Process Engineer – Hydrometallurgy

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


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


Key Responsibilities:



  • Conduct comprehensive hydrometallurgical test work, including:

    • Leaching (acidic, alkaline, and selective)

    • Impurity removal and precipitation

    • Solvent extraction and ion exchange

    • Crystallization and solid–liquid separation

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



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

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

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

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

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


Education and Other Qualifications:



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

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

  • Technical Competencies:

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

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

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

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

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





  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

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

  • Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.

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


Preferred:



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

  • Understanding of sustainability and environmental considerations in hydrometallurgical processing.

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


The base salary range for this position is $90,000 – 115,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Ascend Elements also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.


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


Apply Now

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

Process Engineer – Hydrometallurgy

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


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


Key Responsibilities:



  • Conduct comprehensive hydrometallurgical test work, including:

    • Leaching (acidic, alkaline, and selective)

    • Impurity removal and precipitation

    • Solvent extraction and ion exchange

    • Crystallization and solid–liquid separation

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



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

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

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

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

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


Education and Other Qualifications:



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

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

  • Technical Competencies:

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

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

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

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

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





  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

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

  • Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.

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


Preferred:



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

  • Understanding of sustainability and environmental considerations in hydrometallurgical processing.

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


The base salary range for this position is $90,000 – 115,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Ascend Elements also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.


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


Learn more

Maintenance Planner

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 Maintenance Planner is responsible for providing job task planning for mechanical equipment maintenance repair, preventive work orders, and improvement projects to production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems as necessary to provide for safe operations, regulatory compliance, and equipment availability.


Duties / Responsibilities:



  • Incorporate safe behavior into all activities and consistently comply with all established safety and health policies and procedures.

  • Perform planning activities for Maintenance Technicians such as field walking the point of work to determine the overall scope to safely execute work orders. This includes assessments of scaffolding needs, insulation removal/replacement, rigging and hoisting, temporary lighting, temporary power, temporary shelter, specialty tools, maintenance procedures, and required parts.

  • Example work orders would include pump mechanical seal replacement, pull/shop/replacement of relief devices, installing structural steel, replacing piping spools, weld repair scopes, opening flanges and manways of tanks for confined space entry, driving lubrication rounds, driving vibration monitoring rounds of rotating equipment, insulation removal, steam tracing repairs, reactor agitator blade installation, etc.

  • Use Computerized Maintenance Management System (SAP-PM) effectively to document and accomplish required maintenance in an efficient and organized manner.

  • Use mobile devices/tablets to access the SAP-PM from the field and capture field pictures.

  • Order parts to achieve a planned work order.

  • Help optimize the preventive maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, and corporate maintenance philosophy.

  • Provide maintenance procedure and training development assistance for new equipment.

  • Perform On-the-Job Training with new members of the team.

  • Cooperate with groups and individuals within the Engineering & Facilities department, Operations, contractors, and other service units.

  • Network with other Ascend Elements® sites to address new needed maintenance procedures, emerging best practices, and standardization of work processes.

  • Perform all tasks and assignments in accordance with company policies and procedures.

  • Periodically cover for the Maintenance Supervisor.

  • Support and actively contribute to the EHS management system to achieve and maintain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, and system standards.

  • 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.

  • Provide daily leadership, guidance, and direction to the maintenance staff to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

  • Other tasks and duties as assigned.


Education / Experience:



  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an industrial maintenance electrical and/or controls crew, a Maintenance Planner in a chemical plant/refinery/large process plant, or a two-year industrial related degree


Required Skills / Abilities:



  • Thorough understanding of basic mechanical systems, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices

  • 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.

  • Able to read and comprehend equipment blueprint files, ISO Metric drawings, and Process & Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs)

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong desktop computer skills

  • Strong multi-tasking competency

  • Team player attitude



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.



Learn more

Senior Project Controls Manager

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


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


Primary Location: Nashville, Tennessee.


Key Responsibilities:



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Education and Qualifications:



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

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

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

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

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

  • Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

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

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.



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


Learn more

Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Coordinator

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) Coordinator will be responsible for providing full time EHS support to the operations teams in compliance with applicable policy and regulatory requirements at our Westborough, Massachusetts facility. The individual in this position will support the current 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 Massachusetts environmental regulations.


Responsibilities include but not limited to:



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

  • Develop, maintain and monitor 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.

  • 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 Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s degree and 5+ 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, 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


The base salary range for this position is $65,000 – $85,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Ascend Elements also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.



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


Learn more

Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician

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


Position Summary

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


Key Responsibilities

Mechanical & Electro-Mechanical Maintenance:


– Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on:


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


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


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


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


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


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


– Support safe startup and shutdown of production equipment.


Safety & Compliance:


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


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


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


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


Reliability & Documentation:


– Use CMMS to track maintenance activities and document repairs.


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


– Support continuous improvement and reliability initiatives focused on uptime.


– Assist in equipment rebuilds during scheduled shutdowns.


Qualifications

Education & Experience:


– High school diploma or equivalent required.


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


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


Technical Skills:


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


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


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


– Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic system troubleshooting.


Soft Skills:


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


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


– Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.


Physical Requirements

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


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


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


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


Why Join Us?

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


APPLY TODAY!


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


Learn more

Utilities Supervisor

We are an innovative leader in lithium-ion battery recycling, focused on building a sustainable future through advanced recovery and extraction technologies. Our Covington, GA facility is at the center of this mission, processing discharged batteries into reusable raw materials that power the next generation of clean energy.


We are seeking a Utilities Supervisor to oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all plant utility systems that support our discharging, shredding, metals separation, and lithium extraction processes. This role ensures our facility has safe, reliable, and efficient utility services 24/7. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong experience in power plants, industrial utilities, or chemical operations, and who thrives in a fast-paced, safety-driven environment.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Oversee daily operations of compressed air, nitrogen generation, HVAC, steam & gas boilers, cooling water, RO/DI water, electrical distribution, and natural gas supply systems.

  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate corrective actions.

  • Support Operations during outages, startups, and shutdowns.

  • Execute preventive and corrective maintenance plans for utility systems.

  • Track and report on uptime, energy usage, and cost performance.

  • Ensure completion of work orders and maintain accurate system logs.

  • Lead and develop a team of utility operators/technicians.

  • Foster a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

  • Coordinate contractors and vendors for specialized utility system maintenance.

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, environmental permits, and company EHS policies.

  • Lead or support safety audits, inspections, and incident response.

  • Maintain required documentation for regulatory reporting and permits.


Qualifications:



  • 5+ years of experience in power plant, industrial utilities, or chemical operations (hydrogen, energy, oil & gas, or recycling experience a plus).

  • Hands-on knowledge of boilers, compressed air, cooling towers, RO/DI water, and electrical distribution systems.

  • Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred (senior operator with leadership potential considered).

  • Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to lead under pressure.

  • Knowledge of safety standards, environmental compliance, and permit requirements.

  • High school diploma required; technical certification or degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Technology preferred.


How to Apply


Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through this posting or directly via our careers page. Be part of powering a more sustainable future — 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.


Learn more

Request a Quote

Please use this form to request a quote from Ascend Elements. Thanks for your interest.