Hopkinsville Archives | Ascend Elements

Instrument and Controls Technician

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

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 Overview

The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Technician Night Shift 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.

THIS IS A 12 HOUR SHIFT POSITION. Hiring for day and night shift positions.

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.

The employee is committed to and must 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.

Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.

The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety

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 (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

**Located in or near Hopkinsville, KY

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

Competitive Pay!!

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.

SAP Business Analyst Manufacturing-MES

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

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 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 are currently hiring an SAP Business Analyst focused on Manufacturing and Manufacturing Execution!

In this role you will be responsible for working directly with business owners to develop an understanding of current and future business needs, requirements for managing their business areas and recommending and implementing business solutions that deliver the required business capabilities. This includes eliciting, analyzing, and evaluating current business practices, workflows and developing strategies to identify technology solutions needed to streamline and optimize business performance that positively impacts business ROI. The Business Analyst will act as the critical bridge between business leaders and users – and implement the systems that provide the capabilities that will support lean and efficient operations and provide leadership with the visibility to effectively manage and make proper business decisions. Ascend Elements is a mixed mode recycler/manufacturer, with both discrete and process manufacturing modes of operation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Implements capabilities across the Plan to Produce business process, including establishment & management of plants, material master data, material planning (MRP) and capacity planning parameters, bills of material, routings and recipes, work centers, production and process orders, storage locations, shop floor collaboration links and directives, numbering patterns, time element types, cross material matches, resources and additional MES data, MES parameters and shop floor operator screen design.

· Collaborates with Information Technology and Operational Technology groups in selecting, implementing, and supporting manufacturing execution related hardware such as scanners, barcode label printers, document printers, workstations, touch screens required to support the overall manufacturing execution design.

· Collaborates with Operational Technology groups on systems integration between Enterprise systems (S/4HANA Cloud), direct machine integration, distributed control systems integration, quality systems integration throughout the system lifecycle. (requirements, design, test, training, deployment, and support)

· Provides reporting and analytics that enables visibility and KPIs for core manufacturing processes, schedule attainment, and OEE, to support data-driven decision making.

· Supports and participates in multiple projects to translate business needs to design, configure, document, and test software application solutions across multiple functional groups, focused primarily on SAP applications.

· Provides support for implemented solutions including post go live support, training, and full regression testing of solutions in support of upgrades.

· Understands SAP best practice business processes and uses the knowledge to develop consistent, implementable, and efficient business processes for the user base.

· Partners with business leadership/owners to Identify, create, and facilitate process improvements by conducting business and systems analysis and design at a complex level; focusing on quality improvement; data reliability.

· Work collaboratively with implementation partner functional and technical resources to ensure full understanding of implemented capabilities, trade-offs made, and justification for the choices made in implementation.

· Document system configuration.

· Assists in the design, development and deployment of user access and enterprise system security profiles.

· Facilitate development and delivery of training and training materials.

Education and Other Requirements:

· Bachelor in MIS or Business in Production & Operations Management, Supply Chain, Operations Research, Materials Management or equivalent experience.

· 5+ years’ experience as an ERP Business Analyst, implementation consultant or similar discipline.

· Experience with SAP S/4HANA, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud and the broader SAP portfolio of manufacturing-focused applications.

· Experience with integration and implementation of manufacturing execution systems within a connected manufacturing/industry 4.0 context.

· Experience in several full lifecycle enterprise implementations.

· Strong oral and written communication & presentation skills; specifically, with end-users, internal and external technical individuals, and leadership teams.

· Experience troubleshooting issues, requirements gathering and solution design for enhancement requests, as well as implementing the solution via configuration, etc.

· Proximity to or relocation near our plant location in Hopkinsville KY is a plus.

***This opportunity requires you to be located within a commuting distance to one of our facilities: Hopkinsville, KY Covington, GA Westborough, MA Novi, MI

***Depending on your particular location – This opportunity will also require up to 50% domestic travel to our other locations. Travel may be up to 100% during for limited periods during go-live/post-go-live. International travel may be required in the future.

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

APPLY TODAY!

Information Systems Security Analyst

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

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’re hiring a Information Systems Security Analyst who will manage and enforce policies and procedures that protect our organization’s computing infrastructure from all forms of security breaches. You will be responsible for identifying vulnerabilities and working with our IT department to resolve them, ensuring that our network and data remain secure. To be successful as an information security administrator, you should have expert analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of best practices to prevent a wide range of security threats. Top candidates will also be excellent communicators, able to train and educate our staff in various information security topics. This position will report to the IT Team Lead.

Location – this is an on-site position in Westborough MA, Hopkinsville KY preferably or Covington GA.

Responsibilities:

Identifying vulnerabilities in our current network and cloud infrastructure.

Managing, continually developing, and implementing a comprehensive plan to secure our computing network and systems.

Monitoring network usage to ensure compliance with security policies.

Keeping up to date with developments in IT security standards and threats.

Collaborating with management and the IT department to improve and enforce better security.

Documenting any security breaches and assessing their damage.

Educating colleagues about security software and best practices for information security.

Managing and implementing Office 365 Defender policies, and Entra group policies.

Maintaining, configuring, and monitoring single sign-on with Entra and 3rd party software.

Other local site duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Degree in computer science or a technology-related field.

3 years of hands-on experience

Professional information security certification.

Experience in an information security role.

Solid knowledge of various information security frameworks.

Solid knowledge of security settings. Office 365 defender

Knowledge of MS Entra and security features.

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Ability to educate a non-technical audience about various security measure.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Plus, to have SAP security and access control knowledge.

This is a fully on-site position.

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

APPLY TODAY!

Plant Controller

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

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.

Ascend Elements is currently experiencing growth and therefore is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join our accounting team in Hopkinsville, KY. The Plant Controller is responsible for providing financial support to the Manufacturing facility to enhance profitability through detailed understanding and review of plant costs. The 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 improvement s and higher returns on plant assets.

Essential Job Duties:

• 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. Ensures 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.

• May perform other duties 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.

• 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.

• Ability to accurately determine deadlines.

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

• CPA or CMA is preferred

APPLY TODAY!

Controls Engineer-DeltaV

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

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 hiring Controls Engineer’s-DeltaV to join our team in Hopkinsville, KY! In this role you will be responsible for automation and process control engineering support to production, utility operations, and infrastructure systems as necessary to provide for safe operations, regulatory compliance, and equipment availability.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

Incorporate safe behavior into all activities and consistently comply with all established safety and health policies and procedures.

Provide process automation technical leadership for capital projects, including technical specification and standard creation, vendor selection and qualification, instrumentation and control system design review and approval, FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning, startup, and process optimization.

Interface with EPC firms and construction contractors to effectively design and execute plant automation and data management systems.

Lead efficiency improvement automation projects. Modify and debug process control systems to achieve continuous process optimization and downtime reduction.

Work with Quality team on quality control data management.

Support the production plant’s technical staff to meet plant metrics with robust processes and quality systems based on the APQP toolkit.

Lead RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and troubleshooting effort to resolve process controls upset and product quality deviations.

Network with other Ascend Elements sites to ensure alignment in design solutions, emerging best practices, and standardization of design.

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 automation and controls equipment.

Education and Other Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or technical diploma in Electrical, Process Controls, or Chemical Engineering with automation experience.

3+ years of experience in controls design, programming, and troubleshooting of industrial manufacturing plant.

Knowledge of control system design for performance material or similar manufacturing processes, and ability to read, interpret and generate engineering drawings and specifications.

Experience with Control panel design and low voltage electrical system.

Experience with Emerson Delta V programming.

Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools (or equivalent) including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation.

Lean and 6 Sigma tools is a plus.

Effective project management for >$300k capital equipment projects.

Experience, judgement, and technical knowledge to drive data-based decisions.

Skilled user of MS office tools including Word, EXCEL, Outlook, Project, AutoCAD.

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.

This position is located in Hopkinsville, KY!

APPLY TODAY!

Future opportunities within Plant Operations

Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville, KY

Thank you for your interest in Ascend Elements. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. If you did not see a position that fits what you are looking for, submit your resume for consideration for future opportunities at one of our 4 locations.

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