Chemical Process Engineer-Evaporation - Ascend Elements

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-Evaporation 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 either Westborough, MA 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.
• 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.

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Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.