Senior Process Engineer

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.