Senior Manager, Battery R D
Blue CurrentHayward, California
Full Time
Posted March 20, 2026
$167k - $183k
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Job Description
The Senior Manager, Battery R&D at Blue Current leads the development and scaling of cathode technologies for solid-state batteries, focusing on optimizing performance, safety, and cost for stationary energy storage applications while managing cross-functional teams and projects from research to commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the cathode development strategy to meet performance, cost, safety, and lifetime goals
- Manage end-to-end cathode R&D projects from materials selection to cell validation and scale-up
- Develop cathode chemistries optimized for low cost, long cycle life, safety, and calendar life
- Mentor and manage the cathode development team, setting technical priorities and goals
- Collaborate with electrolyte, anode, cell engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust cell and product designs
- Oversee transition of cathode materials from laboratory to pilot and production scale, ensuring quality and cost targets
- Evaluate external technologies, suppliers, and research partnerships to enhance cathode development
- Support intellectual property generation through disclosures, patent filings, and technical documentation
- Communicate technical progress, trade-offs, and development status to senior leadership and stakeholders
Requirements
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field
- At least 8 years of experience in battery materials
- Hands-on experience with solid-state battery technologies, including cathode design, integration, and interface optimization
- Proven experience leading cathode development programs from early research through scale-up and commercialization
- Demonstrated experience working with solid electrolytes such as sulfides, oxides, and polymer electrolytes
- Proven ability to build and lead teams in dynamic startup environments
- Strong understanding of cathode electrolyte interfacial phenomena, especially in solid-state batteries
- Deep expertise in cathode active materials such as NMC, LFP, LMFP, and LMO
- Expertise in cathode formulation, electrode processing, degradation mechanisms, and performance optimization for long cycle life and safety
- Strong knowledge of electrochemical testing methodologies including EIS, GITT, HPPC, CV, and data interpretation
- Proficiency with analytical and characterization tools such as SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and DSC
- Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills
- Demonstrated ownership, structured problem-solving, and ability to deliver against milestones
- Commitment to safety and high standards for data quality and reliability
Benefits & Perks
Salary range of 167,032 to 182,946 USD
Work environment includes office, lab, and manufacturing settings with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards
Required to wear personal protective equipment and pass a respirator fit test
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