I&E Technician

Covington, GA

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.

Job Summary: The Instrumentation and Electrical Technician will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation, electrical systems, control systems, and computer data systems. This role requires a versatile technician with expertise in multiple disciplines to ensure the efficient operation of our facilities and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

- Install, maintain, and repair electrical, instrumentation, and control systems equipment.
- Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on electrical systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and instrumentation issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Monitor and adjust control systems to optimize performance.
- Diagnose and repair control system malfunctions.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to implement control system upgrades.
- Install, configure, and maintain computer hardware and software systems.
- Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
- Ensure data integrity and security through regular backups and updates.
- Provide technical support to end-users and resolve IT-related issues.

Desired Qualifications:

Education:

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or a related field.

Technical Diploma in Electronics or Electrical Systems.

Certifications:

Certified Instrumentation Technician (CIT): Demonstrates expertise in installing, troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing instrumentation systems.

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST): Focuses on control systems and their maintenance.

Electrical Technician Certification: Covers electrical principles and safety procedures.

PLC Programming Certification: Provides knowledge in programmable logic controllers, which are essential for control systems.

CompTIA A+ Certification: Validates skills in computer hardware and software, useful for maintaining computer data systems.

Additional Qualifications:

Apprenticeship Program: Practical experience through hands-on training.

Safety Training: Knowledge of safety standards and regulations.

Physical Requirements:

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 work at height, in man lifts, climb ladders, and stand and/or walk for extended periods.

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

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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 Process Automation and Control Engineer

Covington, GA

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 Senior Process Automation and Control Engineer of the Company reports to the Covington Engineering Lead or Site Manager with dotted line to the Central Engineering team. In such position, the Employee shall work on the Company’s core cathode materials remaking technology, including designing, implementing, and maintaining process instrumentation and control equipment at the Covington, GA site. This will involve developing robust processes with automation and control planning from conception and following through lab, pilot, and commercial scale-up to ensure quality in automation while achieving consistency and agility in scaling up of new process technologies.

Tasks & responsibilities:

Provide process automation technical leadership for capital projects, including technical specification and standard creation, vendor selection and qualification, instrumentation and control system design review and approval, FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning, startup, and process optimization.

Interface with EPC firms and construction contractors to effectively design and execute plant automation and data management systems.

Develop control strategies with Materials and Process Engineers. Includes assisting in selection of process equipment, specifying instrumentation and controls equipment, control panel design, programming, and commissioning.

Build and implement company control infrastructure and plant control systems to include databases, SCADA, PLC, HMI, OT Network, and vision/motion control.

Maintain and provide troubleshooting support for commercial production facilities.

Ensure robust inventory of controls equipment is maintained. Think out of box to reduce impacts of long lead time items in current supply chain and enable swift execution of commissioning and maintaining facilities.

Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to: Design review for future pilot and commercial facilities (P&ID), working with quality in selecting and integrating SPC into automation as needed, and other production data tracking and integration for process control improvements & increasing safety and automation at pilot & production facilities.

Meet all physical requirements of the positions: walking/standing for extended periods of time, working in both lab and office, travelling in some cases to other Ascend Elements facilities and conference.

Excellent in both written and oral languages. Summarize data and report project progress regularly.

Selecting and commissioning control equipment.

Liaise IT team and contractor on providing enterprise production data reporting and analysis to corporate management.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Preferably Chemical Engineering. Electrical, Automation or Mechanical Engineering degrees are also considered.

>5 years’ experience developing automation & control in hands-on chemical process manufacturing.

Proficient in programming Siemens, Allen-Bradly, or similar PLC’s and HMI’s.

Experience in reviewing P&ID’s and working through controls logic with Chemical Engineers.

Experience with Control panel design and low voltage electrical system

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

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

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

Experience with electrical troubleshooting and terminating low voltage controls wiring.

Knowledge of Databases, Networking, and SCADA’s.

Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position

Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Preferred Candidates have:

More than 8 years’ experience developing automation & control in process manufacturing.

Experience with MES, SPC for automation.

Leading and building teams of controls engineers & technicians.

Experience with Battery Materials manufacturing.

Passion for improving closed loop battery materials recycling technology.

Chemical Plant Operator

Covington, GA

Job Summary: The Lithium Ion Leaching Chemical Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the lithium ion leaching process, ensuring the safe and efficient production of lithium compounds. This role involves monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Operate and monitor reactors, pressure vessels, boilers, and distillation columns.

Adjust controls and equipment to regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and manage chemical reactions.

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

Test samples of raw materials or finished products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

Record data from operations, process conditions, and laboratory results for production logs and compliance reports.

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

Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following all safety protocols and procedures.

Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform preventive maintenance.

Additional Responsibilities:

Be committed to and 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.

Attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

Follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in chemical technology or related field preferred.

Minimum of 1 year experience in an industrial environment, preferably in chemical processing.

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.

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 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.

Job Type: Full-time

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Senior Plant Cost Accountant

Covington, GA

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.

Senior Plant Cost Accountant – Covington, GA – Ascend Elements is currently experiencing growth and therefore is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Plant Cost Accountant to join our team at our Covington manufacturing facility. The Senior Plant Cost Accountant will play a critical role in overseeing all financial activities at the plant level, providing valuable insights to drive business performance, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. The role reports to the Corporate Controller and collaborates with and supports the Covington Plant Leadership team. This position is on-site at our Covington, GA, office.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the Covington facility.

Perform the monthly closing activities for the Covington facility, including the preparation of monthly journal entries and collaboration with the corporate accounting and financial planning and analysis teams to provide accurate and timely financial data and support ad-hoc reporting requests.

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.

Develop and maintain standard costs and prepare variance analysis reports for inventory, manufacturing costs, and standard cost variances.

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. Ensures items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Responsible for estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.

Proactive analysis of plant performance metrics and variances (budget/forecast vs. actuals) and communication of issues and opportunities to operations management.

Develops additional metrics and tracking system for major cost drivers.

Communicate/educate internal and external stakeholders regarding the cost data.

Partner with Plant Manager to develop and implement strategies to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.

Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.

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

Work with manufacturing and logistics teams to conduct cycle counts and year-end physical inventory.

May perform other duties as required.

Ideal Profile:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA, CMA, or advance degree preferred.

Minimum of five years of experience in a similar role within the manufacturing industry, experience in a start-up company and/or in the chemical sector is highly desirable.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, experience with SAP (Cloud4/Hana) required.

Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and experience with manufacturing cost analysis.

Results oriented focused, excellence in execution approach.

Proven track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices in financial management and cost accounting.

Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

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

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

Ability to accurately determine deadlines.

Commutable distance within the Covington/Atlanta area (5 days / week in office)

Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Specialist

Covington, GA

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.

The Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Specialist will be responsible for providing full time EHS support to the operations teams in compliance with applicable policy and regulatory requirements at our Covington, Georgia facility. The individual in this position will support the Corporate EHS team in the coordination of training programs to establish and promote a safe, accident free, and healthy workplace, and maintain compliance with federal and Georgia environmental regulations.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Develop, maintain, and audit environmental, health, and safety programs and systems.

Support compliance with all federal, state, and local EH&S regulations.

Provide support regarding routine environmental compliance sampling requirements (e.g., stormwater, air, wastewater).

Promote a culture of continuous improvement and safe workplace habits.

Assist with coordination of Safety Committee Meetings, lead meetings, when needed.

Support air, water, wastewater, and hazardous waste permitting and compliance.

Assist in the development and updating safety standards, instructions, codes, and formalize them into company documented practices, as required.

Assist in the development of facility specific EHS procedures for safe work practices and equipment operation.

Audit the implementation of inspection policies and procedures, and a schedule of routine inspections.

Verify proper safety protocols are in place and being followed.

Create and facilitate safety and hazard training courses.

Assist in training managers and staff to identify unsafe behaviors and at-risk conditions.

Participate in Root Cause Analysis on incidents and near misses.

Coordinate with all local, state, and federal AHJs to ensure proper completion and filing of all required reports, inspections, and documentation, as required.

Facilitate emergency response drills and foster relationships with local emergency first responders.

Education and Other Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of EHS experience in a relevant science and engineering field

Experience with manufacturing/chemical processing knowledge preferred.

40-hour HAZWOPER training preferred

Experience implementing EHS systems

Experience with process safety, chemical safety, audits and inspections, and risk management

Ability to function in a fast-paced environment in a growing company

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Knowledge of EHS, OSHA, DOT, RCRA, GA EPD, and shipping laws and regulations

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Ability to speak and write English

Ability to wear an air purifying respirator and other company-required personal protective equipment

Able to lift 50 pounds

Head of Recycling

Covington, GA

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.

Driven by the legislation in US and North America and general drive for sustainability within the automotive sector AE is seeing a dramatic growth in new business & strategic collaboration opportunities. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Recycling. This position will lead all recycling operations across North America and Europe, including oversight of AE’s joint venture in Europe. The role will be responsible for full P&L management, feedstock sourcing, byproduct sales, strategic planning, import/export compliance and permitting and expansion initiatives, including M&A and investments.

Primary Responsibilities

Build and manage a high performing team that effectively operates within a matrix organization throughout AE and affiliated entities.

Oversee the implementation of recycling operations processes.

Generate and leverage a network of relationships with EOL battery collectors and production scrap decision makers.

Deliver profitable and stable stream of feedstock for US and EU operations.

Develop by-product off-take arrangements and contracts.

Develop and execute a strategy for recycling operations growth.

Oversee operations in NA and EU, including delivering and reporting P&L.

Develop and maintain permitting compliance for hazardous material (feedstock and Black Mass) shipments between NA, EU and Asia regions.

Develop and execute business and financial models.

Lead or support negotiations for key commercial agreements, including feedstock supply, byproduct offtake, partnerships, and service contracts.

Work with the strategy team to support expansion activities including Joint Ventures and M&A initiatives.

Lead annual budgeting and long-term revenue forecasting.

Qualifications & Experience:

Extensive experience in a business development leadership role within battery material or battery recycling sector.

Demonstrated success in feedstock sourcing and byproduct commercialization.

Experience with regulatory permitting, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

Proven experience with full P&L ownership and operational scaling.

Skilled in contract negotiation and developing commercial agreements.

Experience with financial modeling, business case development, and strategic planning.

Knowledge of M&A processes and investment evaluation preferred.

Hands-on, detailed oriented leader who promotes a lean culture oriented towards action and results delivery.

Experience developing and managing a team in an ever-changing environment.

Experience and track record of performance for a start-up / scale up organization would be an advantage.

Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an occasionally high-pressure environment.

Proactive, solution-orientation with exceptional judgment and creativity. Ability to think strategically, appropriately weighing commercial, financial and business objectives.

Experience collaborating across departments (operations, sales, R&D, and supply chain) to ensure operational goals align with recycling strategy.

Excellent oral and written communication, as well as interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Work Environment

Fast-paced, hands-on, start-up type environment.

Frequent travel throughout North America and occasional travel to Europe. (25-30%)

I&E Technician

Covington, GA

Our Hiring Process

Benefits and Culture

Who We Are

I&E Technician

Covington, GA

Senior Process Automation and Control Engineer

Covington, GA

Chemical Plant Operator

Covington, GA

Senior Plant Cost Accountant

Covington, GA

Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Specialist

Covington, GA

Head of Recycling

Covington, GA