Covington, GA Archives | Ascend Elements

Instrument and Controls 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.

The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Maintenance Technician will be responsible for providing repair, calibration, 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 instrument, controls, and low/mid voltage equipment systems plant wide.

Job Responsibilities

Incorporate safe behavior into all activities and consistently comply with all established safety and health policies and procedures including Lock, Tag, Try and Test Before Touch.

Perform maintenance of production units, utility, and infrastructure systems.

Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate instrument and control systems. Example assets include instrumentation and controls for compressor systems, shredders, bagging stations, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, piping flow control, tank level control, and the Distributed Control System (DCS).

Troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance tasks upon 480V 3-Phase switch gear.

Perform routine and emergency maintenance on production unit, utility, and infrastructure equipment. Example activities include calibrating level/temperature/flow/pressure transmitters, installing control valves, performing control loop checks, performing interlock test procedures, wiring motor junction boxes, terminating electrically driven equipment at switch gear, pulling/installing 480V buckets, wiring actuators/sensors, performing switchgear IR scans, performing GFCI checks, replacing lighting and indicators, megging motor leads, etc.

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

Optimize plant preventive maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory requirements, 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 electrical equipment.

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

Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities

Proficiency in the safe use of precision measuring instruments, power tools, and hand tools

Applied knowledge of industrial common instrument, controls, and electrical maintaining skills pertaining to instrument calibration, control loops, 12VDC to 480V Three Phase power distribution, hand rigging/hoisting, control valves, interlocks, gaskets, motors, and photosensors.

Thorough understanding of basic electrical theory, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices

Able to read and comprehend single line drawings and process schematics

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong multi-tasking competency

Team player attitude

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.

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

Education/Training

High School Diploma, Journeymen (or higher-level education) in the field of Mechanical engineering and/or industrial maintenance

Minimum of 3 years’ experience preferred, maintaining instrument/control/electrical systems preferably in a chemical plant, refinery, or large process plant

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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.

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.

Training: 1st shift 7:00p-3:30p

Position Overview

The Mechanical Maintenance 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.

Job Responsibilities

Maintenance of production units, utility, and infrastructure systems

Troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild of compressor systems, shredders, bagging stations, and conveyors.

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

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

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

Perform routine trouble shooting activities

Use Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) effectively to accomplish required maintenance in and 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 complies with all established safety and health policies and procedures

Provide start-up support to production operations

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

Perform all tasks and assignments in accordance to company policies and procedures

Other tasks and 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.

Follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Job Requirements

High School Diploma, Journeymen (or higher level education) in the field of Mechanical engineering and/or industrial maintenance

Minimum of 5 years experience preferred, maintaining mechanical systems and applications, preferably in a chemical plant, refinery or large process plant

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, steam systems, 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

Extensive background in compressor maintenance

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.

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

Ascend cannot sponsor visas in this role now nor in the future. This includes taking over sponsorship from prior employers or educational institutions.

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Battery Engineer

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.

We’re seeking a skilled Battery Engineer with expertise in the disassembly, assessment, and recycling of used or end-of-life battery systems. The primary responsibility of this role will be to lead efforts in safely and efficiently disassembling battery packs, evaluating individual battery components, and ensuring proper recycling and disposal in accordance with environmental standards. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of battery technologies and their components, with a focus on maximizing the recovery of valuable materials while minimizing environmental impact.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Lead the disassembly process for end-of-life or used battery packs, ensuring all safety protocols are followed to handle hazardous materials and electrical components.

Inspect and assess individual components of disassembled batteries, including cells, modules, wiring, and protective casings, identifying those that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.

Work closely with recycling teams to ensure valuable materials (such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals) are effectively recovered from battery packs and that waste is minimized.

Ensure the disassembly process complies with safety standards and environmental regulations, including handling hazardous substances, battery disposal guidelines, and recycling protocols.

Investigate and analyze battery failures, degradation, or damage to identify the root causes and contribute to improving battery lifecycle management practices.

Continuously improve the disassembly process by identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and minimize environmental impact through automation or better techniques.

Conduct testing on disassembled cells and components to determine their health and remaining capacity, evaluating potential for reuse in secondary applications or energy storage solutions.

Work closely with recycling and processing facilities to optimize the extraction of valuable materials and develop best practices for battery recycling.

Maintain detailed records of disassembly operations, including component condition, material recovery rates, and safety incidents, and prepare reports for regulatory compliance and internal assessments.

Participate in R&D activities to improve battery disassembly technologies, including developing new tools, methods, and automated processes to enhance efficiency and safety.

Education / Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

3+ years experience in battery disassembly, recycling, or lifecycle management, ideally in the automotive, energy storage, or electronics industries.

Knowledge of battery technologies, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and other common battery chemistries.

Strong understanding of safety regulations related to battery handling, disassembly, and disposal.

Familiarity with battery management systems (BMS) and the electrical components of battery packs.

Experience with diagnostic tools for testing battery health, such as capacity testers, voltage meters, and thermal analysis equipment.

Proficiency in the use of CAD software for designing or modifying disassembly tools and systems.

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues in battery systems and recommend efficient disassembly and recycling solutions.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of automated disassembly systems or robotics used in battery recycling.

Experience with environmental testing and compliance in the battery recycling industry.

Understanding of current trends and innovations in battery recycling technologies.

Ability to work in cross-functional teams with R&D, manufacturing, and environmental compliance departments.

Maintenance Manager

Covington, GA

We’re hiring a Maintenance Manager in Covington, Georgia who will be accountable for the management of all maintenance planning and execution activities as well as personnel in support of production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems.

Duties / Responsibilities:

Maintenance Operations (Budget, daily management, communication, reduce machine downtime and improve machine reliability).

Lean Implementation (Continuous improvement, 5S, GEMBA walks).

Develop and implement proactive preventative maintenance processes to maintain a favorable trend of equipment uptime.

In conjunction with the Plant Manager develop and implement the necessary systems, policies, procedures, and work instructions to ensure statutory, mandatory, and contractual obligations are achieved.

Develop effective corrective action plans/programs to minimize major equipment failures resulting in high maintenance costs and downtime.

Recommend, develop, and maintain energy conservation programs.

Implement Maintenance Management System to analyze and report on machine downtime.

Maintains the Maintenance Department’s internal training program & evaluates Maintenance Technician’s skill level.

Conducts weekly meetings pertaining to ongoing machine down-time planning & improvement activities.

Reduce equipment downtime and increase overall equipment effectiveness within the site.

Responsible for monthly machine downtime and CAPA reporting.

Support team functions by continuing improvements, cross training with others, problem solving, and supporting operational KPIs while meeting operational needs.

Develop maintenance procedures and processes.

Performs breakdown maintenance as well as predictive and preventative maintenance, including lubrication and equipment inspection.

Performing electrical and mechanical troubleshooting of equipment to include PLC’s, HMI, relay logic, servo motors, VFD’s and diverse types of switches and sensors.

Provide written feedback on work performed via work orders, inspection checklists and repair requisitions.

Maintain a high housekeeping standard using 5S.

Education / Experience:

BS Degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering preferred.

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in industrial maintenance +5 years’ management experience.

Chemical processing experience is preferred.

Skills / Abilities

Critical thinking with ability to troubleshoot and detect malfunctioning.

Experience required: CNC/Machining, electronic/electrical, PLC programming, continual safety awareness, test equipment, schematics, mechanical systems, blueprint reading, metric system, measuring techniques, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Must have excellent multi-tasking and verbal/written communication skills.

Must be computer literate with strong keyboarding skills.

Knowledge of and adherence to all OSHA and EPD compliance requirements

Able to lift to 50 lbs. unassisted.

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Warehouse Manager

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 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 currently hiring a Warehouse Manager who will manage all material movement and handling for our current site in Covington, GA. In this role you will be responsible for handling, scheduling, and warehousing of inbound and outbound materials; coordinating internal material movements supporting operations; oversite for all active warehousing sites; and maintaining inventory accuracy utilizing SAP as system of record. Additionally, this position will be responsible for maintaining budgets, streamlining warehousing and logistics processes, and maximizing warehousing practices.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

SAP S/4 HANA, or similar, experience is required.

Manage inventory as well as warehouse, transportation, and other logistics processes.

Develop new strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs.

Ensure that quality, quantity, customer satisfaction, and financial commitments are met.

Perform metrics reporting and data analysis tasks to identify issues and opportunities for process improvements.

Partner and communicate with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers.

Manage and develop logistics, warehousing, and material planning staff.

Create and manage operating budgets.

Strategically plan and manage inventory, warehouse (offsite warehousing as well), transportation, and customer service.

Keep track of inventory of raw materials, WIP, finished goods. Meet cost, productivity, accuracy, and timeliness targets.

Monitor OTIF, quality, stock levels, delivery times, transport costs, and process efficiency.

Resolve any arising problems or complaints vise, coach and train the inventory team.

Maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements to operations.

Monitor and support purchasing and production planning.

Education / Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, logistics, business administration, transportation, or engineering.

Proficiency in SAP S4/HANA, or similar software.

10 – 15 years of experience working in logistics, warehouse, or transportation operations.

Firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles.

Strong team player.

Ability to manage, coach, and provide training for direct reports.

Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.

Working knowledge of logistics and inventory software.

Physical Requirements:

Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, respirator, 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.