manufacturing processes, increase production reliability and collaborate on equipment design for manual and pilot production while increasing product quality and supporting material development for Blue Current’s novel solid-state batteries. This is a hands-on, fast paced position with a team of scientists and engineers that have a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development for small and large format battery cell assembly processes on the Pilot line.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching and leadership to junior and mid-level engineers and technicians while driving strategic process improvements and technical excellence within the team and organization.
- Optimize cell assembly manufacturing parameters to increase performance, yield and throughput.
- Develop and implement process control strategies for maintaining moisture levels throughout manufacturing.
- Establish process specifications, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans for pilot manufacturing.
- Create technical training materials and train technicians and manufacturing personnel in pilot line cell assembly.
- Design and implement statistical process control (SPC) systems for critical process parameters.
- Generate machine specifications from the manufacturing process and work with machine suppliers to design scaled Pilot line processes for electrode handling, electrode stamping, cell stacking, pouching, welding, and conditioning/ formation operations.
- Partner with the R&D cell design team to transition laboratory processes and materials to the pilot manufacturing environment.
- Lead technology transfer activities to contract manufacturers or partner facilities.
- Scale battery size and production volumes to meet internal goals and external customer requirements.
Qualifications
- BS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related fields. MS or PhD preferred.
- 8+ years experience working with lithium-ion battery, fuel cell, capacitor or semiconductor manufacturing processes and production equipment.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results.
- Experience working with lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment (Die and punch, electrode stacking machine, Jelly roll winding machine, tab welders, pouch formers, Formation equipment, etc.).
- Experience working with machine suppliers to design or modify pilot or production equipment.
Key Competencies
- Proficiency in analyzing and optimizing manufacturing processes using failure mode and effects analysis, root cause analysis, and statistical process control methods (DOE, 6 sigma, Cp and Cpk, GRR, FMEA, PFMEA, JMP/Minitab).
- Familiar with regulatory requirements for battery manufacturing (ISO, automotive standards)
- Experience in electrochemical characterization techniques (EIS, CV, cycling)
- Knowledge of cleanroom operations.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Solidworks, CATIA or similar, preferred.
- Strong verbal, written, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Appreciation for and adherence to lab and work safety policies.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Manufacturing and lab environments with exposure to specialized atmosphere controls.
- Occasional travel to supplier facilities and partner locations (10-20%)
- Participation in 24/7 manufacturing support during critical process implementations.
- Physical ability to stand/walk/reach and push/pull/lift.
- Pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Blue Current is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and embraces diversity. We believe that our team is strengthened through hiring and retaining employees with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, ideas, and perspectives. We make hiring decisions based on merit and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender (including pregnancy) gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran, disability status or any other protected category in accordance with applicable law.
