Staff Battery Scientist, Cathode

As a Staff Battery Scientist, you will be focused on identifying and solving degradation modes of Blue Current’s solid-state composite cathode technology. Through careful design of experiments and data-driven problem solving, you will decouple various failure modes and guide a cathode design that achieves a complex balance between energy density and rate capability. A deep expertise in electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries is required. A background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field is preferred. This position will offer hands-on, fast-paced work in a growing team that has a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape. • Develop and test composite solid state cathode materials and formulations that improve cell performance and safety. • Optimize and engineer composite solid-state cathodes based on a strong understanding of how that cathode interacts with the solid electrolyte. • Identify failure modes of a solid-state cathode. • Assemble solid state cells and perform electrochemical testing to analyze the impact of cathode active materials and electrode composition on cell performance. • Characterize cell materials using various analytical (e.g. SEM, XRD, TGA, etc.) and electrochemical (e.g. EIS and CV) techniques. • Document and analyze electrochemical tests and analytical characterization results to measure the impact of cathode material properties on cell performance. • Clearly communicate complex results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership. • Lead projects by developing clear, actionable plans with defined milestones and success metrics, managing timelines effectively, and ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution. • Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company’s technical strategies. • Drive innovation and IP development by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance. • Support a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.

• Direct experience with solid-state battery systems, particularly composite cathodes and cathode - electrolyte interfaces • Experience with slurry formulation, rheology, and electrode processing for composite materials • Experience identifying failure modes and driving root-cause analysis for cell performance limitations • Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable. • Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically. • Able to work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards. Salary Range $125,100 — $167,000 USD