Covington, GA Archives | Ascend Elements

Head of Recycling

Covington, GA

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.

Driven by the legislation in US and North America and general drive for sustainability within the automotive sector AE is seeing a dramatic growth in new business & strategic collaboration opportunities. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Head of Recycling. This position will lead all recycling operations across North America and Europe, including oversight of AE’s joint venture in Europe. The role will be responsible for full P&L management, feedstock sourcing, byproduct sales, strategic planning, import/export compliance and permitting and expansion initiatives, including M&A and investments.

This position reports to the SVP Commercial.

Primary Responsibilities

Build and manage a high performing team that effectively operates within a matrix organization throughout AE and affiliated entities.

Oversee the implementation of recycling operations processes.

Generate and leverage a network of relationships with EOL battery collectors and production scrap decision makers.

Deliver profitable and stable stream of feedstock for US and EU operations.

Develop by-product off-take arrangements and contracts.

Develop and execute a strategy for recycling operations growth.

Oversee operations in NA and EU, including delivering and reporting P&L.

Develop and maintain permitting compliance for hazardous material (feedstock and Black Mass) shipments between NA, EU and Asia regions.

Develop and execute business and financial models.

Lead or support negotiations for key commercial agreements, including feedstock supply, byproduct offtake, partnerships, and service contracts.

Work with the strategy team to support expansion activities including Joint Ventures and M&A initiatives.

Lead annual budgeting and long-term revenue forecasting.

Qualifications & Experience:

Extensive experience in a business development leadership role within battery material or battery recycling sector.

Demonstrated success in feedstock sourcing and byproduct commercialization.

Experience with regulatory permitting, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

Proven experience with full P&L ownership and operational scaling.

Skilled in contract negotiation and developing commercial agreements.

Experience with financial modeling, business case development, and strategic planning.

Knowledge of M&A processes and investment evaluation preferred.

Hands-on, detailed oriented leader who promotes a lean culture oriented towards action and results delivery.

Experience developing and managing a team in an ever-changing environment.

Experience and track record of performance for a start-up / scale up organization would be an advantage.

Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an occasionally high-pressure environment.

Proactive, solution-orientation with exceptional judgment and creativity. Ability to think strategically, appropriately weighing commercial, financial and business objectives.

Experience collaborating across departments (operations, sales, R&D, and supply chain) to ensure operational goals align with recycling strategy.

Excellent oral and written communication, as well as interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Work Environment

Fast-paced, hands-on, start-up type environment.

Frequent travel throughout North America and occasional travel to Europe. (25-30%)

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.

Shift Supervisor

Covington, GA

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 greenhouse gas emissions. The results are lower cost, better performing batteries, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. This closed-loop process also allows for fewer end-of-life batteries being discarded in landfills. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

Shift Supervisor is to help with the scale up of technology during its pilot plant development and optimization.

Shift: Dupont Schedule – Rotating Days and Nights

Job Core Responsibilities:

Oversee assigned production line(s) to ensure all work is performed in compliance with Company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all local, state, and federal regulations regarding safety, health, and the environment.

Conduct shift turnover meetings with shift workers regarding safety, production, quality, or any other operational issues. Actively participates in pre-shift meetings to assist in the development of individual work plans.

Perform manufacturing tasks related to the recycling of batteries and the production of NMC cathode powder. Includes mechanical disassembly of battery packs and modules, operating and controlling mechanical shredder, metals separation machines..

Supervise and operate chemical production machines, including the monitoring and control of various chemical recipes.

Assist in creating schedules for work forces and material; assist in compiling feedback to write and continuously update operator SOPs to drive safety and efficiency.

Perform cleaning and routine preventative maintenance on heavy production machines

Ensure all staff Learns and follows safety regulations and wear the prescribed personal protective equipment

Operate material handling equipment, such as forklift, drum dollies, hoists, and experienced using basic hand and power tools,

Complete and accurately record data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operations, raw material lot numbers, process and reaction conditions, and process yields in accordance with good documentation practices.

Supervise sample-collection and coordinate lab analysis of products to ensure high quality outputs.

Supervise use of digital systems to track production orders; prepare reports to track raw materials and finished goods production.

Maintain a clean and productive area by ensuring that equipment and work area is cleaned after use and the equipment is maintained per the preventative maintenance schedule.

Assist with maintaining adequate supplies to ensure team has necessary supplies available to complete project work.

Weigh, measure, and check raw materials/productions to ensure batches manufactured contain proper ingredients and quantities and that accurate inventory is maintained.

Follows and abides by all EH&S policies, practices, and procedures in association with department specific responsibilities.

Active member of the first responding team of facility

Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities:

Be committed to and 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.

Maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Coach and mentor junior personnel to develop a positive climate.

Provide feedback to drive improvement and growth in the organization.

Education:

High school diploma and minimum of 3+ years of applicable production experience or post High School education and 1+ years production experience

Skills:

Attention to detail, capable of understanding and following verbal and written instructions

Hands on aptitude with mechanical process equipment

Ability to perform basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to drive tasks to completion

Physical Requirements:

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, and work at heights.

Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

APPLY TODAY!

Instrumentation and Electrical Technician

Covington, GA

Job Summary: The Instrumentation and Electrical Technician will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation, electrical systems, control systems, and computer data systems. This role requires a versatile technician with expertise in multiple disciplines to ensure the efficient operation of our facilities and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

- Install, maintain, and repair electrical, instrumentation, and control systems equipment.
- Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on electrical systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and instrumentation issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Monitor and adjust control systems to optimize performance.
- Diagnose and repair control system malfunctions.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to implement control system upgrades.
- Install, configure, and maintain computer hardware and software systems.
- Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
- Ensure data integrity and security through regular backups and updates.
- Provide technical support to end-users and resolve IT-related issues.

Desired Qualifications:

Education:

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or a related field.

Technical Diploma in Electronics or Electrical Systems.

Certifications:

Certified Instrumentation Technician (CIT): Demonstrates expertise in installing, troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing instrumentation systems.

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST): Focuses on control systems and their maintenance.

Electrical Technician Certification: Covers electrical principles and safety procedures.

PLC Programming Certification: Provides knowledge in programmable logic controllers, which are essential for control systems.

CompTIA A+ Certification: Validates skills in computer hardware and software, useful for maintaining computer data systems.

Additional Qualifications:

Apprenticeship Program: Practical experience through hands-on training.

Safety Training: Knowledge of safety standards and regulations.

Physical Requirements:

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 work at height, in man lifts, climb ladders, and stand and/or walk for extended periods.

Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

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Chemical Plant Operator

Covington, GA

Job Summary: The Lithium Ion Leaching Chemical Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the lithium ion leaching process, ensuring the safe and efficient production of lithium compounds. This role involves monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Operate and monitor reactors, pressure vessels, boilers, and distillation columns.

Adjust controls and equipment to regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and manage chemical reactions.

Conduct routine inspections of equipment and systems to detect malfunctions and perform necessary maintenance.

Test samples of raw materials or finished products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

Record data from operations, process conditions, and laboratory results for production logs and compliance reports.

Collaborate with team members such as chemists, engineers, and quality control specialists to optimize production efficiency and safety.

Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following all safety protocols and procedures.

Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform preventive maintenance.

Additional Responsibilities:

Be committed to and 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.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in chemical technology or related field preferred.

Minimum of 1 year experience in an industrial environment, preferably in chemical processing.

Strong technical skills, including the ability to operate machinery, read technical diagrams, and use computer systems for monitoring processes.

Certification from relevant industry bodies (e.g., Certified Control Systems Technician) is a plus.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work in environments with exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, and loud noise.

Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing stair and ladders, lifting, bending, walking, and standing for extended periods.

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 operate mobile equipment safely.

Working Conditions:

Work environments include inside and outside manufacturing and production facilities.

Exposure to uneven ground, long-distance transit over rough terrain, and moving heavy machinery.

Job Type: Full-time

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Plant Controller

Covington, GA

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 greenhouse gas emissions. The results are lower cost, better performing batteries, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. This closed-loop process also allows for fewer end-of-life batteries being discarded in landfills. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

We’re hiring a Plant Controller who will be responsible for providing financial support to the Manufacturing facility to enhance profitability through detailed understanding and review of plant costs. The Plant Controller will leverage finance tools and processes to drive clarity of results to influence operations leadership. Individual will create or sustain a strong controls environment with focus on accurately representing plant costs, assets and liabilities and leverage this strong understanding of the accounting model and create opportunities for cost improvements and higher returns on plant assets.

This position is based in Covington, Georgia.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Responsible for the accuracy of the standard costs starting with the bill of materials and item costs, labor routings, labor rates, as well as overhead assignments.

Establish and maintain policies and procedures for month-end close to ensure that all required journal entries are prepared and posted to the general ledger for the plant.

Reports variances to set standards in a manner that supervisors and managers can understand and takes corrective action. Accountable for the performance of the plant, explaining all production variances on a weekly / monthly basis as well as participating in proactive measures to reduce variances from standard cost.

Analyzes and models changes in product design, raw materials, overhead, manufacturing methods, etc., for effects on production costs.

Analyze and report manufacturing efficiency variances and determine corrective action requirements. Ensure items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Assists with estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.

May serve as technical resource to others in the resolution of complex problems, and orient, train, assign, mentor, and review the work of others. Acts as subject matter expert in understanding and interpreting accounting principles.

Review capital expenditure requests and prepare ROI analysis, as needed.

Reviews control procedures over accounting and financial activities. Provides guidance to ensure that internal accounting controls are in place to protect company assets. Ensures an adequate system of internal control is maintained, and that general ledger accounts are correctly stated, maintains SOX compliance.

Provides independent oversight of inventory management to ensure accurate physical levels and alignment with the accounting systems and reported amounts.

Supports the plant, division, and corporate leadership and collaborates with other departments on the execution of company strategies and attainment of company/plant goals.

Support tax compliance, including preparing and submitting transfer pricing schedules and other analysis, as required.

Scope of Responsibility:

Independent; works under only minimal instructions and expected to determine how to accomplish the work assignments.

Carries out with appreciable latitude for actions and decisions all aspects of difficult projects that are broad in nature and require originality and/or ingenuity.

This job has limited supervisory responsibilities but does act in a lead role.

Education and Skill Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Masters Preferred.

5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment at the facility level; 10+ years total accounting experience.

Good working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Good understanding of process standard cost accounting.

Must have a proven record of success as a strategically oriented financial manager with knowledge of cost accounting, production planning and operations analysis.