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’re hiring Senior Chemical Process Engineers to join our team in Hopkinsville, KY! In this role you will provide technical expertise and day-to-day engineering support to the manufacturing facility. This will include interaction with the operations, warehouse, and maintenance employees, design, and modification of existing and new facilities, gathering and analyzing data, troubleshoot problems, identify root cause(s), present conceptual solutions, detailed engineering, equipment sizing, feasibility studies, recommend and implement process improvements. This individual will be part of the commissioning of new equipment and managing production trials. They will be focused on benchmarking and improving performance against plant metrics and implementing robust systems to sustain improvements. They must lead the effort to achieve superior Health, Safety and Environmental performance, especially in the areas of process safety (PSM, RMP, PHMP etc), procedure writing and training of plant employees.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs feasibility studies for technology transfers and new product introduction. Includes assessment of current Equipment capabilities, HSE issues, and capital requirements.


• Analyzes quality for multiple product lines utilizing statistical control charts. Works toward establishing in-control processes. Identifies areas of variation (raw materials, process, or quality analysis), implements measures to reduce variation, and tracks effectiveness of reduction measures.


• Analyzes process data and quality critical parameters for control of manufacturing processes. Troubleshoots problem areas and identifies measures for improvement.


• Use heat and material balances, fluid flow/hydraulic principles to troubleshoot process problems and design new equipment.


• Analyzes batch cycle times. Identifies and implements process optimization improvements to establish consistent cycle times and reduce overall cycle times.


• Reports cycle time, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and other key metrics for key equipment and key product lines.


• Investigates off-grade or abnormal batches. Identifies root cause, reports findings, and implements corrective actions.


• Manages small capital projects associated with unit. Responsible for determining justification, scope definition, safety reviews, ‘ punch-list ‘ items, coordination of implementation with production schedule, startup, chemical commissioning and performance report on agreed deliverables.


• Prepares flow diagrams, P&ID’ s, and equipment and control specifications.


• Utilize management of change for applicable situations.


• Trains production operators, warehouse staff, and laboratory technicians on unit operations, chemistries, and batch recipe or DCS changes/enhancements in regard to product line.


• Responsible for day-to-day troubleshooting associated with product line.


• Utilizes and works within the ISO 9001 standard framework/system.


• Influence people’s opinions, attitudes, and judgments and demonstrate the ability to compromise opinion to develop the best solution for the issue.


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

Education and Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering preferred, others considered.


• 7-10 years of process engineering experience with experience in process engineering at the plant level. Experience in CAPEX projects, plant design, build out, and optimization of chemical or advanced materials technologies desired.


• 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 in liquid/solid separations such as precipitation, filtering, drying. Supplier identification and assessment, equipment build tracking, factory and site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and ramping to metrics.


• Experience leading, mentoring or supervising junior engineers is preferred.


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


• Knowledge and experience in continuous liquid process and batch reactions in a series of reaction vessels.


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


• Written and verbal fluency in English.


• 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.


• 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.

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.

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 either in Hopkinsville, KY or Westborough, MA. 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.

  
  


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  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.

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 Technology Manager of Facilities and Engineering who will be accountable for the maintenance and reliability of all Hopkinsville, KY site assets. This position leads a team of maintenance planners, managers, engineers, and field technicians.  Scope includes Mechanical Integrity, Maintenance, Utilities, Process Safety, and CAPEX. 

Responsibilities included but not limited to:

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


• Develop, evaluate, implement, and maintain reliability systems and standards in support of production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems.


• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the maintenance and reliability function.


• Participate in employee career growth, recruiting, and hiring.


• Plans, reviews, and approves the preparation of budgetary items and capital planning for maintenance department (long and short term).


• Participates in management discussions and planning sessions to help formulate cost reduction, product improvement, problem solving activities, and presents operational performance.


• Establish metrics to monitor and improve maintenance and facilities improvements.


• Maintain a high level of communication with a cross-functional team and partners.


• Develop processes for documenting process changes, driving process / fixture improvements, driving lead and cycle time improvements, cost of quality (COQ), and Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) actions.


• Assure that all engineering designs, procedures, and technical data are complete and accurately documented to provide an accurate technical/historical base for future reference and to meet customer / end user requirements.


• Presents projects plans, technical roadmaps, risks, and recommendations to senior business leaders within technical space.


• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education and Other Requirements:

• BA/BS degree in an Engineering discipline.


• 15+ years’ experience in chemical manufacturing such as specialty chemicals, polymers, fibers, oil and gas.


• 7+ years’ supervisory experience.


• A high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with a focus on Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.


• Familiarity with maintenance and reliability best practices and engineering principles including pressure vessel, rotating equipment, and control systems engineering.


• Ability to lead teams and provide overall program coordination and direction to multiple functional areas.


• Capability to lead and empower teams.


• Strong problem solving, planning, and project management skills.


• Ability to understand and develop scope of work.


• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to communicate clearly across all levels of leadership.


• Self-starter, highly motivated individual with the ability to work on their own without managerial or supervisory assistance.


• 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.

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’re hiring a Mechanical Integrity Engineer to join our team in Hopkinsville, KY! In this role you will be responsible for providing repair, preventive, improvement, and emergency maintenance services to fixed equipment. This scope includes structural assets as well as pressure vessels, piping, boilers, heat exchangers, relief valves, etc. This position is responsible for the ongoing stewardship of the Ascend Elements® Mechanical Integrity program and welding Quality Control/Quality Assurance program.

Responsibilities included but not limited to:

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


• Perform engineering activities such as writing welding repair plans, assisting/reviewing welding Quality Assurance Inspection Test Procedures, designing/coordinating small improvement design projects, investigating reliability incidents, establishing appropriate Bill-of-Materials and stores order quantities, updating/reviewing equipment and process drawings, establishing/monitoring the pipe/vessel thickness inspection program, designing engineered temporary leak repair, performing Damage Mechanism Analysis for projects, and sustaining pressure vessel equipment records within SAP-PM.


• Provide mechanical maintenance technician support for troubleshooting.


• Review and approve design packages from external engineering firms and contractors.


• Provide site maintenance support, as needed, and per an emergency duty roster.


• Provide support for capital projects, Process Hazards Analysis, and long-term preventative/predictive maintenance for mechanical equipment.


• 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/predictive maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, RAGAGEP, 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 mechanical equipment.


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


• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education and Other Requirements:

• BS of Mechanical Engineering or similar field of study.


• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a chemical plant, refinery, or large process plant (7 years preferred).


• Applied knowledge of fixed equipment industrial standards such as API 510/570/579, B31.3/B31.1, B16.5, ASME PCC-2.


• Knowledge of Reliability Principles such as Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, Mean Time Between Failure Analysis, and Uptime Management.


• Thorough understanding of mechanical theory, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices.


• Able to read and comprehend equipment blueprint files, ISO Metric drawings, and process schematics.


• Willing to Flow-to-work and learn and improve upon base skillsets.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Strong multi-tasking competency.


• Team player attitude.


• 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.

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’re hiring Chemical Process Engineers to join our team in Hopkinsville, KY! In this role you will provide technical expertise and day-to-day engineering support to the manufacturing facility. This will include interaction with the operations, warehouse, and maintenance employees, design, and modification of existing and new facilities, gathering and analyzing data, troubleshoot problems, identify root cause(s), present conceptual solutions, detailed engineering, equipment sizing, feasibility studies, recommend and implement process improvements. This individual will be part of the commissioning of new equipment and managing production trials. They will be focused on benchmarking and improving performance against plant metrics and implementing robust systems to sustain improvements. They must lead the effort to achieve superior Health, Safety and Environmental performance, especially in the areas of process safety (PSM, RMP, PHMP etc), procedure writing and training of plant employees.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs feasibility studies for technology transfers and new product introduction. Includes assessment of current Equipment capabilities, HSE issues, and capital requirements.


• Analyzes quality for multiple product lines utilizing statistical control charts. Works toward establishing in-control processes. Identifies areas of variation (raw materials, process, or quality analysis), implements measures to reduce variation, and tracks effectiveness of reduction measures.


• Analyzes process data and quality critical parameters for control of manufacturing processes. Troubleshoots problem areas and identifies measures for improvement.


• Use heat and material balances, fluid flow/hydraulic principles to troubleshoot process problems and design new equipment.


• Analyzes batch cycle times. Identifies and implements process optimization improvements to establish consistent cycle times and reduce overall cycle times.


• Reports cycle time, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and other key metrics for key equipment and key product lines.


• Investigates off-grade or abnormal batches. Identifies root cause, reports findings, and implements corrective actions.


• Manages small capital projects associated with unit. Responsible for determining justification, scope definition, safety reviews, ‘ punch-list ‘ items, coordination of implementation with production schedule, startup, chemical commissioning and performance report on agreed deliverables.


• Prepares flow diagrams, P&ID’ s, and equipment and control specifications.


• Utilize management of change for applicable situations.


• Trains production operators, warehouse staff, and laboratory technicians on unit operations, chemistries, and batch recipe or DCS changes/enhancements in regard to product line.


• Responsible for day-to-day troubleshooting associated with product line.


• Utilizes and works within the ISO 9001 standard framework/system.


• Influence people’s opinions, attitudes, and judgments and demonstrate the ability to compromise opinion to develop the best solution for the issue.


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

Education and Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering preferred, others considered.


• 3-5 years of process engineering experience with experience in process engineering at the plant level. Experience in CAPEX projects, plant design, build out, and optimization of chemical or advanced materials technologies desired.


• 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 in liquid/solid separations such as precipitation, filtering, drying. Supplier identification and assessment, equipment build tracking, factory and site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and ramping to metrics.


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


• Knowledge and experience in continuous liquid process and batch reactions in a series of reaction vessels.


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


• Written and verbal fluency in English


• 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.

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 a Process Safety Management (PSM) Engineer to join our team in Hopkinsville, Kentucky! In this role you will be responsible for oversight and development of the Process Safety Management Competency and Work Management Processes as per OSHA 1910.119, Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.

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.


• Develop and maintain local and corporate Process Safety Management (PSM) policies, procedures, and forms.


• Develop regulatory data and work processes for the sub elements of PSM:
  
  
  
  • Operating Procedures and Safe Practices
  
  
  • Management of Change – Facilities, Technology, Personnel, Subtle
  
  
  • Auditing
  
  
  • Process Technology
  
  
  • Process Hazards Analysis
  
  
  • Quality Assurance
  
  
  • Prestart Up Safety Reviews
  
  
  • Mechanical Integrity
  
  
  • Training and Performance
  
  
  • Contractor Safety and Performance
  
  
  • Incident Investigation and Reporting
  
  
  • Emergency Planning and Response
  
  
  
  


• Develop and maintain the VelocityEHS PSM Related Modules (this is a cloud app for managing PSM elements).


• Lead Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) events and maintain the recurring schedule.


• Review and coach PSM requirements for all proposed changes as part of the Management of Change Workflow.


• Develop and maintain PSM Computer Based Training Modules.


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


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


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


• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education and Other Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering or applicable engineering field.


• Minimum of 2 years’ experience preferred, managing a Process Safety Management department or sound experience as a practitioner within PSM work processes such as MOC, PSSRs, PHAs, etc.


• Minimum of 3 years’ engineering experience in a related industry such as refining, chemical manufacturing, or polymers manufacturing.


• Knowledgeable of Fixed Equipment and Mechanical Integrity best practices.


• Able to read and comprehend single line drawings and process schematics.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• High proficiency in MS Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.


• Strong general computer/mobile device skills.


• Strong multi-tasking competency.


• Team player attitude.


• 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.