Vice President of Projects

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.


The Vice President of Projects is a member of the Company’s senior management team and is responsible for key value creation activities in the company. The candidate will have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future success of the company by providing outstanding managerial and technical leadership in project delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role that will directly impact our ability to scale operations and requires a leader with extensive experience in materials / chemical engineering, project management, production management and cross-functional collaboration. This position will report directly to the President.


Location: Covington, GA or Hopkinsville, KY


Key Responsibilities



  • Lead expert project management and coordination to ensure we have the expertise, resources, and capacity to achieve project target

  • Work cross-functionally with Health & Safety, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain and Plant Operations to ensure alignment on project objectives and resource allocation, provide visibility to overall project plans and delivery, and drive execution

  • Establish project management standard operating practice (SOP) and project management standard for all Ascend Elements products

  • Utilize the best practice methods to provide expert project delivery and technical delivery across various initiatives

  • Provide leadership and direction to the in-house Project Management function as well as to any outsourced project partners

  • Oversee all projects, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budgets, and alignment with quality standards

  • Responsible for shaping and executing the functional strategy to achieve key business objectives of the Company

  • Deliver safe, high-quality projects which deliver material return for the company

  • Ensure conformance with standard operating practices, business controls as well as compliance with regulatory standards

  • Oversee project assurance from project award to commissioning and start-up


Leadership



  • Lead a high-performing team of project managers, engineers and controls professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, cost efficiency, continuous improvement and delivery

  • Lead through multiple levels of managers of diverse activities

  • Evaluate key business challenges, direct the development of new or innovative solutions

  • Mentor and coach future leaders


Problem Solving



  • Drive the resolution of complex project or unusual business problems

  • Balance the challenges of financial, quality and schedule to optimize the long-term return for the company

  • Develop and manage project budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality and performance


Education & Experience:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.

  • 20+ years of experience in project management, with a focus on battery materials, energy or related industries. Experience with EPC a plus.

  • Big company and small company experience, a plus. Proven track record of leading large-scale projects, particularly in the construction of manufacturing facilities or mega plants.

  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities

  • Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

  • Excellent analytical skills, ability to display and exercise sound judgment

  • Applies in-depth knowledge of project management, manufacturing, safety, quality standards, inspection and testing to ensure strong manufacturing and operational performance

  • Demonstrated record of diligence and attention to detail working with very high standards both personally and technically


What We Offer



  • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

  • Participation in the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP).

  • Opportunity to lead business-critical projects of a high growth company in a new high growth industry

  • A collaborative and innovative work environment dedicated to sustainability


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.


Our Hiring Process

Benefits and Culture

From health and wellness to employee engagement and professional development, our goal is to foster a thriving workplace culture. Check out our benefits and culture section to learn more about our various programs and initiatives.

We are committed to supporting a company culture that will positively impact your quality of life and contribute to your professional success – making Ascend Elements somewhere you’ll want to stay for a long time.

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Who We Are

We are made up of an impressive variety of talented employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

United States Veterans
Ascend Element United States Veterans — From serving our country to joining the Ascend Elements Team. Find your new home with a strong and proud group of fellow veterans.

"Ascend Elements is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven company at the ground floor, where your well-earned technical and leadership skills can have a direct impact on our growth and progress in a pioneer US industry. Ascend Elements provides a work environment and culture all too familiar with veterans; like-minded individuals (including many veterans) from diverse backgrounds and skills working towards a common goal through commitment and collaboration."

Ben Pope

Construction Program Manager, United States Marine Corps

“Similar to the reason why most veterans joined the military, employees at Ascend Elements feel a sense of purpose and meaning beyond themselves. It's not just a job here, it's everyone at Ascend marching in the same direction with the end goal of keeping America at the top of cutting-edge technology in the battery materials industry and preserving rare Earth metals.”

Cory Radcliffe

Construction Program Manager United States Marine Corps and Air Force

"You can apply skills learned in the military like teamwork and critical thinking every day to solve problems in an environment where your background is welcomed. In the same vein as my time in the Army, I get to provide meaningful contributions to real world problems alongside a group of people committed to a collective goal."

Andrew Walther

Construction Program Manager, United States Army

Interns to Full Time
Interns can journey to full-time team members. From interns to full time employees. Hear how their experience drove them to join the Ascend Elements Team permanently.

“Being an intern at AE allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in engineering. Working on projects at the pilot facility brought my academic knowledge to life, deepening my understanding of engineering concepts. Choosing permanent employment at AE post-graduation was driven by the company's rapid growth, ensuring diverse experiences across multiple engineering domains and avoiding monotony in tasks."

Alexis Clark

Chemical Engineer

"Being an intern at Ascend Elements opened many doors for me and helped me to land several interviews both inside and outside AE prior to joining full time. The experience I accrued as an intern helped to guide my thinking and to realize what career path I wanted to pursue. You will not find a more dedicated and passionate team than Team Ascend!"

Matt Eggert

Associate Scientist

Passion for Communities 
& Sustainability
Want to make a difference? From sustainability to community advocacy, our employees have a passion for making the world a better place.

“Ascend Elements’ investment and commitment in Hopkinsville will be a game changer for our community for generations to come. The Ascend Elements leadership is dedicated to not only upcycling, but also the culture of growth within the organization.”

DeeAnna Sova

Equity Program Manager

"Ascend Elements is a company that is going to change the carbon footprint on the earth by recycling EV batteries. We are always working on ways to change the future of an EV batteries in the world. AE has found a process to keep batteries out of landfills and to recycle them back to a battery grade product that can be reused and/or recycled."

Kay Dixon

Sales Order Specialist

Similar Jobs

Plant Controller

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.


We’re hiring a Plant Controller who will be responsible for providing financial support to the Manufacturing facility to enhance profitability through detailed understanding and review of plant costs. The Plant Controller will leverage finance tools and processes to drive clarity of results to influence operations leadership. Individual will create or sustain a strong controls environment with focus on accurately representing plant costs, assets and liabilities and leverage this strong understanding of the accounting model and create opportunities for cost improvements and higher returns on plant assets.


This position is based in Covington, Georgia.


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



  • Responsible for the accuracy of the standard costs starting with the bill of materials and item costs, labor routings, labor rates, as well as overhead assignments.

  • Establish and maintain policies and procedures for month-end close to ensure that all required journal entries are prepared and posted to the general ledger for the plant.

  • Reports variances to set standards in a manner that supervisors and managers can understand and takes corrective action. Accountable for the performance of the plant, explaining all production variances on a weekly / monthly basis as well as participating in proactive measures to reduce variances from standard cost.

  • Analyzes and models changes in product design, raw materials, overhead, manufacturing methods, etc., for effects on production costs.

  • Analyze and report manufacturing efficiency variances and determine corrective action requirements. Ensure items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.

  • Assists with estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.

  • May serve as technical resource to others in the resolution of complex problems, and orient, train, assign, mentor, and review the work of others. Acts as subject matter expert in understanding and interpreting accounting principles.

  • Review capital expenditure requests and prepare ROI analysis, as needed.

  • Reviews control procedures over accounting and financial activities. Provides guidance to ensure that internal accounting controls are in place to protect company assets. Ensures an adequate system of internal control is maintained, and that general ledger accounts are correctly stated, maintains SOX compliance.

  • Provides independent oversight of inventory management to ensure accurate physical levels and alignment with the accounting systems and reported amounts.

  • Supports the plant, division, and corporate leadership and collaborates with other departments on the execution of company strategies and attainment of company/plant goals.

  • Support tax compliance, including preparing and submitting transfer pricing schedules and other analysis, as required.


Scope of Responsibility:



  • Independent; works under only minimal instructions and expected to determine how to accomplish the work assignments.

  • Carries out with appreciable latitude for actions and decisions all aspects of difficult projects that are broad in nature and require originality and/or ingenuity.

  • This job has limited supervisory responsibilities but does act in a lead role.


Education and Skill Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Masters Preferred.

  • 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment at the facility level; 10+ years total accounting experience.

  • Good working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

  • Good understanding of process standard cost accounting.

  • Must have a proven record of success as a strategically oriented financial manager with knowledge of cost accounting, production planning and operations analysis.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to seek resources as needed.

  • Collaborative interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

  • Results-oriented focus and approach.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and Access).

  • SAP (Cloud 4/Hana) and Power BI Experience preferred.

  • Ability to drive process improvement and accurately determine deadlines.

  • Very strong organizational and business process skills with attention to detail.

  • Ability to prioritize and work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision.

  • Must understand process flows and have an above average understanding of process capabilities within their facilities.

  • CPA or CMA is preferred


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.


Chemical Plant Superintendent

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.


The Lithium Extraction Chemical Plant Superintendent is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and staff of the lithium extraction process, ensuring the safe and efficient production of lithium compounds. This role involves supervising plant operators, monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Lead and manage the activities of plant operators and other staff involved in the extraction process.

  • Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize production efficiency and safety.

  • Oversee the operation and monitoring of reactors, pressure vessels, boilers, and distillation columns.

  • Ensure proper adjustment of controls and equipment to regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and manage chemical reactions.

  • Conduct and supervise routine inspections of equipment and systems to detect malfunctions and perform necessary maintenance.

  • Ensure quality control by testing samples of raw materials or finished products to meet quality and safety standards.

  • Maintain comprehensive records of operations, process conditions, and laboratory results for production logs and compliance reports.

  • Collaborate with senior team members such as chemists, engineers, and quality control specialists to optimize production efficiency and safety.

  • Ensure a clean and safe work environment by enforcing all safety protocols and procedures.

  • Troubleshoot complex equipment issues and oversee preventive maintenance.

  • Train, mentor, and develop plant operators to ensure they understand and follow operational procedures and safety guidelines.

  • Drive process improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.


Qualifications:



  • Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field preferred.

  • Minimum of 5 years exp of experience in an industrial environment, preferably in chemical processing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

  • Proven leadership skills, including the ability to manage and motivate a team.

  • Strong technical skills, including the ability to operate machinery, read technical diagrams, and use computer systems for monitoring processes.

  • Certification from relevant industry bodies (e.g., Certified Control Systems Technician) is a plus.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

  • Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.


Physical Requirements:



  • Ability to work in environments with exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, and loud noise.

  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing stair and ladders, lifting, bending, walking, and standing for extended periods.

  • Ability to operate mobile equipment safely.


Working Conditions:



  • Work environments include inside and outside manufacturing and production facilities.

  • Exposure to uneven ground, long-distance transit over rough terrain, and moving heavy machinery.


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.


Unarmed Security Guard

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers’ sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


Position Overview: Ascend Elements is seeking dedicated and professional Unarmed Security Guards to join our team at our Hopkinsville, KY location. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the safety and security of our employees, visitors, and property by monitoring and patrolling premises and handling any security incidents in a calm and efficient manner.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Patrol Premises: Conduct regular patrols of the facility, including the interior and exterior areas, to ensure a safe environment.

  • Monitor Surveillance Systems: Observe CCTV cameras and alarm systems, reporting any suspicious activities or security breaches promptly.

  • Access Control: Manage the entry and exit of employees, visitors, and contractors to maintain secure access to the premises.

  • Incident Reporting: Document and report any incidents, emergencies, or unusual occurrences accurately and promptly.

  • Emergency Response: Assist in emergency situations such as evacuations, medical incidents, or other crises, following established protocols.

  • Customer Service: Provide assistance and directions to visitors and staff members, ensuring a professional and courteous demeanor.

  • Compliance: Adhere to company policies, procedures, and regulations to maintain a secure and safe environment.

  • Communication: Maintain clear and concise communication with the security team and management regarding any security issues or updates.

  • Loss Prevention: Actively participate in efforts to prevent theft, vandalism, and other security threats.

  • Hazardous Material Awareness: Work closely with the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team to monitor and respond to any situations involving hazardous materials, ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place.

  • The employee is committed to and must support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.

  • Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.

  • Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

  • The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.


Education/ Experience:



  • High School Diploma or GED: Required. Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Security Experience: Prior experience in security, law enforcement, military, or related field a plus.


Required Skills/Abilities



  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong observational skills and attention to detail are critical.

  • Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively, with good problem-solving skills.

  • Must always maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity.

  • Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

  • Must work in tandem with emergency responders to ensure coordinated and effective responses to any critical incidents.

  • Must be able to pass a background check.

  • Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.

  • Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs

  • While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.

  • Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods.

  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.


Additional Information:


This is a 24/7 facility, and security staff may be required to work a variety of shifts.


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.


Human Resources Manager

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 Human Resources Manager will play a vital role in driving the HR strategy across all aspects of the employee lifecycle. Reporting to the Vice President, Human Resources, the HR Manager will be both strategic and operational, responsible for managing critical HR operational functions and ensuring a highly effective and efficient experience including compensation & benefits, workforce planning, performance management, employee relations, compliance, learning & development, and strategic initiatives. This role is crucial in enhancing scalable processes, fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring delivery of HR strategies.


This is a hybrid position with an on-site component at our Westborough, MA offices.


Responsibilities:


Compensation & Benefits



  • Develop and manage salary structures, incentive plans, and job evaluation processes to ensure fair and competitive pay.

  • Manage administration of employee insurance plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and perks that support employee well-being.

  • Proactively monitor the effectiveness of existing compensation and benefit practices through benchmarking; recommend changes that are cost effective and consistent with market trends and corporate objectives.

  • Act as a primary point of contact for compensation and benefit requests. Consult employees and business leaders on job evaluations, policy interpretations, benefit related questions and pay decisions.

  • Act as primary contact for benefit providers, brokers, and consultants to ensure quality service and optimal plan administration.


Performance Management



  • Establish performance evaluation process and feedback mechanisms that drive strong performance and enhance employee development.

  • Coach and develop managers to set and manage performance goals, provide feedback and develop their teams.

  • Identify training and development needs, develop skill-building workshops and programs as appropriate.


Employee Relations



  • Provide advice and consultation to employees and management, including coaching and counseling on performance management issues, conflict management, interpretation of employment policies and resolution.

  • Conduct and resolve investigations regarding employee complaints and concerns.


Compliance



  • Perform regular internal audits and reporting to ensure compliance with federal, state and provider regulatory requirements.


Strategic HR Initiatives



  • Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.

  • Assist with the aggregation, preparation and maintenance of HR metrics, reports and analysis of key performance indicators, such as employee turnover, engagement and performance metrics.

  • Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, drive process improvement and inform strategic decisions.

  • Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes for increased efficiency and improved employee experience.


Education and Experience:



  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration or other related field, preferred.

  • 5+ years of experience in Human Resources.

  • Experience with employee relations, compliance, talent management, compensation analysis, performance management and learning and development.

  • Comprehensive understanding of HR compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements a plus.

  • Proficiency in benefits administration and compensation analysis and design, including salary benchmarking, incentive plan design and benefit effectiveness.


Required Skills/Abilities:



  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.

  • Ability to handle situations with a high sense of urgency and service focus, excellent organizational and analytical skills.

  • Ability to adapt and lead through change in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Ability to exercise good judgment in conflict resolution, problem solving and decision-making.

  • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.

  • Ability to work independently, take initiative and demonstrate end-to-end ownership.

  • Excellent customer service and vendor management skills.

  • Proficiency in HRIS, data analysis and compensation/benefits tools.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.


Physical Requirements:



  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.



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.


Sourcing Manager

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are hiring a Sourcing Manager. This person will be responsible for the development and execution of Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and Strategic Sourcing strategies, policies, tactics and objectives for assigned complex global projects that align and are linked with the business units, operations, commercial, supply chain and manufacturing strategies.


This position will be based in our Covington, Georgia facility.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Responsible for procurement of Capital Equipment, MRO and Services within assigned group of capital equipment categories and global facilities.

  • Leads sourcing process through requirements clarification, preparing and publishing RFI/RFP, evaluating quotations, selecting suppliers and negotiating T&C’s and placing PO’s.

  • Responsible for sourcing and procurement activities globally.

  • Collaborates with Engineering to establish requirements and execute the full sourcing process to meet the defined technical scope of the project.

  • Supports the supplier selection process by engaging the proposed suppliers to fulfill the requirements, as well as evaluating the supply base for options, as needed.

  • Performs some market testing and supplier development, as needed.

  • Supports the issue management process, including late delivery issues, supplier performance, price changes initiated by the supplier post-negotiation, scope/product changes, etc.

  • Responsible for tracking and reporting savings.

  • Assists in training buyers at global locations in regard to global procurement policies and procedures.


Qualifications and Other Requirements:



  • Bachelor of Science in Business or a related degree

  • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience including with industrial manufacturing projects.

  • Knowledge of supply chain and materials management principles – specific to engineering and construction projects is required.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Excel and accounting software experience is important.

  • Strong negotiation, communication, organizational and team-building skills.


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.


Project Controls Engineer

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 currently hiring a Project Controls Engineer! This role will be responsible for providing detailed conceptual estimates from pre-construction schematic and design documents and detailed construction estimates from construction plans and specifications. Project scopes are generally less than $50 million or for designated components on large, complex projects.


Responsibilities include but not limited to:


Cost Estimation and Budgeting



  • Develop and implement the project controls execution plan, ensuring alignment with cost management best practices

  • Participate in the project estimating process, ensuring that project cost estimates align with contractual requirements and scope.

  • Defining and structure the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) in financial and progress systems.

  • Ensure cost coding system is properly applied, and information flow is correct and complete


Cost Tracking and Monitoring



  • Establish and maintain cost control systems to track actual expenditures against budgets and commitments.

  • Analyze and interpret cost trends, performance metrics, and cost variances.

  • Monitor actual progress vs. planned progress, including engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, and commissioning status.

  • Provide timely and accurate Cost and Progress Measurement Data, ensuring the accuracy of project cost forecasting


Earned Value Management (EVM) & Progress Measurement



  • Demonstrate understanding and application of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles for measuring project performance.

  • Set up and maintain the progress measurement system, ensuring accurate tracking of project milestones and deliverables.

  • Ensure that Issued for Construction (IFC) quantity take-offs are properly tied to turnover systems.

  • Audit quantity take-offs and reported installed quantities for consistency with project progress reports.


Forecasting and Financial Control



  • Develop and maintain the cost forecasting system and cost reports, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

  • Prepare project cash flows and cost spread analysis.

  • Undertake monthly cost forecasting and trend analysis, identifying deviations and proposing corrective actions.

  • Monitor and analyze committed costs, actual vs. budget performance, and cost productivity metrics.


Change Management and Risk Control



  • Support change management efforts, including developing cost estimates for change verification.

  • Monitor variations from the original scope of work, capturing and assessing related impacts on costs and schedule.

  • Assist with contract amendments, ensuring cost implications are properly documented and managed.


Reporting and Communication



  • Prepare and present project cost reports and variance analysis reports to project stakeholders.

  • Support accounting with cost-to-billings reconciliations and invoicing reviews.

  • Provide accurate and timely reporting on cost and progress measurement data to management.

  • Generate spreadsheet and PowerBI analysis reports for cost and progress management review.


Procurement and Subcontractor Cost Management



  • Work closely with procurement and subcontract management teams to verify progress and earned value against invoices received.

  • Ensure the cost coding system is properly applied and information flow is complete.

  • Monitor cost commitments related to material procurement and subcontractor services.

  • Support the Subcontract Management team in tracking variations and processing accruals.


Compliance and Best Practices



  • Adhere to internal project control processes and ensure compliance with industry cost management best practices.

  • Ensure that financial processes align with contractual requirements and project scope.

  • Participate in the closeout report data collection, ensuring lessons learned and cost control insights are documented for future projects.

  • Support the professional development of junior project controls personnel, providing mentorship and guidance.


Education:



  • Bachelor s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or related field required and 4+ years of related experience or completion of an Associates degree and 5+ years of related experience. Where related experience is defined as experience in cost control, project controls, or financial management in an engineering, construction, or manufacturing environment.

  • Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project financial controls.

  • Proficiency in cost control, planning and ERP software and tools (e.g., Primavera P6, SAP, Excel, PowerBI).

  • Strong proficiency in PowerBi, including data integration, DAX and creating dashboards.

  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide cost-saving recommendations.

  • Strong analytical and logic skills with the ability to maintain a high degree of precision on detailed work.

  • Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously under time constraints.

  • Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards.

  • Developed skills (written, oral, and listening) to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build successful and lasting relationships.


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.


Request a Quote

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