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Ascend Elements · 2 days ago

Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Westborough, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$83K/yr - $115K/yr

3+ years exp

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials through a sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. They are seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer-Hydrometallurgy to support process development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced metallurgical operations, focusing on nickel, cobalt, and lithium extraction and refining.

Advanced MaterialsBatteryEnergy StorageManufacturingSustainability

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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

Qualification

HydrometallurgyNickel extractionCobalt extractionLithium extractionSolution chemistryProcess simulation toolsLaboratory experimentsAnalytical skillsProblem-solvingCommunication skillsTeamworkDetail-oriented

Required

Bachelors in Hydrometallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Minimum 3 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in hydrometallurgical process development or metal recovery operations involving Ni, Co, and/or Li

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

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