Chemical Process Engineer-Evaporation

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 currently hiring a Chemical Process Engineer-Evaporation to join our team! You will be responsible for leading front end engineering projects focused on the chemical conversion of spent EV batteries and battery manufacturing plant waste into high quality battery anode and cathode powders for use in new batteries.


This position will be based out of either Westborough, MA or Hopkinsville, KY. Travel expectations could be up to 50% during peak commissioning times.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • This position will be the technical leader of a process or utility system from conceptual stage through performance testing. Responsibilities include: leading conceptual studies, creating the equipment technical specification, qualifying and selecting the manufacturing vendor, reviewing and approving the equipment design/build, attending Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), supporting installation, leading commissioning and Site Acceptance Test (SAT), and supporting process optimization.

  • Lead chemical process design with EPC firm or Equipment Manufacturer to effectively design and execute plant mechanical, electrical, piping, and controls systems.

  • Develop process flow, equipment list, equipment layout, utility matrix, and P&IDs for manufacturing processes required for production of new battery raw materials.

  • Work with R&D team to develop effective and efficient scaling strategies to bring new products and processes to pilot and production scale.

  • Support the production plant’s technical staff to meet plant metrics with robust processes and quality systems based on the APQP tool kit.

  • Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position.


Education and Other Skills:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

  • Experience: 5+ years of process engineering experience with chemical or advanced materials technologies, including 3+ years of field experience.

  • Direct experience in battery materials synthesis (precursor cathode material), chemical precipitation reactions, filtration, or evaporation.

  • Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

  • Experienced user of the capital equipment acquisition process including technical specification generation, supplier identification and assessment, equipment build tracking, factory and site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and ramping to metrics.

  • Hands-on experience during commissioning (water run, chemical run, sequence testing) is a must.

  • Effective project management for >$1M capital equipment projects.

  • Experience, judgement, and technical knowledge to drive data-based decisions.

  • Knowledge and experience base in process design and equipment selection for performance chemicals and materials and the associated facility support systems.

  • Skilled user of MS office tools including Word, EXCEL, Outlook, Project.

  • AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SYSCAD, OLI, ASPEN competency a plus.

  • Ability to travel domestically.


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.


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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“At Ascend Elements we are empowering our employees to help revolutionize the production of engineered battery materials for a brighter future of clean energy. We are committed to supporting our employees to drive innovation and performance while prioritizing safety and collaboration to reduce our environmental impact. We are a company that is dedicated to fostering a positive, creative, and inclusive culture where employees feel valued, connected, and invested. Join our team today!”

Kathleen Quinty
Sr. Global Human Resources Director

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

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Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

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 currently hiring an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team! In this position you will be responsible for the overall process automation design and optimization of AE manufacturing facilities which include handling, discharge, and disassembly of spent EV batteries, shredding of such batteries, and chemical processing of this shredded material into new battery cathode.


This position will be based in Hopkinsville KY or in our Massachusetts Headquarters.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Provide instrumentation and process controls technical expertise for capital projects, including reviewing and updating P&IDs, designing instruments, preparing or reviewing instrument index, input/output lists, instrument loop diagrams, instrument datasheets, control description, instruments requisition, junction box termination drawings, cable schedules, supporting FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning, startup.

  • Interface with EPC firms and construction contractors to effectively design and execute instrumentation and plant automation systems.

  • Lead efficiency improvement automation projects in multiple brown and green field sites. Modify and debug process control systems to achieve continuous process optimization and downtime reduction.

  • Interface with R&D team and contractors to select and implement instrumentation and automation systems of new processes.

  • Work with Quality team on quality control data management.

  • Support the production plant’s technical staff to meet plant metrics with robust processes and quality systems based on the APQP tool kit.

  • Lead RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and troubleshooting effort to resolve process controls upset and product quality deviations.

  • Travel: 10% on average if based in Hopkinsville, 25% on average if based in Westborough, 50% peak during commissioning depending on site location.


Skills and Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree or technical diploma in Electrical, Process Controls, or Chemical Engineering with automation experience.

  • 5+ years of experience in instrumentation and controls design and troubleshooting of industrial manufacturing plant. Programming experience is a plus.

  • Knowledge of control system design for performance material or similar manufacturing processes, and ability to read, interpret and generate engineering drawings and specifications.

  • Experience with Control panel design and low voltage electrical system.

  • Knowledge of Siemens and Allen Bradley programming is a plus.

  • Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools (or equivalent) including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

  • Effective project management for >$100k capital equipment projects.

  • Experience, judgement, and technical knowledge to drive data-based decisions.

  • Skilled user of MS office tools including Word, EXCEL, Outlook, Project, AutoCAD.

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.


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.


Associate Financial Analyst

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’re hiring a Associate Financial Analyst who will provide strategic analytical support to management across the organization and collaborates cross-functionally to support strategic planning, devise financial modelling and profitability analysis, perform budgeting/forecasting, develop KPI’s and metrics, and ensure business performance management. This role will support financial systems and data management processes.


Job Location: This role will be hybrid out of Westborough, Massachusetts.


Required Travel: Domestic travel on occasion (approximately 10%) to Covington, GA facility or Hopkinsville, KY facility.


Duties/Responsibilities:



  • Collaborate with business partners to develop annual budgets and quarterly forecasts to set performance expectations for corporate departments.

  • Analyze current and historical trends for key performance measurements, identify opportunities for financial improvement and provide recommendations to management.

  • Apply knowledge of business systems and processes and leverage best practices when working with business partners to solve business issues.

  • Prepare departmental reporting packages including standard reports and variance commentary.

  • Increase the use of automation across the organization to streamline and improve new and existing management reports.

  • Assist with the implementation of budgeting and forecasting software tools.

  • Provide financial modeling, financial analysis and ad-hoc projects as required.


Education and Other Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting (foreign equivalent is acceptable); including:

    • Bachelor’s degree level of knowledge in computational finance.

    • Bachelor’s degree level of knowledge in corporate finance.

    • Bachelor’s degree level of knowledge in financial management.

    • Bachelor’s degree level of knowledge in financial accounting.



  • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience. Employment or internship experience must include:

    • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience working with accounting principles, including accruals, prepaids, amortization, and financial modeling measures.

    • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience with 3-statement financial modeling.

    • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience working with an ERP system.

    • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience managing, analyzing, and summarizing large datasets in Microsoft Excel.

    • A minimum of 1 year of employment or internship experience assisting project teams with financial guidance.




Certification Requirements:



  • Certified in Financial Modeling and Valuation Analysis by the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI).



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.


Assistant Corporate Controller

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 Assistant Corporate Controller reports to the Corporate Controller and will be responsible for leading and driving the monthly closing process and assisting the Controller with managing overall accounting operations of Ascend Elements, Inc. The Assistant Controller will direct and manage the organization’s expense side of its accounting function, including establishing and maintaining accounting principles, practices, and procedures, preparing financial statements, and reporting to senior management.


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


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



  • The candidate is required to have experience with managing and improving monthly and other period end (monthly, quarterly and annual) accounting close cycles.

  • Managing payables and related payment support with the Director of Treasury.

  • Have the ability to develop and mentor junior staff.

  • Both create entries and/or post other key contributor’s entries within SAP 4/HANA Cloud.

  • Manage T&E reimbursement process to ensure all required receipts support the requested. reimbursement (Concur) and are timely reimbursed to the employees.

  • Prepare/review the appropriate account reconciliations on a monthly basis.

  • Provide support for external Audits and Quarterly review procedures.

  • Evaluate and ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures.

  • Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization as necessary.

  • Serve as a key member of the accounting and finance leadership team, maintaining in-depth relationships with each member, participating in key decisions with the team and providing leadership and expertise to local leadership in areas relating to accounting.

  • Help to establish and monitor internal controls to ensure that accounting activities are in accordance with established legal, regulatory, US GAAP and company policies and procedures.

  • Support new systems or project selections and implement them from strategic finance and internal control perspective.

  • Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.


Requirements/Qualifications/Education:



  • 10+ years relevant experience to include top 10 firm.

  • CPA required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred, advanced degrees such as an MBA, MSA are desired.

  • Current solid ERP systems background (SAP), including reporting tools such as SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) or similar, as well as Concur.

  • Proficient in Word and Excel.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Strong organizational and analytical skills.

  • Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.

  • Team player with exceptional interpersonal skills suited to a fast paced, value driven culture.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.



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.


Document Controller

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 (AE) is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are currently hiring a Document Controller to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. Under the direction of the Project Director/Lead and functionally reporting to the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Director, the Document Controller will establish, plan, control, and direct the full scope of document/records management program activities for the project.


This position can be based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky or Covington, Georgia.


Responsibilities included but not limited to:



  • Develops and maintains procedures and standards for maintaining documents and revision history of documents, including document development, approval, distribution, and amendment.

  • Evaluate, select and roll out an Electronic Document Management System through Ascend Elements’ (AE) Projects.

  • Maintain the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to register, control, distribute, transmit, file, and archive project records for a team in multiple locations across multiple countries.

  • Plan the scope of document/records management work, establish priorities, and train personnel to perform their assigned duties for project.

  • Communicate effectively with project team members, client, and field personnel to ensure quality, schedule and budget are met as defined.

  • Support quality assurance audits, internal technical reviews, and external audits.

  • Manage project access to the EDMS by creating accounts and inviting users, perform associated tasks with EDMS administration, and train others in these tasks.

  • Ensure supplier and AE’s documentation is processed within established schedule standards.

  • Prepare routine documents using standard word processing, spreadsheets, or other office software as needed to support work activities.

  • Ensure training and training records for project administrative personnel are current.

  • Compile information, analyze and prepare reports, and establish metrics for document/records management and administrative activities.


Qualifications and Other Skills:



  • Must have a minimum of 5 years project-based experience performing document/records management with a full understanding on the configuration of the EDMS, work processes, and coordination of project workflow with other entities.

  • Must have advanced proficiency using standard office automation tools, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word. (A proficiency test may be required).

  • Advanced analytical ability to build and maintain databases and presentations for project and functional management.

  • Have strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

  • Have ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across all levels of the organization.

  • Must be flexible and able to accept and quickly adapt to changes in work focus.


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.


Analytical Test 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.


We’re hiring an Analytical Test Technician to join our team in Westborough, MA! We are looking for a detail orientated hands-on individual who has experience in a lab setting.


2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm with training being held on 1st shift.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Perform analytical material characterization testing notably ICP-OES.

  • Solve technical problems related to routine testing.

  • Follow test plans and protocols.

  • Analyze tests results and report results/conclusions.

  • Performs troubleshooting on lab equipment as required.

  • Report test progress to management

  • Observe all company, state and federal safety and environmental regulations.

  • Assist with waste and chemical management.


Education and Other Qualifications:



  • Associate degree in chemistry or related field

  • 1-2 years of work experience in R&D or battery testing environment or chemical/materials lab related experience in University or Industry preferred.

  • Computer Proficiency (MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

  • Good lab practices such as safety, recording and documentation.

  • Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

  • The ability to lift 50 lbs. or more.


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.



HR Generalist

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’re hiring an HR Generalist who will play a vital role in all aspects of the employee lifecycle. In this role, you will act as a trusted resource for all Ascend Elements employees, help create an engaging culture and contribute to the overall success of the Human Resources team.


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


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



  • Coordinate and lead new hire orientation, ensuring new employees are set up for success and understand company policies, culture, and expectations.

  • Support various HR programs such as employee engagement, performance management, organizational design, and training initiatives.

  • Manage global mobility and immigration programs including tracking, reporting, employee support and vendor management.

  • Administer offboarding procedures ensuring legal compliance and a positive exit experience for employees.

  • Support engagement efforts that prioritize employee morale, productivity and retention.

  • Serve as a go-to resource for employee inquiries and support daily HR needs.

  • Support the HR team with data analysis, reports and ad-hoc projects as needed.

  • Analyze trends and metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and help develop solutions, programs, and policies.

  • Manage HRIS data entry to keep employee records accurate and up to date.

  • Assist in reviewing and updating HR standard operating procedures, guidelines, and policies.

  • Support office management duties for Westborough location.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


Education and Experience:



  • Bachelor’s degree and demonstration and desire for progressive roles in Human Resources.

  • Minimum of 2 years of progressive HR experience.

  • Immigration experience a plus.


Required Skills / Abilities:



  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Detail-oriented and proactive with a solution-focused mindset.

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

  • Ability to operate well in a high-paced environment, effectively multitasking and managing competing priorities.

  • Ability to exercise good judgment in decision-making.

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

  • Knowledge of HR systems, ADP a plus.


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.



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