Covington, GA Archives | Ascend Elements

Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician

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.

Position Summary

The Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician supports plant operations by maintaining and repairing mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment across the lithium-ion battery recycling and metals recovery facility. This includes battery discharging, shredding, separation, leaching, and precursor cathode active material (pCAM) production lines. The role focuses on rotating equipment, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, and related utility systems, with limited basic electrical work related to motor controls and low-voltage components.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical & Electro-Mechanical Maintenance:

– Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on:

• Shredders, conveyors, gear drives, pumps, agitators, and piping systems.

• Bearings, couplings, seals, valves, mixers, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.

• Bagging stations, powder-handling equipment, and dust collection systems.

– Troubleshoot and repair electro-mechanical systems such as motors, gearboxes, and basic motor starters.

– Perform alignments, rigging, fabrication, and installation of mechanical equipment.

– Inspect and service lubrication, cooling water, and compressed air systems.

– Support safe startup and shutdown of production equipment.

Safety & Compliance:

– Follow strict safety practices for working around high-energy batteries, corrosives, and combustible dust.

– Apply OSHA, NFPA 484, and company safety standards in all maintenance tasks.

– Use required PPE (respirators, gloves, FR clothing, eye and hearing protection) in designated areas.

– Participate in ISO 14001/45001 programs, hazard reporting, and 6S activities.

Reliability & Documentation:

– Use CMMS to track maintenance activities and document repairs.

– Conduct routine inspections and identify early signs of wear or failure.

– Support continuous improvement and reliability initiatives focused on uptime.

– Assist in equipment rebuilds during scheduled shutdowns.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

– High school diploma or equivalent required.

– Technical certification or journeyman-level training in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, or related trade preferred.

– Minimum 5 years of experience maintaining industrial mechanical or electro-mechanical systems in a chemical plant, refinery, or process facility.

Technical Skills:

– Strong background in mechanical maintenance: rotating equipment, pumps, gearboxes, mixers, seals, bearings, and couplings.

– Working knowledge of basic electrical systems including, but not limited to: motors, motor starters, relays, fuses, and troubleshooting of low-voltage components (not full electrical construction or I&E duties).

– Proficiency in use of precision measuring instruments, rigging tools, and shop equipment.

– Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic system troubleshooting.

Soft Skills:

– Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

– Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently under minimal supervision.

– Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

– Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, work at heights, climb ladders, kneel, and work in tight spaces.

– Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. per OSHA guidelines.

– Ability to wear respirators and other PPE for extended durations.

– Work in hot, cold, noisy, or dusty environments.

Why Join Us?

This is a hands-on role at the heart of a facility enabling the circular economy for batteries. You’ll maintain critical process equipment that powers safe and sustainable recovery of lithium and other valuable materials, supporting the clean energy transition.

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.

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!

Senior Plant Cost Accountant

Covington, GA

Ascend Element 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.

Ascend Elements is currently experiencing growth and therefore is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Plant Cost Accountant to join our team at our Covington manufacturing facility. The Senior Plant Cost Accountant will play a critical role in overseeing all financial activities at the plant level, providing valuable insights to drive business performance, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. The role reports to the Corporate Controller and collaborates with and supports the Covington Plant Leadership team. This position is on-site at our Covington, GA, office.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the Covington facility.

Perform the monthly closing activities for the Covington facility, including the preparation of monthly journal entries and collaboration with the corporate accounting and financial planning and analysis teams to provide accurate and timely financial data and support ad-hoc reporting requests.

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.

Develop and maintain standard costs and prepare variance analysis reports for inventory, manufacturing costs, and standard cost variances.

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. Ensures items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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

Proactive analysis of plant performance metrics and variances (budget/forecast vs. actuals) and communication of issues and opportunities to operations management.

Develops additional metrics and tracking system for major cost drivers.

Communicate/educate internal and external stakeholders regarding the cost data.

Partner with Plant Manager to develop and implement strategies to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.

Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.

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

Work with manufacturing and logistics teams to conduct cycle counts and year-end physical inventory.

May perform other duties as required.

Ideal Profile:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA, CMA, or advance degree preferred.

Minimum of five years of experience in a similar role within the manufacturing industry, experience in a start-up company and/or in the chemical sector is highly desirable.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, experience with SAP (Cloud4/Hana) required.

Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and experience with manufacturing cost analysis.

Results oriented focused, excellence in execution approach.

Proven track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices in financial management and cost accounting.

Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Ability to prioritize and work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision.

Ability to accurately determine deadlines.

Commutable distance within the Covington/Atlanta area (5 days / week in office)

I&E Technician

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.

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.