R&D Technician

Human Resources Coordinator at Polar Performance Materials.

Job Title: R&D Technician

Location: Oakville, ON

Department: Research & Development

Status: Full-time

Work Arrangement: In-Office

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 CAD

Company Overview

Polar Performance Materials was founded in 2012 and produces ultra-high purity alumina (HPA) using a proprietary low‑carbon process. The factory, located in Oakville, Canada, is powered with electricity generated by Niagara Falls. Polar’s HPA is increasingly necessary to manufacture products used in high‑growth, high‑purity semiconductor applications. Other applications include LEDs, lithium‑ion batteries, thermal management materials, and technical ceramics utilized in aerospace, medical, and industrial systems.

Company Values

• Quality is our signature
• Act with respect. Period
• Foundation of Safety
• Winning with Customers one solution at a time
• Be Real
• Positive intent

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands‑on Technician / Technologist to support laboratory and pilot‑scale activities for process and product development. This role is approximately 30% laboratory‑based work (sample preparation, bench‑scale testing, and analytical support) and 70% pilot‑scale operations, including operating mixing equipment and spray‑drying systems. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, capable of following precise procedures, and comfortable documenting and summarizing experimental work. Experience with working safely in a chemical lab and pilot plant environment is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Responsibilities (≈30%)

• Maintain a safe working environment and adherence to all safety procedures.
• Perform sample preparation, bench‑scale experiments, and routine analytical testing.
• Support development laboratory activities, including basic test method execution.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in lab notebooks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instruments, and work areas in accordance with calibration and quality standards.

Pilot‑Scale Responsibilities (≈70%)

• Complete safety reviews of all operations including documentation of Safe Working Procedures.
• Operate pilot‑scale processing equipment such as mixers, spray dryers and ovens.
• Execute pilot‑scale trials following detailed work instructions and safety protocols.
• Assist with equipment setup, teardown, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
• Collect process data and samples during pilot runs.
• Coordinate closely with engineers and scientists to execute experimental plans.

Documentation & Data Handling

• Record work clearly and thoroughly in lab notebooks, batch records, and run sheets.
• Compile, organize, and summarize experimental and process data in spreadsheets.
• Contribute to technical reports and summaries of experimental results.
• Follow good documentation practices in alignment with internal quality standards.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work safely with chemicals and process equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed written procedures and instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation.
• Experience with laboratory or pilot plant environments.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory safety and chemical handling practices.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) for data organization and basic analysis.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment.

Relevant Experience (Preferred)

• Laboratory technician or analyst.
• Pilot plant operator or process technician.
• Chemical, materials, or process development laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on experience with mixing, drying, or unit operations (spray drying a plus).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Physics, or a related technical discipline, or 10 years of equivalent combination of technical training and relevant experience will be considered.

Work Environment

• Combination of laboratory and pilot plant settings.
• Requires working with chemicals, processing equipment, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on operational tasks.
• Ability to lift 20 kg.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative and innovation‑driven work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and meaningful project involvement.

Hiring Process Transparency

This position includes an initial automated screening step based on job‑related application questions. Candidates who meet the screening criteria are reviewed by our hiring team. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assess or evaluate candidates beyond this initial screening step.

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