Plant Operations

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 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.

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 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.

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.