Engineering

Ascend Elements engineers use their innovative expertise to revolutionize the Lithium-ion battery industry to create a more sustainable future. By advancing our technology from pilot scale to full production, our engineers thrive in elevating the value of recycled battery materials.

Mechanical 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 (AE) is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are currently hiring a talented Mechanical Engineer to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team! You will be responsible for leading front end engineering projects focused on the handling, discharge, disassembly, and recycling of spent EV batteries and battery manufacturing plant waste to deliver high quality battery anode and cathode materials for chemical conversion to new battery cathode.


This position can be based in one of our locations: Westborough, MA, Hopkinsville, KY or Covington, GA. Travel expectations will be 50% during commissioning.


Responsibilities included but not be limited to:




  • Provide technical leadership for the capital equipment process including technical specification creation, vendor selection and qualification, equipment design/build, FAT, SAT, installation supervision, commissioning, and optimization.




  • Lead mechanical interface with EPC firm and construction contractor to effectively design and execute plant mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls systems.




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




Education and Other Requirements:




  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.




  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing plant design, construction / installation, commissioning, start-up and optimization in the field of recycling, automotive, petrochemical, chemical processes or advanced materials manufacturing (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical).




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




  • Effective project management for >$1M capital equipment projects.




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




  • Knowledge and experience base in process design and equipment selection for performance materials or similar manufacturing and the associated facility support systems.




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




  • AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CHEMCAD, ASPEN competency a plus.




  • 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.


Associate Chemical Engineer

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’re currently hiring an Associate Chemical Process Engineer to sit on-site at our manufacturing facility located in Covington, GA. The Associate Chemical Process Engineer oversees manufacturing processes based on design requirements. The candidate will develop and maintain detailed work instructions for safe operation, provide suggestions to improve productivity, compile and analyze processing data, investigate manufacturing problems and implement corrective actions, support proposal and development activities and provide day to day support to manufacturing personnel. We are considering candidates at various experience levels, from new graduates to those with more experience. The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering, is highly disciplined, and works well in a rapidly changing environment.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Learn the process and participate in the commissioning to take over the line from the project team.

  • Providing engineering support, troubleshooting of multiple chemical manufacturing processes, and providing process owner-level support for assigned processes.

  • Work out the standard operation procedures and detailed work instructions. Provide operation training to production team.

  • Monitoring and analyzing data from processes and experiments to ensure the safe and efficient operation of assigned processes and equipment.

  • Identify root cause, evaluating equipment, processes, and process improvement activities of assigned processes.

  • Troubleshoots existing processes to improve safety, quality, cost, and efficiency.


Education and Other Skills:



  • BS in Chemical Engineering with 0-2 years of experience

  • Able to interpret drawings and specifications.

  • The ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly.

  • Proven ability to manage time and resources to meet schedule and cost goals.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Can train technical and non-technical staff.

  • Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work.

  • Experience in Microsoft project, CAD.

  • Be committed to and must support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.

  • Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.

  • Attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

  • Follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

  • 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 Covington, Georgia.


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.


Chemical Process Engineer

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 a Chemical Process Engineer to join our team! You will be responsible for leading front end engineering projects focused on the chemical conversion of spent EV batteries and battery manufacturing plant waste into high quality battery anode and cathode powders for use in new batteries.


This position will be based out of one of our current locations: Westborough, MA, Covington, GA or Hopkinsville, KY.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • This position will be the technical leader of a process or utility system from conceptual stage through performance testing. Responsibilities include: leading conceptual studies, creating the equipment technical specification, qualifying and selecting the manufacturing vendor, reviewing and approving the equipment design/build, attending Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), supporting installation, leading commissioning and site acceptance test (SAT), and supporting process optimization.

  • Lead chemical process design with EPC firm or Equipment Manufacturer to effectively design and execute plant mechanical, electrical, piping, and controls systems.

  • Develop process flow, equipment list, equipment layout, utility matrix, and P&IDs for manufacturing processes required for production of new battery raw materials.

  • Work with R&D team to develop effective and efficient scaling strategies to bring new products and processes to pilot and production scale.

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

  • Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position.


Education and Other Skills:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

  • Experience: 5+ years of process engineering experience with chemical or advanced materials technologies, including 3+ years of field experience.

  • Direct experience in battery materials synthesis (precursor cathode material), chemical precipitation reactions, filtration, or evaporation a plus.

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

  • Experienced user of the capital equipment acquisition process including technical specification generation, supplier identification and assessment, equipment build tracking, factory and site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and ramping to metrics.

  • Hands-on experience during commissioning (water run, chemical run, sequence testing) is a must.

  • Effective project management for >$1M capital equipment projects.

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

  • Knowledge and experience base in process design and equipment selection for performance chemicals and materials and the associated facility support systems.

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

  • AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SYSCAD, OLI, ASPEN competency a plus.

  • 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.


Controls Engineer-DeltaV

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 Controls Engineer’s-DeltaV 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.


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’re hiring an Electrical Engineer, to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. In such position, the Electrical Engineer shall lead front end engineering projects focused on the production of engineered cathode material from spent EV batteries. The Electrical Engineer will be responsible for both facility engineering and manufacturing equipment engineering. The AME team is responsible for scaling our technology from demonstration plant scale to full production scale at multiple brown and green field sites in the US and Europe. In addition to process development, vendor selection, plant design, commissioning and installation, this group leads the technology scaling efforts as next generation technologies are proven in our R&D group.


This position will be based out of our Westborough Massachusetts, Hopkinsville Kentucky, or remote from US location with travel to all company locations.


Responsibilities included but not limited to:



  • Provide technical leadership for the facility engineering, as well as manufacturing capital equipment

  • Prepare technical specifications, lead vendor selection and qualification, review and approve electrical drawings (e.g. single line diagram) provided by EPC or Equipment manufacturer, follow-up progress during manufacturing, perform FAT, SAT, installation support, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting during operation.

  • Lead Electrical interface with EPC firm and construction contractor to effectively design and execute plant / facility electrical engineering equipment.

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

  • Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position

  • Up to 10% travel on average, as high as 50% during plant commissioning phases


Education and Other Skills:



  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

  • 5+ years of experience in electrical design, build out, and optimization of industrial manufacturing plant.

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

  • Knowledge of transformers, UPS, switchgears, switchboards, is required.

  • 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 >$1M 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.

  • Written and verbal fluency in English.

  • 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.


Future Opportunities within Engineering

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.


Thank you for your interest in Ascend Elements. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. If you did not see a position that fits what you are looking for, submit your resume for consideration for future opportunities at one of our 4 locations.


You can make a difference — creating a truly sustainable battery industry

With North America’s largest battery recycling facility, strong relationships across the industry and our patented direct precursor synthesis technology, we are building a world-class team to meet industry demand for closed-loop battery materials solutions.

You can make a difference — creating a truly sustainable battery industry

With North America’s largest battery recycling facility, strong relationships across the industry and our patented direct precursor synthesis technology, we are building a world-class team to meet industry demand for closed-loop battery materials solutions.

Request a Quote

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