Staff Engineer, Anode R&D

Blue Current is seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Staff Engineer, Anode R&D to lead the development and optimization of solid-state anodes. This role is pivotal in bridging slurry formulations to cell-level performance through mastery of rheology, mixing sequences, and material selection. The successful candidate will design and execute sophisticated experiments to evaluate the impact of novel materials, including active/inactive materials and solid-polymer electrolytes. By leveraging advanced electrochemical characterizations and analytical tools, the candidate will correlate anode microstructure with long-term cycling stability and degradation mechanisms. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in solid electrolytes and silicon/graphite anode chemistry. This role requires a strategic mindset to drive intellectual property and manage collaborations with external vendors and national laboratories. • Lead development of electrode formulations for solid-state composite anodes to improve energy density, cycling stability, and rate capability. • Optimize mixing sequences and drying kinetics to control electrode microstructure, minimize defects, and enhance dispersion. • Develop advanced diagnostic protocols and post-mortem workflows to characterize particle interfaces and complex electrode-electrolyte reactions. • Validate performance impact by assembling and testing coin and pouch cells (half/full) across varied rate and temperature profiles. • Lead systematic FMEA and RCA efforts to identify and mitigate failure modes specifically related to the anodes and polymer electrolytes. • Establish robust SOPs for material evaluation and slurry process to ensure reproducibility and data integrity. • Serve as the technical interface with external material vendors, characterization facilities, collaborators, and academic or national lab partners. • Lead projects by developing clear, actionable plans with defined milestones and success metrics, managing effective timelines, 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 anodes with sulfide-based or polymer-based solid electrolytes • Direct experience with slurry formulation, rheology, and electrode processing for composite materials • Direct experience identifying failure modes and driving root-cause analysis, particularly with silicon and graphite anodes • 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