Slot Operations Manager Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Blue Current is seeking a hands-on Staff Technician to lead daily operations in its solid-state battery pilot manufacturing line. 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 Staff Technician will execute fabrication steps, operate equipment, follow established workflows, and contribute to safe and efficient lab operations in a fast-paced development setting.

As Staff Technician, you will lead hands-on production of battery materials and/or cell builds while helping guide the direction of manufacturing workflows, documentation, and quality standards. You will independently run complex equipment, troubleshoot process issues, and support cross-functional teams through expert-level data generation and analysis.

A strong background in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field is preferred. This senior-level role offers the opportunity to drive innovation within a fast-paced environment and mentor junior technicians as we scale toward commercial production.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Technical Execution & Process Leadership

• Lead production of advanced battery components, cell builds, and test-ready assemblies (electrode processing, slurry mixing, coating, cell assembly, formation, etc.).
• Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot glovebox and pilot-scale manufacturing equipment including roll-to-roll systems, stacking machines, tab welders, and pouch sealers.
• Develop, refine, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and repeatability of manufacturing processes.
• Independently perform material and cell characterization using advanced analytical tools (Rheometer, Viscometer, PSA, SEM, XRD, thickness measurements, microscopy, and others).
• Coordinate material preparation, staging, and movement throughout the lab
• Maintain and uphold high standards for lab organization, safety, and compliance, proactively identifying and addressing gaps

Process Optimization & Problem Solving

• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives related to yield, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability.
• Interpret data to diagnose process deviations, propose corrective actions, and support the development of new manufacturing methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineers to scale experimental processes into reliable pilot-line operations.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Train and mentor junior and fellow technicians on equipment operation, safety protocols, and documentation best practices.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for material handling, slurry formulation, coating processes, or cell assembly (depending on background).
• Provide technical feedback, support project planning, and contribute to cross-functional team milestones.
• Lead cross-training efforts and mentor junior technicians across multiple battery fabrication steps
• Communicate effectively across shifts and with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution

Quality, Documentation & Safety

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of material preparation, equipment operation, and process conditions.
• Conduct frequent preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Promote and enforce laboratory cleanliness, safety compliance, and hazard awareness, including proper SDS interpretation.
• Lead troubleshooting activities, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with engineering teams
• 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

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in a technical, laboratory, or precision manufacturing environment (e.g., batteries, semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, automotive)
• Demonstrated ownership of processes or equipment, including troubleshooting and continuous improvement

Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency operating and troubleshooting manufacturing tools or laboratory equipment; ability to diagnose issues and implement corrective actions
• Advanced experience with at least one major process areas: Powder processing (mixing, synthesis, sieving, classification), Roll-to-roll coating operations (slot-die, gravure, comma, calendering, slitting), Slurry mixing (powder/solvent handling, mixer operation), Cell assembly (stamping, stacking, JR winding, welding, pouch sealing). 
• Significant glovebox and/or controlled environment (clean room, dry room) experience.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Strong record of consistent, high-quality documentation and adherence to SOPs.
• Ability to work for extended periods in gloveboxes, dry rooms, or at equipment stations.
• Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks requiring fine motor skills and high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and basic laboratory software tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate and lead within cross-functional teams.
• Strong safety awareness and  working knowledge of chemical and solvent handling practices, including SDS interpretation, labeling, waste streams, and PPE; ability to uphold safety standards
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate process or experimental data to support decision-making
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate across teams
• Ability to follow, evaluate, and improve detailed procedures while maintaining accurate and high-quality records

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with advanced analytical instrumentation (SEM, XRD, TGA, rheology, particle analysis, bulk/tap density, microscopy, metrology tools).
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals and maintaining compliance in chemical laboratory environments.
• Foundational chemistry knowledge (acid/base behavior, pH, chemical compatibility and risk management).
• Experience supporting scale-up from lab operations to pilot-scale manufacturing.
• Experience with battery fabrication processes (mixing, coating, stacking, glovebox work) is preferred
• Experience training or mentoring other technicians preferred

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.