Process Engineer

Ascend Elements is a leader in circular battery materials including Lithium Carbonate and pCAM, providing scalable, low-cost, and strategically secure alternatives to non-domestic supply chains. Our patented Hydro-to-Cathode process recovers more than 95% of critical minerals from used batteries and manufacturing scrap to produce new, high-quality cathode materials for continuous circulation in regional supply chains. With manufacturing underway at commercial scale in the U.S. and Europe, Ascend Elements delivers supply security to ensure economic resilience for US and EU automakers, energy storage producers, and national governments, with greater independence from sources outside the country.Job SummaryThe Process Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Ascend Elements' battery recycling and advanced battery materials manufacturing processes. This role focuses on process scale-up, technology transfer from R&D, batch data analysis, and continuous improvement within an operating production environment. The Process Engineer partners closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to achieve plant output, quality, cost, and safety objectives.Essential Job FunctionsSupport day-to-day process engineering activities for lithium-ion battery recycling and hydrometallurgical processing operations.Support process scale-up activities and handover of new processes from R&D or pilot facilities into commercial manufacturing.Monitor, analyze, and interpret batch and process data to identify trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities.Lead or support troubleshooting efforts using structured problem-solving tools (RCA, CAPA).Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, control plans, and operating envelopes.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, yield, throughput, cost, and quality.Monitor and improve process capability metrics.Support process data systems including data collection and reporting tools.Participate in process safety, hazard reviews, and change management activities.Communicate process performance and risks to plant and engineering leadership.Decision-Making ResponsibilityOperates with moderate independence in diagnosing process performance issues and recommending improvements within established operating and change management standards. Escalates high-risk or non-standard changes to engineering and operations leadership as required.Competencies / Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of chemical and hydrometallurgical processing in an industrial manufacturing environment.Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret batch and process data.Hands-on troubleshooting and structured problem-solving capability.Process safety mindset and familiarity with hazard identification practices.Ability to translate R&D and process development requirements into stable plant operations.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Comfort working with plant data systems, historians, and dashboards.Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.Typically 5+ years of process engineering experience in chemical manufacturing, hydrometallurgy, battery materials, or related environments.Experience supporting operating plants including start-up, production support, and continuous improvement.Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams.Working Conditions / TravelRole is primarily plant-based. Occasional travel to other Ascend Elements sites, pilot facilities, or partners may be required (typically up to 20%).Additional InformationAdditional requirements may apply based on site-specific needs, including physical demands, shift or on-call expectations, and specific software tools or training.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.