Staff Battery Scientist, Cathode

Position Summary

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. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• PhD (with 3+ years of industry experience), MS (with 6+ years of experience), or BS (with 8+ years of experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices

Experience

• 7–10+ years of experience in battery R&D, with a strong focus on lithium-ion or solid-state battery systems
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing cathode materials and composite electrodes in an industry or applied research environment
• Hands-on experience assembling cells and executing electrochemical testing to evaluate material and cell performance
• Proven track record of leading technical projects, including defining scope, milestones, and delivering results on schedule
• Demonstrated contributions to intellectual property (patents, publications, or invention disclosures)
• Experience working cross-functionally with materials, cell engineering, and leadership teams to advance programs

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of lithium-based b