Senior Operations Technician Jobs in San Jose, CA

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 Senior Technician will execute fabrication steps, operate pilot-scale equipment, and material characterization independently, follow established workflows, and contribute to safe and efficient lab operations in a fast-paced development setting.

This role represents a mid-level technician capable of independently executing complex production tasks, supporting pilot-line operations, and assisting with technical troubleshooting. A Senior Technician contributes significantly to material preparation, electrode processing, and cell assembly while collaborating with engineers and senior technicians to improve process consistency, quality, and throughput.

The Senior Technician will perform mid- to high-complexity manufacturing tasks with minimal supervision. You will own routine equipment operation, help troubleshoot process deviations, and support continuous improvement efforts. You will also provide occasional guidance to junior-level technicians, reinforcing best practices in safety, documentation, and equipment handling.

This role is ideal for someone who has developed solid hands-on skills and is ready to take on more responsibility, including more advanced workflows, characterization, and problem-solving.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Technical Execution

• Independently perform battery manufacturing tasks such as powder processing, slurry mixing, electrode coating, cell assembly, and formation.
• Operate gloveboxes, roll-to-roll equipment, mixing systems, stackers, welders, and pouch sealers with minimal supervision.
• Conduct intermediate-level materials and cell characterization using tools such as viscometers, rheometers, particle size analyzers, microscopes, or thickness gauges.
• Troubleshoot routine issues with equipment or processes, escalating only complex problems to senior staff.
• Perform cell assembly steps such as stacking, winding, ultrasonic welding, and pouch sealing. 

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Set up and operate equipment according to established SOPs.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of assigned tools.
• Identify and communicate issues, independently perform troubleshooting. 
• Identify common sources of process variation and propose improvements to enhance consistency.
• Perform basic root-cause investigations for deviations and collaborate with engineers on corrective actions.
• Support preventative maintenance activities and recognize early signs of equipment degradation.

Documentation & Quality

• Maintain accurate process records, equipment logs, and material traceability.
• Follow and provide feedback on SOPs and work instructions to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Support quality audits by maintaining organized documentation and process evidence.
• Identify and communicate issues with materials or processes that may impact build quality or timelines

Safety & Lab Stewardship

• Follow all safety procedures related to chemical handling, glovebox operation, PPE, and dry room environments.
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and lead 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

• Work closely with engineers and lead technicians to execute trials, collect data, and support process development.
• Provide guidance or training to fellow technicians/operators on proper equipment operation and documentation standards for process area.
• Communicate process observations clearly and contribute to team problem-solving discussions.
• Train junior staff on new tools, materials, or processes.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support daily workflow and production goals.
• 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 in a manufacturing environment.

Experience

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

Skills & Knowledge

• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following areas, Powder mixing or processing, Slurry preparation and mixing, Electrode coating, Cell assembly and packaging, 
• Proficiency operating in gloveboxes, dry room or equivalent controlled environments. 
• Ability to independently execute routine and moderately complex procedures.
• Troubleshooting capability for equipment and process issues.
• Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, or other data logging tools.
• Commitment to safety, cleanliness, and consistent execution.
• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures, chemical handling, or precision manufacturing tasks.

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.)
• Exposure to early-stage pilot-line environments.
• Experience with 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.

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.