Chemical Plant Production Operator

Ascend Element 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.

As a Chemical Plant Operator, you will participate in the process of manufacturing NMC cathode precursor materials, while operating various equipment. You will be working with chemicals and powder while wearing all required PPE, following standard operating procedures.

This position will be available to start by early June 2024

Position schedule: •12 Hour Shifts Rotating Day and/or Night •8 Hour Shifts – Day, Evening and/or Night.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment Monitoring / Technical

• Weigh, measure, and check raw materials/productions to ensure batches manufactured contain proper ingredients and quantities and that accurate inventory is maintained.
• Operates automatic and manual chemical process equipment of varying complexity in accordance w/ operating procedures, including programmable, logic control devices.
• Responsible for complex liquid / chemical batch manufacturing, which also requires familiarity of a variety of production machines that serve as either internal suppliers or customers to the chemical operator. Equipment includes but is not limited to mixers, agitators, pumps, differential pressure cells & gauges, valves, automated and manual delivery systems.
• Utilizing strong attention to detail and multi-tasking, responsible for quality control of product, which includes frequent in-process and final product quality testing. Respond to out-of-control points by either following established action plans for process disruptions or adjusting equipment as appropriate for equipment disruptions.
• Required to identify and complete preventive maintenance at a basic level. Handle first-line troubleshooting such as equipment malfunctions, computer program issues, setting adjustments; involving appropriate other experts as needed.
• Perform manufacturing tasks related to the production of NMC cathode precursor materials.
  Includes operating and controlling mechanical powder handling equipment, chemical mixers, reactors, dryers, bulk unloaders, emptying and filling supersacks, etc.

Following Procedures

• Ensure that all work is performed in compliance with Company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all local, state, and federal regulations regarding safety, health, and the environment.
• Maintain a clean and productive area by ensuring that equipment and work area is cleaned after use and the equipment is maintained per the preventative maintenance schedule.

Communication/Documentation

• Communicate with Shift Leader regarding safety, production, quality, or any other operational issues. Actively participates in pre-shift meetings to assist in the development of individual work plans.
• Complete and accurately record data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operations, raw material lot numbers, process and reaction conditions, and process yields in accordance with good documentation practices.

Employee Health and Safety

• Learns and follows safety regulations and wears the prescribed personal protective equipment.
• The employee is committed to and must support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.
• Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.
• Must attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.
• The employee must follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

General

• Operate material handling equipment, such as forklift, drum dollies, hoists, etc.
• Assist with maintaining adequate supplies to ensure team has necessary supplies available to complete project work.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Attention to detail, capable of understanding and following verbal and written instructions.
• Hands on aptitude with mechanical and chemical process equipment
• Ability to perform basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to drive tasks to completion.
• Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment including dust mask, respirator, safety shoes, gloves, and safety glasses
• Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
• While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma and minimum of 3+ years of applicable production experience or post-high school education and 1 plus years production experience.

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.