Lithium-ion battery materials and recycling—
elevated.

Ascend Elements is building North America and Europe’s domestic supply of critical minerals through “urban mining” and innovative battery materials technologies – an infrastructure that retains critical minerals in-country for supply chain services.

 We produce high-performance, engineered battery materials using the valuable elements found in end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap. Our patented Hydro-to-Cathode® direct cathode precursor (pCAM) synthesis process transforms today’s waste into high-value, engineered materials for tomorrow’s most advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Join us in elevating the performance, security and reliability of domestic lithium-ion battery materials, building the first pCAM manufacturing capabilities anywhere in North America and Europe.

Ascend Elements manufactures advanced battery materials using valuable elements reclaimed from spent lithium-ion batteries. Our patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ process transforms today’s waste into high-value materials for tomorrow’s EV batteries — a major advancement for the entire industry.

Fast Company ranks Ascend Elements #1 in Automotive category on the World’s Most Innovative Companies list in 2024.

Beyond battery recycling — we produce a reliable source of domestic lithium-ion battery materials.

We help lithium-ion battery manufacturers and end users maximize value. Beyond shredding batteries and producing “black mass” or commodity metals, we use advanced particle engineering techniques to transform end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scrap into highly engineered, domestic battery materials.

Cathode Precursor (pCAM) | Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) 

Our full-service logistics, materials-tracking and customer support services simplify the pursuit of higher value and supply
chain security.

Recovery rate
Peace of mind

Advanced technology elevates e-waste into critical battery materials

Our industry-first, Hydro-to-Cathode® direct cathode precursor (pCAM) synthesis process transforms a mixed input of discarded batteries and manufacturing scrap into active cathode battery material — raising the value of critical elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel — while driving down costs.

Shredding

Our Hydro-to-Cathode® Direct Cathode Precursor Synthesis

Leaching

Impurity Extraction
Direct Precursor Synthesis
furnace-animation
Cathode Production
Battery Manufacturing

With Ascend Elements, the battery materials supply chain is looking up.

When it comes to meeting the needs of lithium-ion supply chains, Ascend Elements aims higher. We go beyond just recycling, instead upcycling discarded batteries into premium cathode active materials—all at a lower cost. Our unique Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis process unlocks hidden value to return critical materials back to lithium battery manufacturers.

With Ascend Elements, the battery materials supply chain is looking up.

When it comes to meeting the needs of lithium-ion supply chains, Ascend Elements aims higher. We go beyond just recycling, instead upcycling discarded batteries into premium cathode active materials—all at a lower cost and carbon footprint. Our unique recovery and purification process unlocks hidden value to return critical materials back to lithium battery manufacturers.

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IT/OT Technician

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


The IT/OT Technician supports networked control systems, shop-floor connectivity, and data infrastructure to ensure reliable operations and accurate analytics. This role bridges the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), maintaining secure, efficient, and well-documented systems that enable continuous production and data-driven decision-making.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Maintain and support network switches, HMIs, thin clients, and industrial PCs.

  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues between PLCs, SCADA systems, historians, and CMMS platforms.

  • Install, configure, and verify system software and hardware according to specifications.

  • Coordinate vendor access and enforce proper change control processes.



  • Harden endpoints and manage user/device provisioning in collaboration with IT.

  • Ensure the security and privacy of all networked and computer systems.

  • Conduct regular backup verifications, disaster recovery (DR) tests, and audit preparations.



  • Support data collection and integration for KPIs, dashboards, and performance analytics.

  • Perform scheduled maintenance tasks:

    • Daily: Service tickets, device checks, and backup verifications.

    • Weekly: System patching, network health checks, and asset inventory updates.

    • Monthly: Documentation updates, DR testing, and compliance reviews.





  • Maintain accurate network and system documentation to promote a safe and compliant work environment.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, engineering, maintenance, and production teams.

  • Participate in root-cause analysis and provide input on system improvements.


Qualifications



  • Associate’s Degree (AS) in Information Technology, Networking, or related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 3+ years of experience in an industrial IT/OT environment.

  • Proven experience as an IT/OT Technician or similar technical role.

  • Working knowledge of VLANs, firewalls, OPC/Modbus communication protocols, and cyber hygiene practices.

  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills in both hardware and software environments.

  • Excellent communication, documentation, and collaboration abilities.


Training & Development Requirements



  • OT Security and Cyber Security

  • Network Systems Fundamentals

  • Change Management Procedures

  • Backup and Restore Processes



Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Finance Director, Europe

Ascend Elements (AE) is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


As part of our European expansion, Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology has awarded Ascend Elements up to PLN 1.22 billion (approx. $320 million USD) in support of constructing a precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and lithium extraction manufacturing facility in Opole (Wrzoski), Poland. In addition, Ascend Elements operates its European joint venture, AE Elemental, in Zawiercie, Poland, which specializes in lithium-ion battery recycling and plays a key role in building our regional closed-loop supply chain. In connection with the implementation of our strategic investment project (APEX2), we are seeking an experienced finance leader to assume a key role across finance, accounting, and investment financing, while supporting the development of our European battery recycling joint venture.


Primary Location: Opole / Wroclaw


Role Objective


Provide end-to-end leadership of the financial and accounting functions for the investment project, including oversight of accounting operations, statutory and tax compliance—with particular emphasis on VAT and real estate tax—as well as responsibility for securing and administering external financing and public aid funding. The role also supports the financial development and governance of Ascend Elements’ European battery recycling joint venture, while ensuring close coordination with the U.S. organization and alignment with US GAAP reporting and group financial standards.



Scope of Responsibilities


Accounting & Finance



  • Supervision of full accounting for project companies (SPVs).

  • Managing cooperation with external accounting firms.

  • Control of period closings and financial reporting.

  • Cooperation with auditors and advisors.

  • Organization and alignment with US GAAP reporting and group financial standards


Taxes



  • Supervision of VAT settlements and refunds (including investment VAT).

  • Management of real estate tax.

  • Cooperation with tax advisors and public administration.


Public Aid & Financing



  • Settlement of grants and public aid.

  • Management of external financing (including, banks) and due diligence process management

  • Monitoring covenants and reporting to financing institutions.


Liquidity & Investment Control



  • Monitoring project cash flow.

  • Supervision of CAPEX expenditures and use of financing.



Requirements



  • Minimum several years of experience in a similar position.

  • Experience in managing accounting and external accounting firms.

  • Practical experience in settling investment VAT refunds.

  • Experience with public aid and external financing is an advantage.

  • Cooperation with financial institutions (e.g., banks).

  • Very good knowledge of Excel and financial-accounting systems (ERP/FK).

  • Knowledge of financial modeling.

  • Knowledge of US GAAP


Additionally Preferred



  • Experience in greenfield / real estate / manufacturing projects.

  • Knowledge of SPV structures.

  • Participation in due diligence or project finance processes.



Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Electrical Engineer

Ascend Elements (AE) is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to support the design, implementation, and optimization of electrical systems for advanced battery material manufacturing facilities. This role is critical to ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operations across our production sites. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in industrial electrical systems, project management skills, and a passion for sustainable technology. You’ll work on cutting-edge projects that help build a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries.


Essential Job Functions:



  • Lead front-end engineering projects for facility and capital equipment related to cathode material production.

  • Develop and manage technical specifications, vendor selection, and equipment qualification.

  • Review and approve electrical drawings (e.g., single-line diagrams) from EPCs or equipment suppliers.

  • Oversee manufacturing progress, including factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), installation support, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting.

  • Manage electrical interfaces with EPC firms and construction contractors.

  • Collaborate with plant technical staff to meet production metrics using APQP methodologies.

  • Occasionally handle additional duties consistent with the role.


Competencies / Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Designs and optimizes plant power distribution and equipment electrical systems for high-uptime operations.

  • Plans and leads FAT/SAT, installation, start-up, and ramp-to-steady-state; mitigates commissioning risks.

  • Develops specifications, leads RFQ/vendor selection, reviews deliverables (e.g., single-line diagrams), and ensures scope/quality/schedule alignment.

  • Applies FMEA, control plans, SPC, and validation methods to ensure robust processes and equipment capability.

  • Integrates electrical safety (arc flash, LOTO) and process safety (HAZOP/SIL) into designs and operating procedures.

  • Uses test data, SPC, and KPIs to prioritize actions and justify changes in design or operations.

  • Identifies bottlenecks, eliminates waste, and improves reliability and energy efficiency.

  • Partners with Process, Mechanical, Controls/Automation, Operations, Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain.


Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).

  • 5+ years in electrical design, implementation, and optimization in industrial/manufacturing settings.

  • Electrical system design experience for manufacturing processes.

  • Proficiency with transformers, UPS systems, switchgear, and switchboards.

  • Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

  • Experience with APQP (FMEA, SPC), process validation, Lean, and Six Sigma.

  • Capable of managing large capital equipment projects (>$1M).

  • Skilled in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project) and AutoCAD.

  • Fluent in English, both written and verbal.

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Battery/Chemical Process Exposure: Experience in cathode/anode materials, powder handling, solvent systems, dryers, kilns, or calcination.

  • Advanced Power Studies: Experience with harmonic analysis, arc-flash mitigation solutions (e.g., zone-selective interlocking).

  • Digitalization: Energy monitoring/IIoT dashboards, CMMS integration, historian data analysis for electrical KPIs.

  • Certification: EIT/PE (Electrical), PMP, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.

  • European Standards: IEC/ATEX familiarity for EU deployments


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Senior Project Controls Manager

Ascend Elements (AE) is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


The Senior Project Controls Manager is responsible for overseeing and leading all aspects of project controls across multiple or large-scale capital projects. This includes planning, scheduling, cost control, progress measurement, change management, forecasting, and reporting. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while aligning with company objectives and client expectations.


Primary Location: Nashville, Tennessee.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Develop and maintain integrated project schedules using tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.

  • Establish and manage project budgets, cost control systems, cash flow, and earned value analysis.

  • Lead and supervise a team of schedulers, cost analysts, and document control professionals.

  • Coordinate closely with project managers, engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

  • Identify and analyze project risks, trends, and deviations; recommend mitigation strategies.

  • Implement and maintain project controls procedures, systems, and tools in alignment with company standards.

  • Support project setup including WBS, coding structures, baseline development, and resource loading.

  • Lead change management and change order processes; ensure all changes are properly documented and incorporated into cost and schedule baselines.

  • Prepare and present executive-level progress reports and dashboards to internal stakeholders and clients.

  • Support proposal development and provide input on execution plans, schedules, and budgets during bid phase.

  • Coach and mentor junior staff; promote a culture of continuous improvement.

  • Liase with AE FP&A to forecast cash required to support multiple ongoing projects.


Education and Qualifications:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field. Master’s degree or PMP certification is a plus.

  • 10+ years of experience in project controls with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior management role.

  • Strong expertise in project planning and cost control methodologies, including earned value management (EVM).

  • Proficient in scheduling and cost management software: Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel, and cost systems such as Deltek, EcoSys, or similar.

  • Experience working in PMC, EPC, EPCM, or industrial capital projects (e.g., oil & gas, infrastructure, power, chemicals, or renewables).

  • Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

  • Ability to work across time zones and manage global teams, if required.

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.



Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered greenhouse gas emissions. The results are lower cost, better performing batteries, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. This closed-loop process also allows for fewer end-of-life batteries being discarded in landfills. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


Position Summary

The Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician supports plant operations by maintaining and repairing mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment across the lithium-ion battery recycling and metals recovery facility. This includes battery discharging, shredding, separation, leaching, and precursor cathode active material (pCAM) production lines. The role focuses on rotating equipment, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, and related utility systems, with limited basic electrical work related to motor controls and low-voltage components.


Key Responsibilities

Mechanical & Electro-Mechanical Maintenance:


– Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on:


• Shredders, conveyors, gear drives, pumps, agitators, and piping systems.


• Bearings, couplings, seals, valves, mixers, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.


• Bagging stations, powder-handling equipment, and dust collection systems.


– Troubleshoot and repair electro-mechanical systems such as motors, gearboxes, and basic motor starters.


– Perform alignments, rigging, fabrication, and installation of mechanical equipment.


– Inspect and service lubrication, cooling water, and compressed air systems.


– Support safe startup and shutdown of production equipment.


Safety & Compliance:


– Follow strict safety practices for working around high-energy batteries, corrosives, and combustible dust.


– Apply OSHA, NFPA 484, and company safety standards in all maintenance tasks.


– Use required PPE (respirators, gloves, FR clothing, eye and hearing protection) in designated areas.


– Participate in ISO 14001/45001 programs, hazard reporting, and 6S activities.


Reliability & Documentation:


– Use CMMS to track maintenance activities and document repairs.


– Conduct routine inspections and identify early signs of wear or failure.


– Support continuous improvement and reliability initiatives focused on uptime.


– Assist in equipment rebuilds during scheduled shutdowns.


Qualifications

Education & Experience:


– High school diploma or equivalent required.


– Technical certification or journeyman-level training in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, or related trade preferred.


– Minimum 5 years of experience maintaining industrial mechanical or electro-mechanical systems in a chemical plant, refinery, or process facility.


Technical Skills:


– Strong background in mechanical maintenance: rotating equipment, pumps, gearboxes, mixers, seals, bearings, and couplings.


– Working knowledge of basic electrical systems including, but not limited to: motors, motor starters, relays, fuses, and troubleshooting of low-voltage components (not full electrical construction or I&E duties).


– Proficiency in use of precision measuring instruments, rigging tools, and shop equipment.


– Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic system troubleshooting.


Soft Skills:


– Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.


– Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently under minimal supervision.


– Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.


Physical Requirements

– Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, work at heights, climb ladders, kneel, and work in tight spaces.


– Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. per OSHA guidelines.


– Ability to wear respirators and other PPE for extended durations.


– Work in hot, cold, noisy, or dusty environments.


Why Join Us?

This is a hands-on role at the heart of a facility enabling the circular economy for batteries. You’ll maintain critical process equipment that powers safe and sustainable recovery of lithium and other valuable materials, supporting the clean energy transition.


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Plant Engineering & Reliability Manager

Ascend Element is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


The Plant Engineering & Reliability Manager leads all technical functions for Ascend Elements’ Covington facility, including Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Mechanical Integrity, Utilities, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E), Automation/Controls, Industrial Engineering, and IT/OT technical support. This role ensures safe, reliable, and compliant operation of production systems and utilities infrastructure while driving small engineering improvements, reliability enhancements, and disciplined technical governance.


Essential Job Functions:


1. Engineering Leadership



  • Lead all process and facilities engineering activities supporting reliable daily operations.

  • Manage small continuous improvement projects, including scoping, vendor coordination, installation support, and commissioning assistance.

  • Ensure engineering governance including MOC, design reviews, documentation control, and technical standards.


2. Maintenance Management



  • Provide strategic oversight to the Maintenance Manager.

  • Oversight of utilities systems including boilers, HVAC, compressed air, cooling water, nitrogen, RO/DI, and electrical distribution.

  • Ensure preventive/predictive maintenance execution, CMMS integrity, backlog governance, and scheduling.

  • Oversee maintenance KPIs, spare parts strategy, and work order quality.


3. Reliability Engineering



  • Own the reliability program including RCM/FMEA, RCA, and predictive technologies.

  • Track reliability KPIs such as MTBF, MTTR, OEE and availability.


4. Mechanical Integrity (MI)



  • Oversee MI compliance for regulated equipment.

  • Maintain MI documentation and inspection intervals.


5. Instrumentation, Electrical & Automation, & IT/OT Support



  • Lead I&E and Automation teams.

  • Maintain PLC/HMI systems, SCADA reliability, and electrical compliance.

  • Manage OT networking, MES/SCADA endpoints, device provisioning, and cyber hygiene.


6. Industrial Engineering



  • Support throughput modeling, bottleneck analysis, labor optimization, and process improvement.


7. Leadership & People Development



  • Lead and develop Maintenance, Utilities, Engineering, I&E, Automation, Industrial Engineering.



Decision-Making Responsibility:



  • Prioritize technical work, approve engineering approaches, and escalate high-risk changes appropriately.


Competencies / Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:



  • Engineering/maintenance leadership, MI knowledge, utilities, reliability, CMMS, automation, and communication skills.


Education & Experience Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; 8+ years technical experience; 3+ years leadership.


Working Conditions / Travel:



  • Site-based in Covington, GA; occasional travel; some off-hours support during failures/outages.



Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


OT Manager (Operational Technology)

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


Ascend Elements is seeking an OT Manager to deliver and support plant-level automation and control systems across manufacturing sites. This role partners closely with Engineering, Plant Operations, and IT to maintain reliable OT systems (e.g., SCADA, PLC, DCS, MES) and to implement improvements that increase uptime, safety, and visibility. This is a hands-on role that balances project execution with operational support, working with third-party vendors and system integrators as needed.


Key Responsibilities:


OT Systems Delivery & Support

  • Implement, configure, and support plant-level OT systems, including SCADA, PLC, DCS, and MES platforms.

  • Execute OT projects from requirements gathering through commissioning, documentation, and steady-state support.

  • Support standardization of OT configurations, naming conventions, and basic architecture patterns across sites (in alignment with engineering direction).

  • Coordinate day-to-day deliverables with system integrators and hardware vendors (scope, schedule, site readiness, punch lists).


OT/IT Connectivity & Security (Execution-Focused)

  • Support Purdue Levels 1–3 asset connectivity and basic site-level data aggregation in partnership with IT and Engineering.

  • Follow OT cybersecurity best practices (segmentation, access controls, patch/firmware processes) and help implement IT recommendations for OT environments.

  • Maintain OT asset inventory details and backups (hardware/software/firmware versions, configurations, restore points).


Incident Support & Operational Continuity

  • Serve as a key OT escalation point during incidents; coordinate triage, root cause analysis, and recovery with IT and plant teams.

  • Maintain troubleshooting documentation and recovery procedures; participate in periodic recovery testing where applicable.

  • Support monitoring and alerting implementation for critical OT systems (working with IT/operations tools and processes).


Data Integration & Visibility

  • Support reliable real-time data collection from OT systems for dashboards, analytics, and operational decision-making.

  • Partner with IT/Engineering teams to support data flow to enterprise systems (e.g., ERP/BI), while helping protect data integrity and access controls.


Plant Enablement

  • Provide guidance to plant engineers and technicians on OT tools, standard workflows, and routine system use.

  • Create and maintain practical documentation (SOPs, quick reference guides) and support training delivery as needed.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).

  • 5+ years experience in OT/industrial automation within manufacturing or industrial environments (project leadership experience a plus).

  • Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: SCADA, PLC, DCS, MES (design, implementation, commissioning, or support).

  • Working knowledge of industrial networking concepts and OT cybersecurity fundamentals (segmentation, access controls; familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443 or NIST is a plus).

  • Experience coordinating with vendors/system integrators to deliver OT solutions.

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to work effectively with Engineering, IT, and Operations.

  • Ability to travel to plant sites as needed.


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Process Engineer – Hydrometallurgy

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer-Hydrometallurgy to support process development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced metallurgical operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting laboratory and pilot-scale hydrometallurgical test work and performing process analysis for nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lithium (Li) extraction and refining.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Conduct comprehensive hydrometallurgical test work, including:

    • Leaching (acidic, alkaline, and selective)

    • Impurity removal and precipitation

    • Solvent extraction and ion exchange

    • Crystallization and solid–liquid separation

    • Recovery and purification of Ni, Co, and Li compounds



  • Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate new processes, optimize parameters, and assess kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer behavior.

  • Perform detailed mass balance calculations and data interpretation to support process modeling and scale-up.

  • Analyze solution chemistry and phase equilibria to predict metal speciation, selectivity, and recovery efficiency.

  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports summarizing test work results, process development findings, and recommendations.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers, chemists, and project managers to integrate hydrometallurgical findings into overall flowsheet development.


Education and Other Qualifications:



  • Bachelors in Hydrometallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Master’s or Ph.D is a plus.

  • Minimum 3 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in hydrometallurgical process development or metal recovery operations involving Ni, Co, and/or Li.

  • Technical Competencies:

    • Strong understanding of solution chemistry, redox behavior, and metal speciation.

    • Proven hands-on experience in laboratory-scale leaching, precipitation, SX/IX, crystallization, and solid-liquid separation.

    • Knowledge of process equipment sizing, CAPEX/OPEX estimation, and process cost evaluation is an asset.

    • Experience using mass balance or process simulation tools (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, or similar).

    • Familiarity with battery materials and critical metals recovery is an advantage.





  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

  • Detail-oriented with excellent data organization and reporting skills.

  • Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.

  • Self-driven, proactive, and capable of managing multiple tasks under tight timelines.


Preferred:



  • Experience in pilot plant operation or process scale-up.

  • Understanding of sustainability and environmental considerations in hydrometallurgical processing.

  • Background in flowsheet development and techno-economic evaluation of Ni, Co, and Li recovery processes.


Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.


The base salary range for this position is $83,000 – 115,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Ascend Elements also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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