Sr. Manager, Prototype Scaleup
Blue CurrentHayward, California
Full Time
Posted December 8, 2025
$180k - $210k
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Job Description
The Senior Manager, Early Scaleup at Blue Current leads the transition of solid-state battery processes from R&D to intermediate-scale manufacturing, overseeing process development, equipment strategy, and team leadership to ensure reliable, scalable production of advanced batteries.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a team to develop scalable electrode fabrication and cell assembly processes from R D to intermediate manufacturing.
- Optimize scaled-up processes including slurry formulation, tape casting, drying, calendaring, punching, stacking, winding, lamination, and formation.
- Define and execute scale-up roadmaps with clear milestones and resource coordination.
- Manage equipment strategy, including specification, installation, commissioning, and validation of early-scale tools.
- Establish process controls, SOPs, and quality metrics to ensure reliable process transfer and operation.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and troubleshoot yield, performance, and equipment issues using DOE and statistical methods.
- Collaborate with R D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to align process requirements and facilitate rapid iteration.
- Build and mentor a high-performing engineering and technician team, fostering operational excellence and safety.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, with 8 years of industry experience in lithium-ion or solid-state battery manufacturing, process engineering, or scale-up.
- Demonstrated expertise in scaling battery processes from lab-scale to pre-pilot or intermediate scale, including slurry mixing, dry processing, drying, calendaring, punching, stacking, winding, lamination, pouching, and formation.
- Hands-on experience with equipment specification, installation, commissioning, and validation, particularly for semi-automated or custom early-scale tools.
- Proven ability to establish process windows, Critical to Quality (CTQs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), control plans, and quality metrics that enable reliable and repeatable scaled operations.
- Strong leadership experience, including managing and developing engineering and technician teams in a fast-paced, hardware-centric environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, root-cause troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Exceptional project management capabilities, including roadmap creation, milestone definition, cross-functional coordination, and on-time delivery of complex technical programs.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to work closely with R&D, Equipment Engineering, Cell Engineering, Analytical, and Manufacturing teams to ensure smooth process handoff and rapid iteration cycles.
- Deep commitment to safety, with experience developing or enforcing safe operating procedures for battery materials, chemicals, and equipment.
- Physical ability to wear personal protective equipment when applicable, pass a respirator fit test, and work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.
Benefits & Perks
Salary range of $180,000 to $210,000 USD
Ready to Apply?
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