Sr. Analytical 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 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 Element's Head Quarter is located in the Great Boston Area, MA in the United States, with multiple satellites sites in the States and in Europe. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

Job Description: The Sr. Analytical Research Scientist of the Company reports to Lab Manager. In such position, the Employee shall work on the Company's core lithium ion battery testing and characterization. We are looking for a detail orientated hands-on engineer who has experience working in a lab with battery materials.

Tasks & responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory design of experiments and manufacturing tasks related to the characterization of the NMC cathode powder and support R&D testing
• Run ICPOES on new materials and R&D materials
• Use other analytical equipment to include PSD, BET, KF, SEM, and TGA
• Oversee and perform activities related to analytical R&D
• Work crossfunctionally to develop proposals for clients and various strategies
• Support quality assurance to ensure all standard operating procedures are of high quality and are readily available for testing
• Conduct root causes analysis and troubleshooting on instrumentation
• Work with EHS and Quality
• Assist with ensuring all required material inventory is sufficient for all planned and unplanned activities
• Calibrate, use and maintain analytical equipment
• Keep detail logs, amounts, temperature, etc
• Troubleshoot issues with equipment and processes
• Assist in planning and improving production processes
• Meet all physical requirement of the positions: walking/standing for extended periods of time
• Onsite in Novi, Michigan and Westborough MA

Analytical Research Scientist Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or above in chemistry or equivalent major.
• At least 5 yrs Experience in analytical chemistry, more preferred
• At least of 5 yrs Experience in bench chemistry, laboratory setting, and ISO 17025
• Knowledge of properties and applications of ingredients and materials – including testing and safe handling
• Proficient skill level in MS Office Applications such as Word and Excel
• Knowledge of safety practices applicable to analytical laboratory environments and ability to follow designated safety procedures
• Knowledge of statistical analysis. – such as control charting, ANOVA testing, graphing, and gage r and r.
• Strong skills in method development and onboarding of new instruments
• Ability to work as a team and independently
• Ability to maintain accurate records relating to jobs as they are planned, performed and completed. Skill to use electronic means for recording data
• Ability to work in a fastpaced environment while meeting deadlines
• Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary

Primary duties

• Lead design and development of lithium ion battery coin cells and pouch cells (a few Ah).

• Set up, manage, and maintain battery preparation, manufacturing and test labs including low humidity dry room, glovebox, battery tester and other tools.

• Utilize battery test national and international standards for cell development and testing including but not limited to rate test, cycling life test at various temperatures, gas, shelf life time, impedance, DCR, HPPC, thermal abuse, safety and related others.

• Recruit team members; lead battery manufacturing and testing team.

• Train team of battery engineers and technicians and fabricate high quality battery to support the RnD, preproduction and mass production materials development, quality assurance and quality control.

• Closely collaborate with analytical team to develop a full report on materials properties. Analyze and report high quality test data to guide materials development.

Additional duties, authority, and responsibilities may be determined from time to time by the Team Lead of Cathode Department, as consistent with the Employee's position. The Employee shall use their reasonable best efforts, judgment, and energy to improve and advance the business and interest of the Company in a manner consistent with the duties of his position and with the Company's ethical, legal, and professional standards.

Education: BS in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering; Advanced degree is preferred.

Experience: 5+ years industry experience designing and manufacturing lithium ion battery coin cells and pouch cells (Academic experience does not meet this requirement). 2+ years team management experience.

Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise with complex cell design and engineering solutions

• Knowledge of current state of the art lithium-ion battery production process

• Sound understanding of electrochemical processes in Lithium Ion Battery

• Understanding of standardized cell test methodologies

• Advanced knowledge of solid-state physics and electrochemistry

• Detailed record keeping and statistical analysis

• High sense of responsibility, excellent coordination ability, communication ability and overall management ability, strong pressure resistance ability

• Using MS Office tools like Word, EXCEL, Outlook, Project

• Strong people skills and proved strong team leadership

• Fluency in English

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