Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup

Position Summary

The Manager, Cell Assembly Scaleup leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes that are critical to Blue Current’s solid-state battery technology. This role is responsible for building and leading a team of engineers while establishing the processes, equipment strategies, quality standards, and manufacturing systems required to consistently produce high-performance cells. Working cross-functionally with cell engineering, electrode process, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams, the Manager drives execution of process development and manufacturing readiness initiatives that support the transition from R&D to pilot-scale and future commercial production. Success in this role requires combining strong technical leadership with effective people management to advance cell assembly capabilities, mitigate scale-up risks, and build the organizational foundation for long-term manufacturing growth.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of cell assembly processes, ensuring consistent production of high-quality solid-state battery cells that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturing objectives.
• Manage and develop a team of cell assembly engineers by providing technical leadership, coaching, performance management, mentorship, and career development.
• Define and execute the cell assembly technology roadmap, establishing process strategies, equipment requirements, and manufacturing readiness plans to support pilot-scale and future commercial production.
• Drive the identification, evaluation, and implementation of process, tooling, and equipment improvements that enhance yield, throughput, quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and maintain process specifications, operating procedures, quality standards, and process control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing operations.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with cell engineering, electrode process engineering, mechanical engineering, quality, and operations teams to support process development, technology transfer, root-cause investigations, and commercialization activities.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, resource requirements, and strategic recommendations to leadership while building organizational capability through engineering best practices, documentation standards, and technical training programs.
• Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the engineering team. 
• Supports a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, process development, or scale-up within batteries, advanced materials, chemicals, semiconductors, or a related manufacturing industry.
• Experience with cell assembly processes, manufacturing equipment development, process qualification, and technology transfer.
• Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance yield, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of battery cell assembly processes, manufacturing scale-up, process qualification, and technology transfer, with experience developing robust and repeatable manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in process development and optimization methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, tooling development, quality systems, process validation, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership.

Certifications / Licenses

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience leading engineers, technical teams, or cross-functional projects.
• Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing processes from laboratory or pilot environments to larger-scale production.
• Familiarity with quality systems, process qualification, risk assessment, and manufacturing documentation practices.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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

• Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
• Regularly works in an active manufacturing and laboratory environment; standing and walking for a significant portion of the workday (approximately 4-6 hours per day)
• Frequent interaction with process equipment, requiring manual dexterity and the ability to make detailed visual inspections of materials and coated electrodes
• Occasional lifting of items up to 30 lbs (e.g., material containers, equipment components)
• Prolonged periods of screen-based work for data analysis, documentation, and communication
• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat; additional PPE may be required depending on materials handled
• Travel is estimated at less than 10% of working time. Overseas travel is possible in the event of FAT program execution or in the event of vendor or supplier visits.