Lead Instrumentation and 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 Planner / Scheduler! 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.

Job Overview

The Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and monitoring project schedules to support the successful execution of Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) battery recycling projects. This role involves applying industry best practices in planning and scheduling to ensure effective resource allocation, progress tracking, and critical path management.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a solid command of Primavera P6, and the ability to assess project trends while proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies. The Planner/Scheduler will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, providing essential scheduling insights that drive efficiency and timely project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain logically linked Level 3 and Level 4 EPCC schedules, ensuring alignment with project objectives.


• Prepare predecessor and successor relationships in accordance with best scheduling practices and precedence flow diagrams.


• Integrate EPCC activities into a fully resource-loaded and logically sequenced project schedule.


• Develop and monitor the project baseline schedule, tracking variances and providing recovery plans when necessary.


• Utilize earned value management (EVM) techniques to measure project progress and forecast potential deviations.

Resource & Progress Management

• Generate workforce histograms, progress curves, and quantity tracking reports to ensure proper resource allocation.


• Resource load and level schedules to efficiency and prevent bottlenecks.


• Support work package planning efforts, identifying required resources, materials, tools, and equipment for timely execution.


• Track and report schedule compliance, analyzing key performance factors and deviations from baseline.

Schedule Risk & Critical Path Analysis

• Conduct critical path method (CPM) analysis, identifying potential delays and recommending mitigation measures.


• Evaluate schedule risks and constraints that could impact project delivery, developing contingency plans as needed.


• Lead schedule review meetings and facilitate detailed multi-discipline scope reviews to ensure alignment across teams.


• Monitor and analyze project schedule variations based on historical data and current trends, providing proactive recommendations for improvement.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting

• Act as the primary schedule liaison between engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning teams.


• Work closely with project managers and functional leads to ensure schedule alignment with project execution plans.


• Provide regular schedule reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for management and key stakeholders.


• Mentor junior planners, providing guidance on best scheduling practices and software utilization.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in project management, Engineering, Construction, Business Management, or a related field.


• 5-7 years of experience in project planning and scheduling for large-scale projects (EPC, EPCM, etc).


• Expertise in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project, with experience integrating schedules across multiple disciplines.


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (curves, histograms, dynamic tables, formulas, and reporting).


• Strong understanding of earned value management (EVM), resource leveling, and forecasting techniques.


• Ability to analyze and interpret scheduling data to drive informed decision-making.


• Experience in conducting schedule risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.


• Knowledge of construction and fabrication processes, including work packaging and installation sequencing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Primavera P6, PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional), or AACE PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional).


• Experience in battery recycling, renewable energy, or industrial construction projects.


• Knowledge of cost control and its integration with scheduling functions.


• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to schedule optimization and risk mitigation.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to assess scheduling issues, anticipate challenges, and develop practical solutions.


• Attention to Detail – Ensure accuracy and completeness in schedule development and tracking.


• Analytical & Data Interpretation Skills – Ability to assess project performance through schedule analytics.


• Strong Communication & Collaboration – Engage effectively with cross-functional teams and present complex scheduling data in a clear and actionable manner.


• Organizational & Time Management – Handle multiple priorities while maintaining schedule integrity.

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.

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 Cost 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.