Position SummaryThe Manager, Electrode Scaleup leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of electrode manufacturing processes at Blue Current, driving the transition from R&D to pilot-scale production and eventually, toward high-volume manufacturing. This role is responsible for managing a team of process engineers while providing strategic and technical leadership across electrode processing operations, including mixing, coating and drying. Working closely with cell engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams, the Manager establishes process development priorities, drives process capability improvements, oversees scale-up initiatives, and ensures the successful execution of projects that impact product performance, manufacturability, cost, and yield. The Manager, Electrode Scaleup plays a critical role in building organizational capability, developing technical talent, and establishing scalable manufacturing processes that support the company's growth objectives.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities- Establish team objectives, priorities, and resource allocation plans to support Blue Current's electrode process development and manufacturing scale-up goals.
- Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of electrode manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with product requirements, manufacturing readiness targets, and company milestones.
- Manage a team of electrode process engineers through technical leadership, coaching, performance management, mentorship, and career development.
- Define and maintain process specifications, critical process parameters, qualification requirements, and process control strategies to ensure robust, repeatable manufacturing operations.
- Partner with the Quality team to establish and continuously improve quality systems, process monitoring methods, and manufacturing acceptance criteria.
- Identify and implement process and equipment improvements that enhance yield, throughput, quality, manufacturability, and overall process capability.
- Develop and execute the electrode process scale-up strategy, identifying technical risks, capability gaps, infrastructure needs, and capital investments required to transition from R&D to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
- Serve as the primary technical interface with equipment vendors, external partners, and contractors, ensuring alignment with Blue Current's technical requirements and manufacturing roadmap.
- Drive cross-functional execution across R&D, cell engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to support process development, technology transfer, and commercialization activities.
- Review technical data, project progress, and engineering recommendations, ensuring decisions are data-driven and aligned with engineering and business objectives.
- Communicate project status, technical risks, resource needs, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Build organizational capability by establishing engineering best practices, documentation standards, and technical training programs that support operational excellence and manufacturing growth.
- 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 QualificationsEducation- 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 developing and qualifying manufacturing processes, equipment, and process controls in a production setting.
- Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance yield, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
Skills & Knowledge- Demonstrated expertise in process development and optimization methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process control, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Hands on experience with electrode manufacturing processes and equipment, including slurry preparation, coating, drying, calendaring, and related unit operations.
- Ability to analyze complex technical data and make sound engineering decisions based on data and business objectives.
- Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to drive execution across technical and operational teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership.
- Proficiency with standard data analysis tools sufficient to process, visualize, and communicate process and quality data
Certifications / LicensesPreferred 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.
Core Values - Minimum QualificationsSafety & Security FirstFor 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 & RespectTreat 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 & AccountabilityTake 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 ExcellenceAlways 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 CuriousThink 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 ResourcefulBe 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 CustomersBuild 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, vendor communication, and executive reporting
- Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat; additional PPE may be required depending on materials handled
- Exposure to industrial solvents, electrode materials, and other chemical substances; adherence to all applicable safety protocols and handling procedures is required
- Travel estimated at 10-15% of working time, primarily domestic, reflecting increased vendor engagement and external partner coordination relative to junior roles
- Standard weekday business hours; occasional off-hours availability may be required during critical process runs, equipment installations, or qualification events
Salary Range
$125,100-$167,000 USD
