Process Quality Engineer

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. Position Summary Blue Current is looking for a Process Quality Engineer who will help establish foundational Quality infrastructure by improving measurement confidence, data quality, process and execution discipline, and promoting reproducibility at all scales of operation. You'll work across functions, from the lab bench to the manufacturing floor, to build quality methods and systems that enable Blue Current to scale with a foundation of high quality measurement data. This role sits at the intersection of rigorous technical work and cross-functional influence: you'll define what "good" looks like and help the organization get there. Essential Functions & Responsibilities - establish scalable processes, risk controls, and governance mechanisms appropriate for a fast-moving product development environment - Partners closely with engineers and technicians to develop, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs and QC test methods that lead to improved execution repeatability and reproducibility - Collaborate closely with subject-matter-experts to define, monitor, and maintain Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) attributes for battery materials, components, processes, and products - Contributes to the design and maintenance of structured data-collection and reporting systems that improve visibility into manufacturing performance, product quality, and process health - Leads Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities to identify and eliminate sources of process variation, improve yield, and prevent recurring failure modes in development and manufacturing workflows - Develops process control charts for key value-added operations, track performance trends, and work with process owners to maintain process stability and control - Monitors manufacturing and laboratory activities to identify opportunities for improving process consistency, data integrity, and overall quality performance - Assesses repeatability and reproducibility of developmental results, identify risks associated with implementation, scale up, and long term stability to improve confidence in technical and business decisions - Facilitates change control activities by owning delivery of technical and non-technical requirements needed to validate changes to the product or process - Partners with suppliers to maintain and improve incoming material quality through specification management, corrective actions, and ongoing quality monitoring - Develops and validate QC test methods and measurement systems, applying MSA tools (e.g. GR&R) as appropriate for the organization's stage, to ensure accurate, repeatable, and reproducible results. - Supports a strong safety culture by adhering to and modeling laboratory safety practices and PPE requirements Minimum Qualifications Education - MS or BS (with 2+ years of relevant experience), Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices Experience - 3+ years of hands-on experience in a process engineering or quality role in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment (e.g. batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive) - Industrial experience with battery manufacturing processes and quality systems is a strong plus; deep academic knowledge is acceptable - Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies Skills & Knowledge - Experience in designing and implementing a QMS for a fast-paced start-up environment, including document control, change management, non-conformance management and continuous improvement measures that support organization growth. - Strong interpersonal and cross-functional skills with proven capacity to partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to develop, implement, and maintain effective process documentation. - Strong technical judgement skills capable of turning product level engineering requirements into practical quality specifications, ensuring materials, components, and assemblies can be measured and controlled during development and scale up activities. - Proven ability in the development and implementation of SPC programs for new manufacturing processes, including control chart management, process capability analysis, and early detection of drift through data analysis to prevent quality losses. - Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to mobilize resources, drive root cause analyses efforts, and implement practical solutions that improve end-to-end product quality and process yield. - Ability to assess and validate measurement systems through MSA and Gage R&R studies, identify sources of measurement variability, and lead improvements that ensure reliable process monitoring and quality decisions. - Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, making decisions with incomplete information while remaining flexible as conditions change - Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities with limited supervision - Clear written and verbal communication skills to document findings, write or revise official documents like SOPs, train other users, and interface with vendors - Proficient in at least one of the following: JMP, R, or Minitab Preferred Qualifications - Hands-on experience with the battery assembly sequence or meaningful portions of it, including electrode handling, lamination, layer stacking, and pouch sealing, with personal accountability for process outcomes - Experience managing supplier quality activities, including qualification, performance monitoring, issue escalation, corrective action management, and verification of long-term effectiveness to ensure consistent material quality. - Experience working with manufacturing execution systems (MES) or similar production data platforms, including participation in their development or implementation - Experience contributing to cell assembly scale-up efforts, including identifying critical process parameters and documenting process knowledge in a form that supports future manufacturing transfer - Experience working in agile startup environments is strongly preferred - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt 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 Salary Range $98,100—$146,000 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.