Quality Engineer

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers’ sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

The Quality Engineer supporting Ascend Elements APEX 1 facility in Hopkinsville, KY will be responsible for the overall quality of a specific part of the site production process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor daily production quality performance using SPC (Statistical Process Control).
• Initiate and lead RCI (root cause investigations) on non-conforming production results using 8D and Six Sigma methodology with a cross functional team.
• Report weekly and monthly SPC and process quality performance for internal and external customers.
• Update and maintain SAP Quality Management views.
• Lead change management initiatives related to quality improvements.
• Participate in establishing quality parameters and systems for new product launch.
• Participate in vendor, customer, and internal audits.
• Maintain customer specific PPAP and control plans.
• Participate in PFMEA reviews.
• Analyze quality and production data and propose and lead continuous improvement.
• Adherence to established ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and policies.
• Conduct Internal, External, and Layered Process Audits.
• Identify problem areas and follow up with countermeasures and solutions.
• Schedule, review, and document dock audits in the automated audit system.
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Develop, submit, participate in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), for new or existing product(s) to meet APEX 1 requirements.
• Coordinate pre-launch production trial run process monitoring.
• Serve as administrator of calibration system, which includes performing calibrations, and scheduling.
• Perform test as requested for production support.
• Supplier product quality monitoring – assist / submit Supplier Corrective Actions.
• Oversee the disposition of the non-conforming area.
• Develop and update quality system procedures.
• Generate process capability analysis.
• Effectively coordinate and provide timely completion of supplier corrective action activities.
• Comply with all company guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and making recommendations.
• Determines quality improvement parameters by identifying statistical methods relevant to manufacturing processes.
• Respond to ongoing non-conformities, review for disposition and materials release.
• Other duties as assigned.
• 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.

Essential Skills

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and policies experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and various types of testing instruments.
• Working knowledge of the relationships and roles of internal/external customers and suppliers, including their impact on product and services.
• Customer quality assurance experience.
• Chemical industry experience preferred, but not required.
• Working knowledge of inspection and testing techniques, including various types of sampling plans.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints (drawings) GD&T.
• Understanding of the audit process including types of audits, planning, preparation, execution, reporting, and follow up.
• Ability to analyze and understand data produced by statistical process control (SPC).
• Ability to plan, control, and assure product and process quality in accordance with company’s quality principles.
• Understanding of problem solving and quality improvement tools and techniques.
• Ability to work well in a multi-functional team environment, portray the company in a professional manner, work non-regular hours as needed.
• Ability to safeguard the confidentiality of the company, customer, and employee information.
• Commit to and participate in activities for continuous improvement.
• Statutory and Regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, customer demands and flexibility in job assignments.
• Strong commitment to safety, environment, workplace organization and housekeeping.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Very good social competence.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work non-standard weekly schedule including off shifts.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or Engineering with minimum 5 years of experience in quality and manufacturing environment or equivalent on the job experience.
• Prior experience and knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to compile and present information.
• Knowledgeable in SPC.
• Familiar with JMP and SAP software.
• American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification(s) desired.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical working conditions are consistent with a typical office environment.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment production facility where there is exposure to (noise, heat, cold, dust, fumes).
• Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, respirator, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• 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.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods (minimum of eight hours).
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

• Thank you.

Position located in Hopkinsville, KY

May require up to 25% of business travel.

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package.

Read about Ascend Elements:

https://ascendelements.com

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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.