Senior Mechanical 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.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer reports to the Plant Engineering Manager and is responsible for supporting the design, installation, commissioning, and optimization of mechanical systems and capital equipment supporting Ascend Elements’ battery recycling and advanced materials manufacturing operations. The role partners closely with operations, maintenance, EPC firms, and equipment vendors to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance while meeting production, quality, cost, and safety objectives.

Essential Job Functions
• Lead mechanical engineering support for installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and optimization of battery recycling and advanced materials production lines.
• Serve as mechanical equipment owner for systems supporting battery discharge, disassembly, material handling, and process operations.
• Develop mechanical equipment specifications, scopes of work, and bid packages, support vendor selection and evaluations.
• Support FAT, SAT, installation oversight, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Interface with EPC/EPCM firms and construction contractors to ensure mechanical design intent and safety compliance.
• Troubleshoot plant equipment and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and throughput.
• Apply APQP tools (DFMEA, PFMEA, SPC, control plans) to equipment and process improvements.
• Support layouts, equipment lists, utilities, SOPs, and maintenance strategies.
• Participate in process safety and hazard reviews.
• Observe all company, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.

Decision-Making Responsibility
• Operates with moderate to high independence in evaluating mechanical equipment performance, diagnosing failures, and recommending solutions within established engineering standards and change control processes. Escalates high-risk and capital-intensive decisions as appropriate.

Competencies / Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of mechanical systems in chemical processing, recycling, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience with rotating equipment, material handling, and industrial support systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, RCA, and CAPA skills.
• Understanding of process safety and mechanical integrity concepts.
• Ability to translate operational needs into executable mechanical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Aptitude for working with plant performance and maintenance data.

Education and Experience Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting capital projects and working with EPC/EPCM firms and vendors.

Working Conditions / Travel

Role is primarily site-based in Covington, Georgia. Travel to vendors, partners, or other sites may be required based on project needs (typically 10–30%).

Additional Information

Additional requirements may apply based on site needs, including physical demands, on-call expectations, and specific software tools or certifications.

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.