Lab Steward Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Blue Current is seeking a hands-on Technician to support the production of battery materials and assembly of high-performance battery cells. The ideal candidate has practical experience in technical or manufacturing environments and is comfortable working with precision processes, equipment, and documentation. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Pilot Line, the Technician will execute fabrication steps, operate pilot-scale equipment with guidance, assist in material characterization, follow established workflows, and contribute to safe and efficient lab operations in a fast-paced development setting.

The technician will independently perform routine battery manufacturing tasks and assist with more complex processes under the supervision of senior technicians or engineers. You will operate gloveboxes and pilot equipment, document work accurately, and support quality and safety standards.

This role is ideal for someone with foundational experience who is ready to take on more responsibility, grow technical capabilities, and deepen their understanding of solid-state battery processes.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Technical Execution

• Perform routine tasks in material preparation, powder handling, slurry mixing, coating, and/or cell assembly with moderate supervision.
• Operate basic laboratory and pilot-scale equipment (mixers, gloveboxes, drying tools, measurement instruments).
• Assist in cell assembly steps such as stacking, winding, ultrasonic welding, and pouch sealing after training.
• Conduct basic material characterization using tools such as microscopes, thickness gauges, viscometers, or particle size instruments.

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Set up and operate equipment according to established SOPs.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of assigned tools.
• Identify and communicate issues, perform simple troubleshooting steps before escalating to senior staff.

Documentation & Quality

• Record process parameters, observations, and results with accuracy and consistency.
• Follow work orders, SOPs, and documentation protocols to ensure consistency, traceability, and quality
• Identify and communicate issues with materials or processes that may impact build quality or timelines
• Support process audits by maintaining organized logs, materials, and workspace conditions.

Safety & Lab Stewardship

• Follow all safety procedures related to chemical handling, glovebox operation, PPE, and dry room environments.
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and assist with 5S and general lab upkeep.
• Review and follow SDS guidelines for materials used in daily tasks.
• Manage inventory of consumables and materials, including tracking usage, restocking, and coordinating with purchasing to prevent shortages

Learning & Collaboration

• Seek guidance from senior technicians and engineers to expand process knowledge.
• Participate in training for new tools, materials, or processes.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support daily workflow and production goals.
• Participate in cross-training to build versatility across multiple battery fabrication steps
• Communicate effectively across shifts and with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on training/experience

Experience

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive)

Skills & Knowledge

• Basic understanding of laboratory procedures, chemical handling, or precision manufacturing tasks.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and consistently execute repetitive hands-on processes.
• Experience with gloveboxes, mixing, powder handling, or simple assembly tasks preferred (training provided).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation.
• Basic proficiency with Excel, Word, or similar tools for logging data and maintaining records.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Commitment to safe work practices and willingness to learn new procedures.
• Ability to maintain timely, accurate and high-quality records
• Working knowledge of safety practices, including chemical handling, PPE, and lab protocols
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with battery or electronics fabrication processes is a plus (powder/slurry mixing, coating (roll-to-roll, slot-die or equivalent), assembly, stacking,  ultrasonic welding, etc.)
• Experience with simple analytical tools (microscopy, thickness gauges, viscometers)
• Experience working in a clean room or chemical laboratory environment
• Coursework or interest in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Understanding of glovebox or dry room 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 laboratory or dry room environment. 
• Core hours are adaptable, though increased availability may be required during peak periods.