Senior Equipment Engineer
About Blue Current
Blue Current (the “Company”) is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Current’s fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Current’s silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current’s team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit http://bluecurrent.com.
Position Summary
Blue Current is seeking a Senior Equipment Engineer to join the Technical Operations team, supporting solid-state battery R&D and prototyping operations. This role is responsible for the reliable operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of key R&D lab equipment, ensuring tools are available, well-documented, and capable of supporting evolving process requirements. The Senior Equipment Engineer will work cross-functionally with process engineers, technicians, and researchers to quickly resolve equipment issues and implement practical design improvements. This is a high-impact, hands-on role at the intersection of mechanical engineering and lab operations in a fast-paced development environment.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Act as the primary engineering owner for assigned battery R&D equipment (e.g., gloveboxes, pumps, slurry mixers, film coaters, hydraulic presses, cell assembly tools, etc.)
- Provide direct, hands-on mechanical engineering support to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues quickly and minimize lab downtime
- Lead the development of preventive maintenance plans and strategies to ensure equipment performance and longevity
- Partner with vendors and internal teams to modify or develop tools to meet evolving process requirements
- Establish and maintain working relationships with external vendors for troubleshooting and repair of specialized equipment and components
- Support specification, evaluation, and procurement of new R&D process equipment
- Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and equipment documentation for technicians
- Provide technical training and guidance to technicians on equipment operation, care, and troubleshooting
- Manage work orders, spare parts inventory, and maintenance tracking for equipment performance
- Communicate effectively with R&D scientists, engineers, and technicians to align on priorities and execution
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, uptime, and reliability of lab equipment and operations
- Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, equipment engineering, or manufacturing engineering in a relevant field (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, coatings, thin films)
- Demonstrated ownership of equipment reliability, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Experience with industrial or lab process equipment such as gloveboxes, mixers, pumps, motors, and vacuum systems
Skills & Knowledge
- Experience with fabrication equipment such as coating, mixing, calendering, or similar
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Ability to define equipment requirements and translate process needs into technical specifications
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across engineering and operations teams
- Familiarity with safety practices, including chemical handling and engineering controls
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with battery fabrication equipment
- Experience in R&D, pilot line, or early-stage manufacturing environments
Core Values — Minimum Qualifications
Safety & Security First
For employees, customers, and intellectual property
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment, including adherence to workplace safety protocols, data privacy standards, and confidentiality requirements.
- Proven ability to identify and appropriately escalate potential risks to personnel, customers, or sensitive information.
Trust & Respect
Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles.
- Track record of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all workplace interactions.
Ownership & Accountability
Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others.
- Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, execute, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Proven track record of setting measurable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve challenges proactively.
Technical Excellence
Always strive for the best solution possible.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise.
- Ability to evaluate options critically and apply sound judgment to identify the most effective and scalable solution.
Learn & Be Curious
Think outside the box. Always learning.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, or domain knowledge in response to evolving business needs.
- Proven track record of applying creative or unconventional thinking to solve problems.
Be Resourceful
Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments by maximizing existing tools, processes, and partnerships.
- Proven ability to adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.
Delight Customers
Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers.
- Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers.
- Track record of building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to perform precise manual tasks while standing at a glovebox for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day)
- Must possess the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination required to manipulate tools and materials through integrated gloves/sleeves.
- Ability to maintain a standing or slightly leaned position for long durations, including reaching and extending arms within the glovebox environment.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs occasionally
- Work is performed in a standard R&D laboratory environment
- Core hours are adaptable, though increased availability may be required during peak periods.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
At-Will Employment & Disclaimer
Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
