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 management 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-scale manufacturing.
- Optimize and develop processes such as slurry formulation, tape casting, drying, calendaring, punching, stacking, winding, lamination, and formation conditioning.
- Define and execute scale-up roadmaps with clear deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
- Manage equipment strategy including specification, vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and validation of early-scale tools.
- Establish process control parameters, SOPs, and quality controls to ensure reliable and repeatable manufacturing processes.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and problem-solving to resolve yield, performance, and equipment issues.
- Collaborate with R D, engineering, analytical, and manufacturing teams to align process requirements and ensure manufacturability.
- Build and mentor a high-performing engineering and technician team.
- Ensure safety protocols are followed and continuously improve safety practices in scaling processes and equipment.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- At least 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 creating roadmaps, defining milestones, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering complex technical programs on time
- 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
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment when applicable, pass a respirator fit test, and work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards
Benefits & Perks
Salary range of $180,000 to $210,000 USD
Work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments
Use of personal protective equipment and respirator fit testing
Opportunity to work with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards
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