Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Polishing Operations

Licube; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Licube Inc., a pioneering startup in lithium refining, is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead operations at their new facility in Houston. This role involves overseeing the deployment of cutting-edge lithium processing technology, managing production, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Candidates should have extensive manufacturing leadership experience and a degree in a relevant discipline, along with essential skills in production optimization and safety regulations compliance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, preferably in chemical/mineral refining.
• Expertise in overseeing and scaling up production.
• Knowledge of environment, health, and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning the Houston facility and oversee day-to-day performance.
• Manage commissioning and operation of electrodialysis units.
• Ensure facility meets quality, safety, and performance targets.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Production optimization

Safety regulations knowledge

Work authorization in the U.S.

Education

Bachelors degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline

Job description

Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Polishing Operations

Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Polishing Operations

Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Polishing Operations

Location: Greater Houston Area (On-site, Full-time)

About Licube

Licube Inc. is a deep-tech startup pioneering advanced lithium refining technologies for the clean energy transition. We specialize in lithium polishing—the final step in producing >99.9% battery-grade lithium hydroxide—using a novel electrodialysis (ED) platform. Our modular systems are designed to help battery manufacturers and lithium processors scale sustainably and flexibly.

With operations expanding in the U.S. and Japan, we are now building our first commercial-scale lithium polishing plant in the Greater Houston area. Learn more at www.licube3.com.

About the Job

We are seeking a Manufacturing Manager to assist in the planning of our Houston facility and eventually oversee its day-to-day performance. This is a unique opportunity to help bring a novel lithium refining process from pilot scale to full commercial deployment. You'll be involved in the project from inception to operation, including managing the commissioning and operation of electrodialysis units and ensuring the facility meets quality, safety, and performance targets. With successful performance, you'll oversee the scaling of the facility and bring your knowledge to the assist in the inception of future plants.

Position Overview

• Full-time, onsite in the Greater Houston area
• Start date: Approximately August/September 2026
• Candidates must have work authorization in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship)

Required Skills (you absolutely must have these)

• 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, preferably in chemical/mineral refining or battery sectors
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing and scaling up production and leading process optimization
• Knowledge of requirements for environment, health, and safety regulations and track record of implementing systems to ensure compliance
• Bachelors degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline
• Work authorization in the U.S.

Beneficial Skills (strong candidates will typically have several of these)

• Experience in high-pH chemical environments (e.g., NaOH, LiOH)
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled manufacturing standards
• Background in membrane-based or electrochemical systems
• Previous experience in a startup or scale-up environment
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma training
• Masters/PhD in relevant engineering or scientific discipline

Bonus Skills (not required, but definitely let us know if you have these)

• Experience commissioning first-of-kind equipment or pilot systems
• Familiarity with lithium, battery materials, or electrochemical processes

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Oil, Gas, and Mining

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