Engineering

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

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

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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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


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


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


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


• Work with Quality team on quality control data management.


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


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


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

Skills and Requirements:

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

APPLY TODAY!

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

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

We’re hiring multiple Controls Engineers to join our team in Hopkinsville, KY! In this role you will be responsible for automation and process control engineering support to production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems as necessary to provide for safe operations, regulatory compliance, and equipment availability.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

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


• 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.


• Lead efficiency improvement automation projects. Modify and debug process control systems to achieve continuous process optimization and downtime reduction.


• Work with Quality team on quality control data management.


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


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


• Network with other Ascend Elements sites to ensure alignment in design solutions, emerging best practices, and standardization of design.


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


• Optimize plant preventive maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, and corporate maintenance philosophy.


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


• Provide start-up support to production operations.


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


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


• Act as liaison between suppliers/manufacturers and manufacturing partners for problems with automation and controls equipment.

Education and Other Requirements:

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


• 3+ years of experience in controls design, programming, and troubleshooting of industrial manufacturing plant.


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


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


• Experience with Emerson Delta V programming.


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


• Lean and 6 Sigma tools is a plus.


• Effective project management for >$300k capital equipment projects.


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


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


• 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.

This position is located in Hopkinsville, KY!

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.