Electrical Engineer
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.
We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to support the design, implementation, and optimization of electrical systems for advanced battery material manufacturing facilities. This role is critical to ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operations across our production sites. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in industrial electrical systems, project management skills, and a passion for sustainable technology. You’ll work on cutting-edge projects that help build a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries.
Essential Job Functions:
- Lead front-end engineering projects for facility and capital equipment related to cathode material production.
- Develop and manage technical specifications, vendor selection, and equipment qualification.
- Review and approve electrical drawings (e.g., single-line diagrams) from EPCs or equipment suppliers.
- Oversee manufacturing progress, including factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), installation support, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Manage electrical interfaces with EPC firms and construction contractors.
- Collaborate with plant technical staff to meet production metrics using APQP methodologies.
- Occasionally handle additional duties consistent with the role.
Competencies / Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Designs and optimizes plant power distribution and equipment electrical systems for high-uptime operations.
- Plans and leads FAT/SAT, installation, start-up, and ramp-to-steady-state; mitigates commissioning risks.
- Develops specifications, leads RFQ/vendor selection, reviews deliverables (e.g., single-line diagrams), and ensures scope/quality/schedule alignment.
- Applies FMEA, control plans, SPC, and validation methods to ensure robust processes and equipment capability.
- Integrates electrical safety (arc flash, LOTO) and process safety (HAZOP/SIL) into designs and operating procedures.
- Uses test data, SPC, and KPIs to prioritize actions and justify changes in design or operations.
- Identifies bottlenecks, eliminates waste, and improves reliability and energy efficiency.
- Partners with Process, Mechanical, Controls/Automation, Operations, Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 5+ years in electrical design, implementation, and optimization in industrial/manufacturing settings.
- Electrical system design experience for manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency with transformers, UPS systems, switchgear, and switchboards.
- Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Experience with APQP (FMEA, SPC), process validation, Lean, and Six Sigma.
- Capable of managing large capital equipment projects (>$1M).
- Skilled in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project) and AutoCAD.
- Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Preferred qualifications:
- Battery/Chemical Process Exposure: Experience in cathode/anode materials, powder handling, solvent systems, dryers, kilns, or calcination.
- Advanced Power Studies: Experience with harmonic analysis, arc-flash mitigation solutions (e.g., zone-selective interlocking).
- Digitalization: Energy monitoring/IIoT dashboards, CMMS integration, historian data analysis for electrical KPIs.
- Certification: EIT/PE (Electrical), PMP, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
- European Standards: IEC/ATEX familiarity for EU deployments
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.
