# Kuldeep Kumar

> Staff Cell Engineer at Blue Current

Location: Hayward, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/kuldeepkumar

Expert in lithium-ion batteries, solid-state cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and advanced materials. Inventor of multiple patented technologies and published researcher with a track record of improving performance, reducing costs, and translating research into scalable solutions. Recognized as a strategic thinker and collaborative leader, driving innovation at the intersection of science and industry.

## Work Experience
### Staff Cell Engineer @ Blue Current, Inc.
Jan 2023 – Present | Hayward, California, United States
(i) Developed high-performance, cost-efficient cathodes for next-generation solid-state batteries, contributing to improved energy density and lower raw material costs.
(ii) Designed and implemented advanced electrochemical characterization methods, enabling deeper insight into ionic/electronic transport and interfacial reactions.
(iii) Uncovered key degradation mechanisms, providing strategies to enhance cycle life, reliability, and scalability of solid-state cells.

### Senior Research Chemist @ PPG Industries
Jan 2021 – Jan 2023 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
(i) Led development of high-energy, high-power NMC cathodes using eco-friendly, cost-effective compositions for next-generation Li-ion cells.
(ii) Pioneered electrophoretic deposition techniques for active materials, carbon, and binders, enabling scalable electrode fabrication.
(iii) Directed R&D on silicon-graphite composite anodes, identifying additives that boosted electrode adhesion 10×.
(iv) Developed two novel polymeric binder classes, significantly improving slurry stability and manufacturability.
(v) Performed in-depth post-mortem analyses to uncover Si-graphite degradation pathways, guiding material design improvements.

### Research Chemist @ PPG Industries
Jan 2018 – Jan 2021 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
(i) Led innovation of NMC/LFP high-power cathodes, aligning technology development with commercialization strategy.
(ii) Conducted market sizing and risk assessments to evaluate business potential and guide investment decisions.
(iii) Defined technology scope and roadmap, enabling a structured path to successful product launch.

### Graduate Research Assistant @ Penn State University
Jan 2014 – Jan 2018 | State College, Pennsylvania Area
(i) Resolved key scientific questions on sulfate ion reduction mechanisms, impacting understanding of turbine corrosion processes.
(ii) Developed Ni-Al-Cr anti-corrosion metallic coatings using novel electrochemical methods, enhancing material durability.
(iii) Investigated hydrogen embrittlement in steel structures, discovering pyrite-based passivation strategies to mitigate degradation.

### Graduate Research Assistant @ The University of Alabama Graduate School
Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama Area
(i) Synthesized carbon (CNT, graphene) and metal oxide semiconductors, engineering bandgaps for enhanced photocatalysis.
(ii) Reduced cobalt oxide bandgap from 1.64 eV to 1.48 eV via multi-shell heterostructure design, achieving 8× higher photocatalytic efficiency.
(iii) Recipient of the WAAIME-SME Scholarship (USA) for outstanding research contributions.

### Software Test Engineer @ Citrix
Jan 2012 – Jan 2013 | Bangalore
Implemented AppFlow network features on Citrix NetScaler v10.1, enhancing load balancing and application traffic monitoring.

### Associate System Engineer @ IBM India Pvt Ltd
Jan 2011 – Jan 2012 | Hyderabad Area, India
Planned and executed performance and test strategies for IBM eShop and Teleshop portals, ensuring reliable and high-performing software delivery.

### Graduate Researcher (Master's Thesis) @ Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi
Jan 2010 – Jan 2011 | Varanasi Area, India
(i) Developed a novel, cost-effective synthesis method for cerium oxide solid electrolytes for fuel cell applications.
(ii) Enhanced ionic conductivity by ~100× through aliovalent cation doping, enabling low-temperature fuel cell operation (500 ºC).
(iii) Reduced activation energy of conduction from 1.28 eV to 0.97 eV, improving electrolyte efficiency.
(iv) Recipient of the Foundation for Excellence Scholarship (India) for outstanding academic records.

### Summer Intern Researcher @ University of Puerto Rico, USA
Jan 2010 – Jan 2010 | San Juan (PR)
Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of Pr3+ and W6+ doped BiFeO3 thin films.
Supervisor: Prof. Ram S. Katiyar,

### Summer Intern Researcher @ Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Jan 2009 – Jan 2009 | Kanpur Area, India
Synthesis and characterization of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) – BaTiO3 composites
Supervisor: Prof. Bikramjit Basu

### Vocational Trainee @ TRL KROSAKI Refractories Limited (formerly TATA Refractories Limited)
Jan 2008 – Jan 2008 | Jharsuguda Area, India
Improvement in the density of Al2O3 and SiO2 refractories during firing and their mechanical properties
Supervisor: Dr. Sukumar Adak, (Vice President - Technology)

### Summer Intern Researcher @ Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi
Jan 2007 – Jan 2007 | Varanasi Area, India
Preparation and dielectric properties of TiO2 doped BiFeO3 ceramics
Supervisor: Prof. Devendra Kumar


## Education
### Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
Penn State University

### Graduate Research Assistant in Materials Science and Engineering
The University of Alabama Graduate School

### B.Tech. + M.Tech. (Integrated Dual Degree) in Ceramic Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi

### Bachelor of Science - BS (1st year) in Physical Sciences
Hansraj College, University of Delhi, India

### Senior Secondary Certificate (Class X) and Higher Secondary Certificate (Class XII) in Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Computer
Pandit Poornanand Tiwari Inter College, Jaspur, U. S. Nagar


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kdpkmr01
- Website: https://sites.google.com/site/kdpkmr01/

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Source: https://flows.cv/kuldeepkumar
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/kuldeepkumar/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-01