Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Refining

Licube; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Licube in the Greater Houston Area seeks a Manufacturing Manager to lead planning for our Houston facility and eventually oversee day-to-day performance. This is a pivotal role in bringing a novel lithium refining process from pilot to full commercial deployment, including commissioning and operating electrodialysis units and ensuring safety, quality, and performance targets.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership (chemical/mineral refining, nuclear or battery sectors), a

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, preferably in chemical/mineral refining, nuclear or battery sectors.
• Experience overseeing and scaling up production and leading process optimization.
• Knowledge of environment, health, and safety regulations and track record of implementing compliant systems.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Work authorization in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee the Houston facility's commissioning and day-to-day operations to meet safety, quality and performance targets.
• Lead scaling from pilot to full commercial deployment and contribute to the inception of future plants.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Process optimization

EH&S compliance

Engineering knowledge

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Job description

Manufacturing Manager – Lithium Polishing Operations

Location: Greater Houston Area (Full-time)

About Licube

Licube Inc. is a deep-tech startup pioneering advanced lithium refining technologies for the clean energy transition. We specialize in ultra-high purity (>99.995%) lithium refining using a novel electrodialysis (ED) platform.

We are now building our first commercial-scale demonstration plant in the Greater Houston area. Learn more atwww.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; candidate should be located in the Greater Houston area or willing to relocate. Role will be hybrid for next ~12 months, involving periodic travel to the office and potential site locations for typically 2-4 days/month. Once plant is commissioned, onsite presence is expected.
• Start date: August 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, nuclear 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