Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

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 Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

We are seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer-Hydrometallurgy to support process development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced metallurgical operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting laboratory and pilot-scale hydrometallurgical test work and performing process analysis for nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lithium (Li) extraction and refining.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive hydrometallurgical test work, including:
  • Leaching (acidic, alkaline, and selective)
  • Impurity removal and precipitation
  • Solvent extraction and ion exchange
  • Crystallization and solid–liquid separation
  • Recovery and purification of Ni, Co, and Li compounds
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate new processes, optimize parameters, and assess kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer behavior.
• Perform detailed mass balance calculations and data interpretation to support process modeling and scale-up.
• Analyze solution chemistry and phase equilibria to predict metal speciation, selectivity, and recovery efficiency.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports summarizing test work results, process development findings, and recommendations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers, chemists, and project managers to integrate hydrometallurgical findings into overall flowsheet development.

Education and Other Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Hydrometallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Master’s or Ph.D is a plus.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in hydrometallurgical process development or metal recovery operations involving Ni, Co, and/or Li.
• Technical Competencies:
  • Strong understanding of solution chemistry, redox behavior, and metal speciation.
  • Proven hands-on experience in laboratory-scale leaching, precipitation, SX/IX, crystallization, and solid-liquid separation.
  • Knowledge of process equipment sizing, CAPEX/OPEX estimation, and process cost evaluation is an asset.
  • Experience using mass balance or process simulation tools (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, or similar).
  • Familiarity with battery materials and critical metals recovery is an advantage.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent data organization and reporting skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of managing multiple tasks under tight timelines.

Preferred:

• Experience in pilot plant operation or process scale-up.
• Understanding of sustainability and environmental considerations in hydrometallurgical processing.
• Background in flowsheet development and techno-economic evaluation of Ni, Co, and Li recovery processes.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

The base salary range for this position is $83,000 – 115,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Ascend Elements also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.

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.