Westborough, MA Archives | Ascend Elements

Senior Process Engineer

Westborough, MA

Senior Process Engineer

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 lower GHG emissions. The results are lower-cost, better-performing batteries with fewer discarded in landfills, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements’ headquarters are located in the Greater Boston Area, MA in the United States, with multiple satellite sites in the States and Europe. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

Job Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this position, the employee will be responsible for leading the development, verification, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes. The position will be located at the headquarters in Westborough, MA, United States, or as determined upon further discussion with the reporting supervisor.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead the development and scale-up of hydrometallurgical processes on pilot and production scales, with a focus on improving metal recovery and reducing cost and environmental impact.

Identify potential process risks, propose and evaluate solutions to mitigate the risks.

Evaluate process capability, improve process control, and deliver samples to customers.

Conduct detailed process simulations and modeling to predict process behaviors under various scenarios.

Develop, prepare, and provide detailed production and process guidelines, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flow details, safety, and quality standards.

Improve and troubleshoot products, equipment, and process issues during production.

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.

Maintain appropriate records and reports to support GMP.

Additional duties, authority, and responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor, consistent with the Employee’s position. The Employee shall use their best efforts, judgment, and energy to improve and advance the business and interests of the Company in a manner consistent with the duties of their position and with the Company’s ethical, legal, and professional standards.

Education: BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree is preferred.

Education and Other Requirements:

5+ years industry process development/engineering experience.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of chemical processes and mechanical operations in a hydrometallurgical context.

Expertise in process development, control, and scale-up. Proficient in using statistical software for process analysis, such as JMP.

Sound understanding of chemical processes and their scale-up.

Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

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

Detailed record-keeping and statistical analysis skills.

Knowledge of the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery material production processes.

Commitment to environmental health and safety best practices.

Proficient in MS Office tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio, and Project.

Strong communication skills in both writing and speaking.

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.

Controls Engineer

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

Written and verbal fluency in English

Ability to travel domestically and international.

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.

#LI-Onsite #LI-JR1

Material Process Technician- Weekends +

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.

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.

Shifts: Saturday and Sunday nights 6pm-6am + flexible 2/8 hours during the week for 40 hours.

On site in Westborough, MA

Additional duties, authority, and responsibilities may be determined from time to time by the Project Leaders, as consistent with the Employee’s position. The Employee shall use their reasonable best efforts, judgment, and energy to improve and advance the business and interest of the Company in a manner consistent with the duties of his position and with the Company’s ethical, legal, and professional standards.

Education: Current student/ New Graduate

Experience: Current student in Materials and Material Engineering or related fields

Skills:

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

Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment including dust mask, air-purifying respirator, safety shoes, gloves, and safety glasses/face shield

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.

Document Controller

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 Document Controller to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. Under the direction of the Project Director/Lead and functionally reporting to the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Director, the Document Controller will establish, plan, control, and direct the full scope of document/records management program activities for the project.

This position can be based in our Westborough, MA headquarters or Remote.

Responsibilities included but not limited to:

Develops and maintains procedures and standards for maintaining documents and revision history of documents, including document development, approval, distribution, and amendment.

Evaluate, select and roll out an Electronic Document Management System through Ascend Elements’ (AE) Projects.

Maintain the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to register, control, distribute, transmit, file, and archive project records for a team in multiple locations across multiple countries.

Plan the scope of document/records management work, establish priorities, and train personnel to perform their assigned duties for project.

Communicate effectively with project team members, client, and field personnel to ensure quality, schedule and budget are met as defined.

Support quality assurance audits, internal technical reviews, and external audits.

Manage project access to the EDMS by creating accounts and inviting users, perform associated tasks with EDMS administration, and train others in these tasks.

Ensure supplier and AE’s documentation is processed within established schedule standards.

Prepare routine documents using standard word processing, spreadsheets, or other office software as needed to support work activities.

Ensure training and training records for project administrative personnel are current.

Compile information, analyze and prepare reports, and establish metrics for document/records management and administrative activities.

Qualifications and Other Skills:

Must have a minimum of 5 years project-based experience performing document/records management with a full understanding on the configuration of the EDMS, work processes, and coordination of project workflow with other entities.

Must have advanced proficiency using standard office automation tools, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word. (A proficiency test may be required).

Advanced analytical ability to build and maintain databases and presentations for project and functional management.

Have strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Have ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across all levels of the organization.

Must be flexible and able to accept and quickly adapt to changes in work focus.

APPLY TODAY!

Investor Relations Manager

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.

Reporting to the SVP Finance, the Investor Relations Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of Ascend Elements’ investor relations strategies, plans and tactics to ensure valuation appropriately reflects potential of the business and to help raise the profile of Ascend Elements as an industry leader in the lithium-ion battery space in the United States.

The individual will be responsible for creating the company’s IR strategy, framework, tactics, and communication materials to effectively articulate and support the company’s business and objectives. Will be responsible for building new and managing existing relationship with the equity research and investor community. The Head of Investor Relations will oversee the corporate communications functions. They will also be responsible for all corporate internal and external communications. Primary responsibilities include driving awareness and understanding of Ascend Elements R&D expertise, strategy and pipeline assets; and communicating internally and externally about the company’s assets, people, science and progress.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Stakeholder Presentation Materials

Prepare and coordinate the completion of the Board of Directors monthly and/or quarterly materials.

Prepare and coordinate the completion of the Employee All-hands monthly meeting materials.

Prepare and coordinate the completion of the quarterly and annual investor meetings materials.

Reporting

Coordinate all investor reporting activities.

Quarterly and annual reports and meetings to investors

Monthly, quarterly and annual reports to debt providers

Compliance with investors’ information and observation rights

Capital Raise support:

Run point on all diligence requests for equity and debt raises.

Virtual data room management and Q&A

Equity Management

Cap Table management for roughly 100 investors and future investors (Carta owner)

Manage employee options issuance monthly.

Options valuations management (409a valuations from premier firm)

Education and Other Requirements:

MBA in Finance or related field required.

7+ years of investor relations experience

Excellent communication skills

Excellent MS Office skills required (Excel, PPT, Word)

Expertise in financial modeling

Experience with Carta Equity Management

Hybrid model: Must be within driving distance of Massachusetts headquarters to attend all investor related meetings.

APPLY TODAY!

Future Opportunities Within Sales

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.

Future opportunities within Science & Technology

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.

Future Opportunities Within Supply Chain

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.

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Coordinator

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 Director

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 now hiring a Finance Director to be part of our amazing team! In this role, you will be responsible for financial analysis and management necessary for Ascend Elements. The role will also actively partner with our CFO and Sr. VP of Financial Planning and Analysis to provide finance support to business challenges.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Position will be a key business partner to Leadership teams, Operations staff, cost accounting and commercial finance ensuring alignment between sales, finance, and operation teams.

Ensure all operations are performing to budget and forecast standards and provide explanations to all variances to expectations.

Drive business and financial insights into the senior operations management team through data and analytics

Complete and review monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages for senior management.

Other ad-hoc duties and analyses as needed.

Support the overall Budget/Forecast

Support overall coordination and execution of the budget, strategic plan, and forecasting activities, understanding the year over year changes.

Develop and implement productivity and efficiencies in finance processes to make greater time available for support of operational improvement initiatives.

Development of Finance Models and non-standard Analysis through Excel and SAP tools

Headcount Cost/Control

Alignment of Forecast/Budget with Functional Leaders

Ad hoc reporting

Pricing analysis

Education and Other Key Qualifications:

MBA in Accounting, Finance or Equivalent Experience. CPA preferred.

Minimum 8 years of relevant Accounting or Finance. Manufacturing cost accounting experience is preferred.

Thorough understanding of standards under U.S. GAAP.

Demonstrated ability of leading multiple cross-functional projects.

Excel expert.

Demonstrated ability creating 3 statement financial models.

SAP experience.

Problem-solving, analytical skills and the ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.

Position requires high attention to detail and a desire for continuous improvement.

The individual will be self-motivated and have experience working with multiple teams.

Strong verbal and written communication skills and a professional attitude and demeanor.

Strong organizational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.

APPLY TODAY!

Future opportunities within Corporate

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.

Future Opportunities within Engineering

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.

Future opportunities within Finance and Accounting

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.