Lab Operations Supervisor

Lab Operations Supervisor

Blue Current is seeking a Lab Operations Supervisor to join the Technical Operations team, supporting solid-state battery R&D and prototyping operations. This role supervises a team of technicians responsible for executing battery cell fabrication processes, including slurry mixing, coating, calendering, pouch sealing, and testing. This role owns the day-to-day operational leadership of the R&D battery lab: staffing and scheduling technicians against experiment and project priorities, ensuring safe and consistent execution of SOPs, and acting as the primary link between the technician team and R&D engineers/scientists. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced development environment - the Lab Operations Supervisor is expected to be on the floor, troubleshooting alongside the team, not managing purely from a desk.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of lab technicians through regular one-on-ones, daily standup meetings, performance management, and skills development planning
• Review and approve timesheets, PTO requests, and other administrative tasks for direct reports
• Build and maintain daily and weekly schedules that align technician availability and equipment capacity with experiment priorities and project deadlines
• Drive cross-training initiatives to broaden technician skill sets and strengthen team resiliency
• Ensure the technician team executes work orders accurately, safely, on schedule, and in compliance with SOPs and documentation protocols
• Provide hands-on process coverage during technician absences or workload constraints to maintain operational continuity
• Manage day-to-day laboratory inventory of chemicals, raw materials, consumables, tooling, and other supplies required for R&D activities
• Coordinate the identification, escalation, and resolution of equipment, materials, process, and scheduling issues
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the technician team and R&D engineers/scientists on daily priorities, experiment status, and process changes
• Uphold and enforce lab safety standards; proactively identify and close gaps
• Partner with EHS, Facilities, Maintenance, and Quality on equipment upkeep, laboratory safety, quality systems, and compliance requirements
• Lead 5S initiatives and maintain organized, clean, and efficient laboratory workspaces
• 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:

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

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong working knowledge of chemical and solvent handling practices, including SDS interpretation, labeling, waste streams, and PPE; ability to uphold safety standards
• Strong understanding of lab safety practices and SOP-driven operations
• Experience with scheduling, prioritizing, and reassigning work across a team in a fast-changing environment
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate across teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with battery fabrication processes and equipment
• Familiarity with work order or inventory tracking systems
• Experience supporting or driving continuous improvement initiatives (yield, throughput, cycle time)
• Prior experience in a startup or fast-scaling R&D environment
• Familiarity with 5S or other lean lab/manufacturing organization practices

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.

Salary Range $111,600 —$160,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement: 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.