Plant Operations Archives | Ascend Elements

Maintenance Planner

Hopkinsville, KY

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 Maintenance Planner is responsible for providing job task planning for mechanical equipment maintenance repair, preventive work orders, and improvement projects to production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems as necessary to provide for safe operations, regulatory compliance, and equipment availability.

Duties / Responsibilities:

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

Perform planning activities for Maintenance Technicians such as field walking the point of work to determine the overall scope to safely execute work orders. This includes assessments of scaffolding needs, insulation removal/replacement, rigging and hoisting, temporary lighting, temporary power, temporary shelter, specialty tools, maintenance procedures, and required parts.

Example work orders would include pump mechanical seal replacement, pull/shop/replacement of relief devices, installing structural steel, replacing piping spools, weld repair scopes, opening flanges and manways of tanks for confined space entry, driving lubrication rounds, driving vibration monitoring rounds of rotating equipment, insulation removal, steam tracing repairs, reactor agitator blade installation, etc.

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

Use mobile devices/tablets to access the SAP-PM from the field and capture field pictures.

Order parts to achieve a planned work order.

Help optimize the preventive maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, and corporate maintenance philosophy.

Provide maintenance procedure and training development assistance for new equipment.

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

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

Network with other Ascend Elements® sites to address new needed maintenance procedures, emerging best practices, and standardization of work processes.

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

Periodically cover for the Maintenance Supervisor.

Support and actively contribute to the EHS management system to achieve and maintain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, and system standards.

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

Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Provide daily leadership, guidance, and direction to the maintenance staff to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education / Experience:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an industrial maintenance electrical and/or controls crew, a Maintenance Planner in a chemical plant/refinery/large process plant, or a two-year industrial related degree

Required Skills / Abilities:

Thorough understanding of basic mechanical systems, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices

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.

Able to read and comprehend equipment blueprint files, ISO Metric drawings, and Process & Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs)

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong desktop computer skills

Strong multi-tasking competency

Team player attitude

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

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.

Utilities Supervisor

Covington, GA

We are an innovative leader in lithium-ion battery recycling, focused on building a sustainable future through advanced recovery and extraction technologies. Our Covington, GA facility is at the center of this mission, processing discharged batteries into reusable raw materials that power the next generation of clean energy.

We are seeking a Utilities Supervisor to oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all plant utility systems that support our discharging, shredding, metals separation, and lithium extraction processes. This role ensures our facility has safe, reliable, and efficient utility services 24/7. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong experience in power plants, industrial utilities, or chemical operations, and who thrives in a fast-paced, safety-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee daily operations of compressed air, nitrogen generation, HVAC, steam & gas boilers, cooling water, RO/DI water, electrical distribution, and natural gas supply systems.

Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate corrective actions.

Support Operations during outages, startups, and shutdowns.

Execute preventive and corrective maintenance plans for utility systems.

Track and report on uptime, energy usage, and cost performance.

Ensure completion of work orders and maintain accurate system logs.

Lead and develop a team of utility operators/technicians.

Foster a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Coordinate contractors and vendors for specialized utility system maintenance.

Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, environmental permits, and company EHS policies.

Lead or support safety audits, inspections, and incident response.

Maintain required documentation for regulatory reporting and permits.

Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in power plant, industrial utilities, or chemical operations (hydrogen, energy, oil & gas, or recycling experience a plus).

Hands-on knowledge of boilers, compressed air, cooling towers, RO/DI water, and electrical distribution systems.

Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred (senior operator with leadership potential considered).

Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to lead under pressure.

Knowledge of safety standards, environmental compliance, and permit requirements.

High school diploma required; technical certification or degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Technology preferred.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through this posting or directly via our careers page. Be part of powering a more sustainable future — apply today!

Mechanical Process Technician

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 Mechanical Process Technician is responsible for providing, predictive, preventive, and emergency maintenance services to production, utility operations and infrastructure systems as necessary to provide for safe operations, regulatory compliance and equipment availability related to mechanical systems plant wide. The role will initially focus on the development of the design, installation, troubleshooting, and operation of Ascend Elements pilot facility. This role is expected to be hands-on, with a significant amount of time spent engaging in pilot scale testing and troubleshooting. Successful candidates will be results-driven, ambitious, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Maintenance of production units, utility, and infrastructure systems

Troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild of compressor systems, chemical process equipment and conveyors. (i.e. reactors, mixing tanks, filters, filter presses, heat exchangers, etc.)

Perform predictive, preventive, routine and emergency maintenance on production unit, utility, and infrastructure systems equipment.

Provide maintenance and troubleshooting support to production units, utility, and infrastructure systems equipment.

Maintain, calibrate, align, troubleshoot, and repair chemical plant mechanical systems.

Perform routine trouble shooting activities.

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

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

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

Provide start-up support for production operations.

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

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

Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education and Other Requirements:

High School Diploma

3-5+ years’ experience preferred, maintaining mechanical systems and applications, preferably in a chemical plant, refinery, or large process plant.

Experience in a 5s environment with a focus on organization, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Thorough technical knowledge in the field of industrial mechanical maintenance, including relevant regulations, standards, and codes.

Strong mechanical aptitude.

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

Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments and power tools.

Repair experience with gear drives, pumps, piping, rigging, fabrication, control valves, couplings, bearings, mixers, and repair of complex mechanical equipment and systems.

Team player attitude.

Able to read and comprehend mechanical and control drawings and schematics.

Able to troubleshoot complex mechanical and piping systems.

Strong multi-tasking competency.

Background in compressor maintenance.

Preferred Skills:

Licensed Journeyman Pipefitter with expertise in piping systems and installation.

Hands-on experience with low-voltage wiring, PLC/Ladder Logic programming, and troubleshooting.

Background with VFDs, SCADA systems, Automation Direct, and Ignition platforms.

The base hourly rate for this position is $37.00-$43.00 per hour. 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.