Westborough Archives | Ascend Elements

Senior Accountant

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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 Senior Accountant will be responsible for assisting with the preparation of the monthly financial reporting close. The Senior Accountant will collect pertinent information for the creation of journal entries, account reconciliations and other related matters as well as be the first point of contact for accounting issues. The Senior Accountant will ensure that the Company maintains effective internal controls that ensure accurate accounting data and that safeguard company assets.

Responsibilities:

Prepare accounting related entries for multiple organizational entities.

Follow our Company’s established accounting processes.

Support accounts payable / receivable activities to ensure accuracy and timeliness of invoice creation and entry.

Regularly maintain detailed reconciliations of all assigned balance sheet accounts.

Provide detailed analyses and explanations of all transactions.

Ensure the Company maintains effective internal controls that ensure accurate accounting data and that safeguard company assets.

Lead staff in preparing as well as supporting the annual audit with external auditors.

Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.

Ability to meet and respond to tight deadlines

Ability to develop and mentor junior staff.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Experience in a Big 4 Accounting firm preferred.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite products.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong organizational and analytical skills.

Experience with SAP 4 Hana or similar ERP system.

Experience working with US SOX compliance requirements, a plus.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, advanced degrees such as an MBA, MSA are desired.

3+ years’ experience in accounting or related field.

CPA or CMA highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Ability to read and understand English

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.

Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

Westborough, Westborough, MA

Job Summary:

The Senior Financial Reporting Accountant will be responsible for owning with the consolidation process of the monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reporting close. Also, will own the preparation of the annual external audited financial statements. The successful candidate will be able to collect pertinent information for the creation of journal entries, account reconciliations and other related matters as well as be the first point of contact for all technical accounting issues. The role will ensure that the Company maintains effective internal controls that ensure accurate accounting data and that safeguard company assets.

Responsibilities:

- Prepare consolidating and eliminating accounting related entries for multiple organizational entities.
- Follow and aid in developing our Company’s established accounting processes.
- Regularly maintain detailed reconciliations of all assigned balance sheet accounts.
- Provide detailed analyses and explanations of all consolidated transactions.
- Lead staff in preparing as well as supporting the annual audit with external auditors.
- Ability to develop and mentor junior staff.
- Prepare technical accounting related memos.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Experience working in a complex manufacturing environment

Big 4 Accounting firm experience preferred.

Proficient in Word and Excel.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong organizational and analytical skills.

Experience working in a complex manufacturing environment

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, advanced degrees such as an MBA, MSA are desired

5+ years’ experience in accounting or related field in a publicly held company highly desired

CPA or CMA required.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Ability to read and understand English

APPLY TODAY!

Material Process Technician 3rd shift

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

Job Description: Ascend Elements is the most technically advanced Li-ion battery recycling company. The Materials Processing Technician reports to Sr. Battery Materials Engineer. In such position, the Employee shall support the development of NMC cathode materials including Hi-Ni chemistries from recycled feedstocks. Opportunity on all three shifts

Primary duties

Perform standard operating procedures (SOP) to prepare, operate, and clean up chemical reactions and tools.

Prepare all equipment, tools and calibrate them prior to use based on SOP.

Powder washing, filtering, drying, and packaging

Perform predictive, regular preventive and emergency maintenance on lab and plant equipment, utility, and supporting systems

Troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild of stirring reactors, furnaces, mixers, pumps, and other equipment

Properly documenting all activities and keeping up-to-date records for all samples.

Prepares laboratory for daily operations, managing inventory, preparing reagents and standards used for testing.

Disposes of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions.

Provides support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, department and related customer issues.

Education and Skills:

Associate degree or above, or equivalent experience in related field

Demonstrated expertise with machinal engineering, know how, common senses and materials processing

Knowledge of powder handling and safety protocol

Details oriented and absolutely good hands-on capability

High sense of responsibility, excellent coordination ability, communication ability and overall management ability, strong pressure resistance ability

Able to work within a fast-paced environment

APPLY TODAY!

Mechanical Engineer

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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 (AE) is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

We are currently hiring a talented Mechanical Engineer to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team! You will be responsible for leading front end engineering projects focused on the handling, discharge, disassembly, and recycling of spent EV batteries and battery manufacturing plant waste to deliver high quality battery anode and cathode materials for chemical conversion to new battery cathode.

This position can be based in one of our locations: Westborough, MA, Hopkinsville, KY or Covington, GA. Travel expectations will be 50% during commissioning.

Responsibilities included but not be limited to:

Provide technical leadership for the capital equipment process including technical specification creation, vendor selection and qualification, equipment design/build, FAT, SAT, installation supervision, commissioning, and optimization.

Lead mechanical interface with EPC firm and construction contractor to effectively design and execute plant mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls systems.

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

Education and Other Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

5+ years of experience in manufacturing plant design, construction / installation, commissioning, start-up and optimization in the field of recycling, automotive, petrochemical, chemical processes or advanced materials manufacturing (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical).

Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

Effective project management for >$1M capital equipment projects.

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

Knowledge and experience base in process design and equipment selection for performance materials or similar manufacturing and the associated facility support systems.

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

AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CHEMCAD, ASPEN competency a plus.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

APPLY TODAY!

Chemical Process Engineer

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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 currently hiring a Chemical Process Engineer to join our team! You will be responsible for leading front end engineering projects focused on the chemical conversion of spent EV batteries and battery manufacturing plant waste into high quality battery anode and cathode powders for use in new batteries.

This position will be based out of one of our current locations: Westborough, MA, Covington, GA or Hopkinsville, KY. Travel expectations could be up to 50% during peak commissioning times.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

This position will be the technical leader of a process or utility system from conceptual stage through performance testing. Responsibilities include: leading conceptual studies, creating the equipment technical specification, qualifying and selecting the manufacturing vendor, reviewing and approving the equipment design/build, attending Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), supporting installation, leading commissioning and site acceptance test (SAT), and supporting process optimization.

Lead chemical process design with EPC firm or Equipment Manufacturer to effectively design and execute plant mechanical, electrical, piping, and controls systems.

Develop process flow, equipment list, equipment layout, utility matrix, and P&IDs for manufacturing processes required for production of new battery raw materials.

Work with R&D team to develop effective and efficient scaling strategies to bring new products and processes to pilot and production scale.

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

Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position.

Education and Other Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

Experience: 5+ years of process engineering experience with chemical or advanced materials technologies, including 3+ years of field experience.

Direct experience in battery materials synthesis (precursor cathode material), chemical precipitation reactions, filtration, or evaporation a plus.

Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

Experienced user of the capital equipment acquisition process including technical specification generation, supplier identification and assessment, equipment build tracking, factory and site acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and ramping to metrics.

Hands-on experience during commissioning (water run, chemical run, sequence testing) is a must.

Effective project management for >$1M capital equipment projects.

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

Knowledge and experience base in process design and equipment selection for performance chemicals and materials and the associated facility support systems.

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

AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SYSCAD, OLI, ASPEN competency a plus.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

APPLY TODAY!

Controls Engineer

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

We’re hiring a Controls Engineer to join our team. In such position, the Controls Engineer shall work in the Automation team responsible for the overall process automation design and optimization of Ascend Elements manufacturing facilities which include handling, discharge, and disassembly of spent EV batteries, shredding of such batteries, and chemical processing of this shredded material into new battery cathode. The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team is responsible for scaling our technology from demonstration plant scale to full production scale at multiple brown and green field sites in the US and Europe. In addition to process development, vendor selection, plant design, commissioning and installation, this group leads the technology scaling efforts as next generation technologies are proven in our R&D group.

This position will be based out of our Westborough Massachusetts Headquarters or potentially from our 1st plant in the Southeast of the US, Covington GA or Hopkinsville KY.

Job Responsibilities

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 in multiple brown and green field sites. Modify and debug process control systems to achieve continuous process optimization and downtime reduction.

Interface with R&D team and contractors to implement automation systems of new processes.

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 tool kit.

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

Liaise IT team and contractor on providing enterprise production data reporting and analysis to corporate management.

Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position

Up to 20% travel on average (if based in Westborough Massachusetts), as high as 50% during plant commissioning phases.

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

Skills and Requirements:

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

3+ years of experience in PLC and Ignition Scada Systems

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

Experience with Control panel design and low voltage electrical system.

Knowledge of Siemens and Allan Bradley programming is a plus.

Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools (or equivalent) including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

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

Delta V a plus

Written and verbal fluency in English

Ability to travel domestically and international.

APPLY TODAY!

#LI-Onsite #LI-JR1

Electrical Engineer

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

We’re hiring an Electrical Engineer, to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. In such position, the Electrical Engineer shall lead front end engineering projects focused on the production of engineered cathode material from spent EV batteries. The Electrical Engineer will be responsible for both facility engineering and manufacturing equipment engineering. The AME team is responsible for scaling our technology from demonstration plant scale to full production scale at multiple brown and green field sites in the US and Europe. In addition to process development, vendor selection, plant design, commissioning and installation, this group leads the technology scaling efforts as next generation technologies are proven in our R&D group.

This position will be based out of our Westborough Massachusetts, Hopkinsville Kentucky, or remote from US location with travel to all company locations.

Responsibilities included but not limited to:

Provide technical leadership for the facility engineering, as well as manufacturing capital equipment

Prepare technical specifications, lead vendor selection and qualification, review and approve electrical drawings (e.g. single line diagram) provided by EPC or Equipment manufacturer, follow-up progress during manufacturing, perform FAT, SAT, installation support, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting during operation.

Lead Electrical interface with EPC firm and construction contractor to effectively design and execute plant / facility electrical engineering equipment.

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

Other duties and responsibilities consistent with the Employees position

Up to 10% travel on average, as high as 50% during plant commissioning phases

Education and Other Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or applicable engineering field. Advanced degree a plus.

5+ years of experience in electrical design, build out, and optimization of industrial manufacturing plant.

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

Knowledge of transformers, UPS, switchgears, switchboards, is required.

Knowledge of and hands on experience using APQP tools (or equivalent) including FMEA, SPC, and design and process validation as well as Lean and 6 Sigma tools.

Effective project management for >$1M 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.

Written and verbal fluency in English.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

APPLY TODAY!

Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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 are currently adding an Environmental, Heath, and Safety (EHS) Coordinator to our team! This role will be responsible for providing full time EHS support to our Westborough R&D and Operations teams in compliance with applicable policy and regulatory requirements. The individual in this position will support the development and coordination of training programs to establish and promote the maintenance of a safe, accident free, and healthy workplace.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Assist all teams’ managers/supervisors with accident response.

Assist EHS manager with root cause analysis and investigations.

Ensure team members have access to and use appropriate safety and environmental supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

Ensure that contractor personnel working on the property are in compliance with company EHS policies and safety requirements.

Maintain facility specific EHS procedures for safe work practices and equipment operation.

Assist EHS Manager with oversee, perform, and assist with other internal and external audits or inspections.

Attend shift safety meetings and participate in presentations.

Assist EHS Engineer with daily Hazardous and Non-Hazardous waste inspections and inventory.

Assist in managing environmental and safety documents/permits on site.

Education and other requirements:

BS degree in the Sciences and/or a degree in an EHS related field

Preferred: 3-5 years of facilities safety including Hazard Communication, SDS compliance, chemical management

Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Must be able to wear a respirator and other appropriate PPE equipment.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Have some knowledge of safety and environmental regulations.

Preferred: RCRA, DOT, HAZWOPER (24-hour minimum), First Aid/CPR/AED.

APPLY TODAY!

Finance Manager

Westborough, Westborough, MA

The Finance Manager will provide strategic analytical support to management across the organization. This individual will be required to collaborate cross-functionally to support strategic planning. While using a keen understanding of financial statements, will devise financial modelling and profitability analysis, perform budgeting / forecasting, develop KPI’s and metrics, and ensure business performance management. This role will heavily support financial systems and data management processes.

Detailed requirements:

Responsible for stakeholder business partners to collaborate, develop and oversee annual budgets and quarterly forecasts to set performance expectations for corporate departments.

Provides guidance to managers in financial reporting objectives and standards to ensure accurate, compliant, and useful financial reporting.

Acts as an advisor to management on regulations and other matters that may impact the financial activities of the company, engaging with outside consultants if applicable.

Analyze current and historical trends for key performance measurements, identify opportunities for financial improvement and provide recommendations to management.

Apply knowledge of business systems and processes and leverage best practices when working with business partners to solve business issues

Prepare departmental reporting packages including standard reports and variance commentary

Increase the use of automation across the organization to streamline and improve new and existing management reports

Assist with the implementation of budgeting and forecasting software tools

Provide financial modeling, financial analysis and ad-hoc projects as required.
- Experience with 3-statement financial modeling preferred.

Ensures all financial operations are in compliance with governmental rules and regulations.

Forecasts and manages cash flow that meets the needs of the company.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

3- 5 years related financial experience as an independent individual contributor.

CPA, public accounting 1-3 years required, with big 4 experience preferred.

Proven ability and comfortable operating in a high pace, dynamic and multi-priority environment is a must.

Requires a passion for problem solving and analysis and digging into the details.

Experience in business partnering and building solid working relationships, using your strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate professionally to all levels of the organization.

Solid working knowledge of accounting principles

Experience in Corporate financial planning.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Proficient with Microsoft office products and data visualization is preferred.

Extensive knowledge of the financial and accounting function and related department processes.

Experience managing, analyzing, and summarizing large data sets in Microsoft Excel

Experience with ERP system (SAP preferred).

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.

Future opportunities within Science & Technology

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

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.

#LI-DNI

Future opportunities within Corporate

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

#LI-DNI

Future Opportunities within Engineering

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

#LI-DNI

Future opportunities within Finance and Accounting

Westborough, Westborough, MA

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.

#LI-DNI