R&D Operator in Sacramento, California at LiCAP Technologies, Inc

LiCAP Technologies is a Sacramento-based battery materials company commercializing the Activated Dry Electrode® (ADE®) process — a solvent-free manufacturing technology that cuts battery production costs, energy use, and carbon emissions by up to 70%. Named a Fast Company Top 10 Most Innovative Company in Automotive (2026), LiCAP is scaling a 500 MWh/year cathode production line at its new facility and supplying leading automotive OEMs. We're a ~45-person team at a pivotal growth stage, backed by major grant funding and commercial contracts. If you want your work to matter for the energy transition, this is where to be.

The Role
The R&D Operator runs pilot equipment and builds test samples to support our engineers’ development work. You’ll follow procedures closely, record accurate data, and help turn experiments into repeatable processes. This is a hands-on role for someone who is careful, curious, and wants to grow with a technology company.

What You’ll Do

• Operate R&D and pilot-line equipment for dry electrode processing, including mixing, film forming, calendering, and lamination, following work instructions
• Prepare, assemble, and label electrode and cell samples, including work in dry-room or glovebox environments
• Measure and inspect samples for thickness, weight, and visual defects, and log results accurately
• Load and monitor test equipment, and flag out-of-spec results to engineers
• Keep materials, inventory, and the work area organized using 5S practices
• Perform basic equipment cleaning and routine maintenance, and report any issues
• Follow all safety, PPE, and material-handling procedures
• Support engineers on special projects and trials as needed

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 1 year of experience in manufacturing, a lab, or production operations, preferably in batteries, chemicals, electronics, or precision assembly
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow written procedures exactly
• Basic computer skills, including Excel and data entry
• Reliable and punctual, and comfortable working both independently and on a team
• Able to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and wear PPE, including in low-humidity dry rooms

Nice to Have

• Experience with batteries, ultracapacitors, or electrode/coating processes
• Cleanroom, dry-room, or glovebox experience
• Associate degree or coursework in a technical field
• Forklift certification

Pay & Benefits

• $19.00–$21.00/hour depending on experience, non-exempt (overtime eligible)
• [Medical / dental / vision]
• 401(k) with [match details]
• [PTO / paid holidays]
• Hands-on training in a cutting-edge clean-tech process

LiCAP Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.