Test Technician

Test Technician

Hayward CA

Blue Current (the "Company") is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Current's fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Current's silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current's team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California.

Position Summary

Blue Current is seeking a Test Technician to support testing and data generation for solid-state battery R&D and prototyping. This role is primarily focused on executing test protocols, operating and maintaining test equipment, and ensuring high-quality, reliable data output. The Test Technician will work closely with engineering and operations teams to enable fast, accurate evaluation of materials, cells, and processes. Reporting to the Technology Development Sr. Operations Manager, this individual will contribute to safe, organized, and efficient lab operations in a dynamic R&D environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Execute electrochemical test protocols including cell cycling, formation, rate testing, and diagnostic testing
• Operate and maintain battery cyclers, environmental chambers, and supporting test equipment, performing basic troubleshooting and escalating issues as needed
• Monitor overall battery test operations and promptly identify problems
• Perform electro-mechanical assembly of fixtures, test leads, battery test cables, chamber connections, and similar
• Set up test fixtures, load/unload cells, perform tests, and ensure proper test configuration and documentation
• Monitor ongoing tests and respond to alarms, faults, or abnormal behavior and communicate findings and or bugs
• Collect, review, and validate test data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Identify anomalies or outliers and correct or escalate issues to engineering as needed
• Compile and communicate test results in a clear and structured manner to support R&D decisions
• Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, throughput, and data reliability
• Support development and refinement of test procedures, SOPs, and documentation standards
• Coordinate test scheduling, prioritization, and sample flow in alignment with team needs
• Maintain organized test areas, ensuring proper labeling, tracking, and storage of samples
• Uphold safety standards, including proper handling of cells, chemicals, and test equipment
• Support training of other technicians on test procedures and equipment as needed
• Write scripts for basic utility protocols under engineer guidance to automate routine testing, streamline lab workflows, and accelerate the diagnosis of battery cycler issues.
• Monitor active battery tests for anomalies and faults; own the tracking of open issues from initial flag to resolution, keeping R&D engineers in the loop throughout
• 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

• 2+ 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 in operating and troubleshooting laboratory or test equipment
• Ability to follow detailed test procedures and maintain accurate, high-quality records
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity; ability to identify inconsistencies in data
• Working knowledge of safety practices, including chemical handling, PPE, and lab protocols
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tests or tasks in parallel
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with battery testing (e.g., cyclers, formation, EIS, environmental testing)
• Familiarity with different battery test protocols (Cycle Life, HPPC, Rate Testing, etc.)
• Experience troubleshooting Arbin cell cyclers and MITS software

Core Values — Minimum Qualifications

Safety & 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

• 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.

Salary Range $28.99 - $35.10 USD

Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

At-Will Employment & Disclaimer Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.