R&D Engineer

Socket.dev; Oakville; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Collaborative work environment

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Polar Performance Materials is seeking an R&D Engineer in Oakville, ON to drive research, development and scale-up of advanced materials. You will translate laboratory concepts into practical, scalable processes and support commercialization.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, problem solving, and close collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and Product Management to deliver robust technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, technical problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments across lab, pilot, and production settings.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and recommend next steps.
• Develop scalable processes and support technology transfer.
• Document results and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical problem-solving

Critical-thinking

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Job description

Job Title

R&D Engineer

Location

Oakville, ON,

Department

R&D

Status

Full-time

Work Arrangement

In-Office

The Company

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

1. Quality is our signature
2. Act with respect. Period
3. Foundation of Safety
4. Winning with Customers one solution at a time
5. Be Real
6. Positive intent

Position Overview

The R&D Engineer supports the research, development, scale-up, and continuous advancement of materials, products, and manufacturing technologies. This role works across laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments to translate research concepts into practical and scalable processes.

The R&D Engineer is responsible for planning and executing experiments and trials, analyzing technical data, troubleshooting process and material challenges, and documenting development activities. The role works closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Product Management, and other cross-functional teams to support new product development, process development, technology scale-up, and commercialization activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Development
   • Plan and execute experiments and development activities for new materials, products, processes, and technologies.
   • Analyze experimental results, identify trends, and recommend next steps based on technical findings.
   • Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, equipment, and processing methods to support R&D objectives.
2. Process Development & Scale-up
   • Support the development and scale-up of processes from laboratory through pilot and manufacturing environments.
   • Plan and execute pilot and production trials in collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality.
   • Identify critical process parameters, troubleshoot technical challenges, and support the establishment of reliable and scalable process conditions
3. Product & Technology Development
   • Support new product and technology development from initial concept through technical validation and commercialization.
   • Evaluate material characteristics and product performance against technical and customer requirements.
   • Collaborate with Product Management, Quality, and other teams to translate requirements into development and testing activities. Coordinate the resolution and closure of findings resulting from Management Reviews and Process Audits.
4. Technical Analysis & Problem Solving
   • Apply engineering principles, experimental design, and data analysis to investigate material and process-related challenges.
   • Identify root causes, develop and evaluate potential solutions, and provide technically supported recommendations.
   • Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations to communicate findings and support decision-making.
5. Documentation & Cross-Functional Support
   • Maintain accurate records of experiments, trials, results, observations, and technical decisions.
   • Develop and maintain relevant technical documentation, including experimental protocols, specifications, reports, and process documentation.
   • Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Product Management, and other teams to support knowledge transfer and successful implementation of developed technologies.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Previous experience in research and development, process development, materials development, manufacturing, or a related technical environment is preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing environment is considered an asset.
• Experience with advanced materials, ceramics, chemical processing, high-purity materials, or related industries is considered an asset.
• Familiarity of spray dryer, pumps, valves, piping, milling and sintering equipment are considered an asset.
• Familiarity with reading and designing P&ID’s and control loops is considered an asset.
• Experience troubleshooting pilot-scale equipment is preferred.
• Strong analytical, technical problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to plan experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and develop practical recommendations.
• Understanding of engineering principles, process development, and scale-up in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate technical documentation and records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools; knowledge of statistical analysis or Design of Experiments (DOE) is an asset.

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.

Inclusion Statement

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process.