Covington, GA Archives | Ascend Elements

Instrumentation and Electrical 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.

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.

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.

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

APPLY TODAY!

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.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to seek resources as needed.

Collaborative interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

Results-oriented focus and approach.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and Access).

SAP (Cloud 4/Hana) and Power BI Experience preferred.

Ability to drive process improvement and accurately determine deadlines.

Very strong organizational and business process skills with attention to detail.

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

Must understand process flows and have an above average understanding of process capabilities within their facilities.

CPA or CMA is preferred

APPLY TODAY!

Sourcing Manager

Covington, GA

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.

We are hiring a Sourcing Manager. This person will be responsible for the development and execution of Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and Strategic Sourcing strategies, policies, tactics and objectives for assigned complex global projects that align and are linked with the business units, operations, commercial, supply chain and manufacturing strategies.

This position will be based in our Covington, Georgia facility.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Responsible for procurement of Capital Equipment, MRO and Services within assigned group of capital equipment categories and global facilities.

Leads sourcing process through requirements clarification, preparing and publishing RFI/RFP, evaluating quotations, selecting suppliers and negotiating T&C’s and placing PO’s.

Responsible for sourcing and procurement activities globally.

Collaborates with Engineering to establish requirements and execute the full sourcing process to meet the defined technical scope of the project.

Supports the supplier selection process by engaging the proposed suppliers to fulfill the requirements, as well as evaluating the supply base for options, as needed.

Performs some market testing and supplier development, as needed.

Supports the issue management process, including late delivery issues, supplier performance, price changes initiated by the supplier post-negotiation, scope/product changes, etc.

Responsible for tracking and reporting savings.

Assists in training buyers at global locations in regard to global procurement policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

Bachelor of Science in Business or a related degree

Minimum of ten years of relevant experience including with industrial manufacturing projects.

Knowledge of supply chain and materials management principles – specific to engineering and construction projects is required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Excel and accounting software experience is important.

Strong negotiation, communication, organizational and team-building skills.

APPLY TODAY!

Vice President of Projects

Covington, GA

The Vice President of Projects is a member of the Company’s senior management team and is responsible for key value creation activities in the company. The candidate will have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future success of the company by providing outstanding managerial and technical leadership in project delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role that will directly impact our ability to scale operations and requires a leader with extensive experience in materials / chemical engineering, project management, production management and cross-functional collaboration. This position will report directly to the President.

Location: Covington, GA or Hopkinsville, KY

Key Responsibilities

Lead expert project management and coordination to ensure we have the expertise, resources, and capacity to achieve project target

Work cross-functionally with Health & Safety, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain and Plant Operations to ensure alignment on project objectives and resource allocation, provide visibility to overall project plans and delivery, and drive execution

Establish project management standard operating practice (SOP) and project management standard for all Ascend Elements products

Utilize the best practice methods to provide expert project delivery and technical delivery across various initiatives

Provide leadership and direction to the in-house Project Management function as well as to any outsourced project partners

Oversee all projects, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budgets, and alignment with quality standards

Responsible for shaping and executing the functional strategy to achieve key business objectives of the Company

Deliver safe, high-quality projects which deliver material return for the company

Ensure conformance with standard operating practices, business controls as well as compliance with regulatory standards

Oversee project assurance from project award to commissioning and start-up

Leadership

Lead a high-performing team of project managers, engineers and controls professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, cost efficiency, continuous improvement and delivery

Lead through multiple levels of managers of diverse activities

Evaluate key business challenges, direct the development of new or innovative solutions

Mentor and coach future leaders

Problem Solving

Drive the resolution of complex project or unusual business problems

Balance the challenges of financial, quality and schedule to optimize the long-term return for the company

Develop and manage project budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality and performance

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.

20+ years of experience in project management, with a focus on battery materials, energy or related industries. Experience with EPC a plus.

Big company and small company experience, a plus. Proven track record of leading large-scale projects, particularly in the construction of manufacturing facilities or mega plants.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

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

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Excellent analytical skills, ability to display and exercise sound judgment

Applies in-depth knowledge of project management, manufacturing, safety, quality standards, inspection and testing to ensure strong manufacturing and operational performance

Demonstrated record of diligence and attention to detail working with very high standards both personally and technically

What We Offer

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Participation in the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP).

Opportunity to lead business-critical projects of a high growth company in a new high growth industry

A collaborative and innovative work environment dedicated to sustainability

Battery Discharge 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 Discharge 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.

Covington, GA

$50M INVESTMENT

30,000 METRIC TONS / YEAR INPUT CAPACITY

3,000 METRIC TONS / YEAR LITHIUM CARBONATE OUTPUT

180 HIGH-QUALITY JOBS

Instrumentation and Electrical Technician

Covington, GA

Chemical Plant Operator

Covington, GA

Plant Controller

Covington, GA

Sourcing Manager

Covington, GA

Vice President of Projects

Covington, GA

Battery Discharge Engineer

Covington, GA

Why Join Our Team?

Browse Jobs