Process Development Specialist in Calgary

With increasing electrification needs and growing demand for lightweight and sustainable materials, the global need for advanced carbon materials is rapidly increasing. CarboMat is developing innovative technologies to produce low-cost, sustainable carbon products, including carbon fibers and battery anode materials, from low-value industrial by-products. Over the past several years, CarboMat has developed proprietary technologies with the potential to significantly reduce the energy consumption and production cost associated with conventional carbon material manufacturing. As we continue to grow and scale our technologies, our goal is to contribute to a net-zero future while establishing Canada as a leader in advanced carbon materials and clean technology.

CarboMat is seeking a highly motivated Carbon Materials Development Specialist to support the development, optimization, and characterization of carbon-based feedstocks and precursor materials for advanced carbon products, with a particular focus on polyaromatic hydrocarbon feedstock processing. The successful candidate will play a key role in feedstock preparation and processing, spinnable mesophase development, materials characterization, and optimization of material properties to support laboratory- and pilot-scale carbon fiber production. The successful candidate will be a core member of a small and rapidly growing team of engineers, researchers, and scientists and will report directly to the company's technical leadership.

About the position

• Duration: Full-Time, 1 year (Possibility of Extension)
• Starting Date: September 1, 2026
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Role Description

• Lead and support the operation of pilot-scale carbon fiber production equipment, including precursor preparation, melt processing, melt spinning, stabilization, carbonization, and other downstream processing steps.
• Participate in the commissioning, validation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of new pilot-scale equipment and process units.
• Work closely with internal researchers, engineers, equipment suppliers, and external collaborators to support technology development and scale-up activities.
• Plan, design, and execute experimental procedures to optimize carbon fiber processing conditions, product quality, process yield, and overall process performance.
• Independently conduct process development and troubleshooting activities to identify and resolve technical challenges associated with pilot-scale equipment operation and carbon fiber production.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental and pilot-scale process data to establish relationships between process conditions, material properties, and carbon fiber performance.
• Characterize precursor and carbon fiber materials using relevant techniques, including tensile testing, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, DSC, FTIR, and other analytical methods as required.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), process protocols, experimental procedures, and data-recording systems for pilot-scale operations.
• Maintain detailed technical records and prepare experimental reports, technical summaries, presentations, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, technical reports, funding proposals, and scientific publications where appropriate.
• Ensure that laboratory and pilot plant activities are conducted in accordance with applicable safety procedures, hazard assessments, and best practices.
• Support and mentor junior technical staff, interns, and students involved in carbon fiber development and pilot-scale operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline or bachelor’s degree with industrial experience.
• Minimum of 2-3+ years of experience in process development, materials development, polymer processing, carbon materials synthesis, fiber processing, thermal processing, or related areas is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 1-2+ years of experience with pilot-scale or laboratory-scale extruders and reactors and an ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental systems.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in carbon fiber manufacturing, pitch or polymer processing, melt spinning, thermal stabilization, carbonization, or related high-temperature processing is considered a strong asset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent technical writing, documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple experimental priorities and adapt to the changing requirements of a rapidly growing technology company.
• A strong hands-on mindset and willingness to work directly with pilot-scale equipment and manufacturing processes.
• The candidate must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally authorized to work in Canada.

Our Commitment

CarboMat is deeply committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Our core values, including integrity, innovation, accountability, inclusivity, adaptability, and teamwork, guide our daily interactions and decision-making. We believe that by embracing these values, our employees contribute not only to the success of our organization but also to their own personal and professional growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We invite you to explore how your skills and values align with our company, and we look forward to discussing how you can make a meaningful impact as a valued member of our team.