All Positions Archives | Ascend Elements

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.

Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Coordinator

Westborough, MA

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.

Electro-Mechanical Maintenance 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.

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!

Plant Engineering & Reliability Manager

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.

The Plant Engineering & Reliability Manager leads all technical functions for Ascend Elements’ Covington facility, including Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Mechanical Integrity, Utilities, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E), Automation/Controls, Industrial Engineering, and IT/OT technical support. This role ensures safe, reliable, and compliant operation of production systems and utilities infrastructure while driving small engineering improvements, reliability enhancements, and disciplined technical governance.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Engineering Leadership

Lead all process and facilities engineering activities supporting reliable daily operations.

Manage small continuous improvement projects, including scoping, vendor coordination, installation support, and commissioning assistance.

Ensure engineering governance including MOC, design reviews, documentation control, and technical standards.

2. Maintenance Management

Provide strategic oversight to the Maintenance Manager.

Oversight of utilities systems including boilers, HVAC, compressed air, cooling water, nitrogen, RO/DI, and electrical distribution.

Ensure preventive/predictive maintenance execution, CMMS integrity, backlog governance, and scheduling.

Oversee maintenance KPIs, spare parts strategy, and work order quality.

3. Reliability Engineering

Own the reliability program including RCM/FMEA, RCA, and predictive technologies.

Track reliability KPIs such as MTBF, MTTR, OEE and availability.

4. Mechanical Integrity (MI)

Oversee MI compliance for regulated equipment.

Maintain MI documentation and inspection intervals.

5. Instrumentation, Electrical & Automation, & IT/OT Support

Lead I&E and Automation teams.

Maintain PLC/HMI systems, SCADA reliability, and electrical compliance.

Manage OT networking, MES/SCADA endpoints, device provisioning, and cyber hygiene.

6. Industrial Engineering

Support throughput modeling, bottleneck analysis, labor optimization, and process improvement.

7. Leadership & People Development

Lead and develop Maintenance, Utilities, Engineering, I&E, Automation, Industrial Engineering.

Decision-Making Responsibility:

Prioritize technical work, approve engineering approaches, and escalate high-risk changes appropriately.

Competencies / Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Engineering/maintenance leadership, MI knowledge, utilities, reliability, CMMS, automation, and communication skills.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; 8+ years technical experience; 3+ years leadership.

Working Conditions / Travel:

Site-based in Covington, GA; occasional travel; some off-hours support during failures/outages.

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)

OT Manager (Operational Technology)

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.

Ascend Elements is seeking an OT Manager to deliver and support plant-level automation and control systems across manufacturing sites. This role partners closely with Engineering, Plant Operations, and IT to maintain reliable OT systems (e.g., SCADA, PLC, DCS, MES) and to implement improvements that increase uptime, safety, and visibility. This is a hands-on role that balances project execution with operational support, working with third-party vendors and system integrators as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

OT Systems Delivery & Support

Implement, configure, and support plant-level OT systems, including SCADA, PLC, DCS, and MES platforms.

Execute OT projects from requirements gathering through commissioning, documentation, and steady-state support.

Support standardization of OT configurations, naming conventions, and basic architecture patterns across sites (in alignment with engineering direction).

Coordinate day-to-day deliverables with system integrators and hardware vendors (scope, schedule, site readiness, punch lists).

OT/IT Connectivity & Security (Execution-Focused)

Support Purdue Levels 1–3 asset connectivity and basic site-level data aggregation in partnership with IT and Engineering.

Follow OT cybersecurity best practices (segmentation, access controls, patch/firmware processes) and help implement IT recommendations for OT environments.

Maintain OT asset inventory details and backups (hardware/software/firmware versions, configurations, restore points).

Incident Support & Operational Continuity

Serve as a key OT escalation point during incidents; coordinate triage, root cause analysis, and recovery with IT and plant teams.

Maintain troubleshooting documentation and recovery procedures; participate in periodic recovery testing where applicable.

Support monitoring and alerting implementation for critical OT systems (working with IT/operations tools and processes).

Data Integration & Visibility

Support reliable real-time data collection from OT systems for dashboards, analytics, and operational decision-making.

Partner with IT/Engineering teams to support data flow to enterprise systems (e.g., ERP/BI), while helping protect data integrity and access controls.

Plant Enablement

Provide guidance to plant engineers and technicians on OT tools, standard workflows, and routine system use.

Create and maintain practical documentation (SOPs, quick reference guides) and support training delivery as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).

5+ years experience in OT/industrial automation within manufacturing or industrial environments (project leadership experience a plus).

Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: SCADA, PLC, DCS, MES (design, implementation, commissioning, or support).

Working knowledge of industrial networking concepts and OT cybersecurity fundamentals (segmentation, access controls; familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443 or NIST is a plus).

Experience coordinating with vendors/system integrators to deliver OT solutions.

Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to work effectively with Engineering, IT, and Operations.

Ability to travel to plant sites as needed.

Process Engineer

Westborough, MA

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 Process Engineer! You will be responsible for supporting research and development and pilot operations teams for the processing, development, verification, and transfer of precursor cathode active materials, lithium carbonate, and associated hydrometallurgical processes from recycled feedstocks. The position is located at the headquarters in Westborough, MA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead, support, and maintain unit operations associated with the manufacture of precursor cathode active materials and lithium carbonate from recycled feedstocks.

Work closely with materials engineers, process engineers, and operations staff.

Summarize progress and discuss any challenges with the team, proposing solutions for possible issues.

Support the scaling up of precursor cathode active materials and lithium carbonate processing from R&D and pilot levels to mass production levels.

Develop, prepare, and provide detailed production and process guidelines, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flow details, safety, and quality standards.

Improve, customize, and troubleshoot products, equipment, and process issues during production.

Hands-on facilities and equipment maintenance

Maintain appropriate records and reports to support GMP.

Education and Other Requirements:

BS in Chemical, Metallurgical, Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree is preferred.

3+ years of industry process engineering experience.

Demonstrated expertise in complex materials design and development.

Expertise in process development, control, and transfer at the mass production level.

Sound understanding of chemical processes and their scale-up.

Practical experience in production areas, including process, equipment, operation, quality assurance and control, SPC, experiment design (DOE), etc.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of chemical processes and mechanical operations in a hydrometallurgical context preferred.

Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

High sense of responsibility, excellent coordination ability, communication ability, and strong pressure resistance.

Commitment to environmental health and safety best practices.

Detailed record-keeping and statistical analysis skills.

Proficient in MS Office tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and JMP.

Strong communication skills in both writing and speaking.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

The base salary range for this position is $83,000 – 110,000 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

Process Engineer – Hydrometallurgy

Westborough, MA

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

The base salary range for this position is $83,000 – 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.