Solid State Battery Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

As a Sr. Cell Engineer, you will be focused on developing new solid state electrode materials with a specific focus on Blue Current's composite cathode technology. Through careful design of experiments, you will be testing and integrating novel cathode active materials and solid electrolytes into a solid-state battery cathode. Hands-on experience in electrochemistry of lithium-ion battery, electrode formulations and processing 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.
• Prepare and characterize solid state cathode composites and slurries (for example, rheology, stability, conductivity, dispersion, etc.) using state-of-the-art tools.
• Optimize and engineer composite solid-state cathodes based on a strong understanding of how that cathode interacts with the solid electrolyte.
• 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.
• Work with cross-functional teams ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution of projects.
• Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company's technical strategies.
• Contribute to the company's IP portfolio 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, MS (with 3+ years of industry experience), or BS (with 5+ years of experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries or electrochemical devices

Experience

• Experience in battery R&D, with a strong focus on lithium-ion or solid-state battery systems
• Demonstrated experience working with electrochemical materials, cathodes, or full-cell development in an industry or applied research environment
• Experience preparing and optimizing composite cathodes, including slurry formulation and processing
• Hands-on experience assembling cells and performing electrochemical testing to evaluate material and cell performance
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and deliver on R&D projects in collaboration with cross-functional teams

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, GITT, HPPC, CV, and related methods
• Familiarity with analytical and characterization tools such as SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC, and related techniques
• Ability to analyze and interpret relationships between material properties, electrode design, and cell performance
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and structured problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical results to cross-functional teams and leadership
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively to solve technical challenges
• High attention to detail and commitment to experimental rigor and data quality
• Commitment to safety and experience following and improving laboratory best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with solid-state battery systems, particularly composite cathodes and solid electrolytes
• Experience with slurry rheology, dispersion, and stability optimization for electrode fabrication
• Familiarity with advanced characterization or in situ/operando techniques
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions

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

• Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable. 
• Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
• Able to work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.