Director of Quality

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. The Director of Quality will lead, develop, implement, and periodically assess Ascend's Quality program to meet the organization's production operations, from raw materials to finished products, including quality, integrity, and efficiency standards set by the organization. The Director is responsible for recycled and engineered products that meet stringent customer requirements, industry standards, and sustainability goals. Acting as a strategic leader, this role works across Quality, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial functions to embed quality principles into all stages of the product lifecycle - from incoming recycled materials through to customer delivery. Duties/Responsibilities: Directs and oversees the design, implantation, and maintenance of the corporate Quality Management System in line with industry standards across the organization Oversees the facility level quality systems and certifications Collaborates with management and senior staff across production departments and roles to draft acceptable quality standards Develops and implements quality standard testing and evaluation processes Facilitates communication among production divisions and management Communicates directly with customer's quality representatives Assesses test results and approves recommended changes through Ascend's Management of Change (MOC) procedures Leads Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) conversations with internal stakeholders and external clients Reviews quality control documentation such as checklists, logs, and reports for effectiveness, accuracy, and relevance Conducts random inspections and quality control checks Applies advanced analytics and statistical methods to identify trends, mitigate risks, and drive corrective/preventive actions Manages deviation, CAPA, risk management, and change control processes to meet compliance and reliability goals Periodically reports status of quality control and operations to executive leadership and, when required, regulatory agencies Performs other related duties as assigned Provides technical and quality expertise to support risk mitigation activities (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis [DFMEA], Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis [PFMEA], Control Plan) and completion of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation. Performs audits of products, processes, and systems to assure compliance Coordinates activities that align Ascend Elements Procurement strategies with customer requirements related to the approval, development, monitoring, and evaluation of external suppliers. Monitor supplier's corrective action plans and track supplier performance as per Ascend Elements Procurement guidance. Required Skills/Abilities/Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related industrial, scientific or quality business field required; Master's degree preferred 10 to 15 years of related experience required with at least five years as a quality manager or engineer or similar role highly preferred Designing and implementing quality management systems required Designing and implementing ISO 900X and IATF 16949:2016 previous experience required Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to train staff Thorough understanding of quality control standards and methodologies Thorough understanding of manufacturing and production in the industry Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Strong supervisory and leadership skills Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times Business travel is required, up to 50% Wear an air purifying respirator, if needed 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.