R&D Carbon Product Development Scientist

RAINCARBON•Hamilton, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rain Carbon Inc. (RAIN), a global leader in upcycling industrial byproducts into high-value carbon materials, has established a new RAIN Innovation Center for Energy Storage Materials in Hamilton, ON, Canada. This R&D center, spanning approximately 30,000 sq.ft., includes a demonstration facility for pilot-scale processing of carbon and carbon precursor materials, and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art analytical and electrochemical testing equipment for carbon material analysis. The center will focus on testing and application development of RAIN’s LIONCOAT® thermoplastic precursor products for battery anode materials, and support the development of new energy storage material solutions using natural and synthetic graphite, and silicon-carbon composites for lithium-ion batteries. It will also house innovations for carbonaceous materials for emerging energy storage technologies like solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. The purpose of this role is to support daily R&D operations by designing, developing, and optimizing advanced carbon materials from various sustainable precursors for energy storage systems. The scientist will develop and analyze new carbon solutions, bridging research and manufacturing by focusing on precursor selection, carbon structure engineering, and graphitization to produce high-performance, scalable, and sustainable Battery Anode Materials (BAM). This role also supports the transfer of carbon product solutions into industrially viable products, aligning with the company's mission to advance next-generation energy storage technologies.

Requirements

Master’s degree (M.Tech./M.S.) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Carbon Science & Technology with Ph.D. or equivalent experience
In-depth expertise in the science, production and technology of carbon and carbon precursors as well as their technical applications and raw materials and in the analytical characterization of graphite, carbon, and carbon raw materials.
Hands-on experience in: Green and calcined petroleum coke, and needle coke processing such as calcination, graphitization, and purification, carbon microstructure control and analysis at laboratory or pilot scale, demonstrated experience in scaling up lab processes to pilot production levels.
Exposure to industrial partnerships or collaborative R&D projects in the carbon or energy sector preferred.
In-depth knowledge of Carbon processing and graphitization techniques for converting GPC, CPC, and needle coke into synthetic graphite and nanostructured carbons.
Coke upgrading (sulfur removal, densification, and catalytic enhancement).
Graphite battery anode material design and testing for electrochemical energy storage could be an advantage.
Proficiency in material characterization tools such as: XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, SEM/TEM, BET, TGA, ICP-MS, and electrochemical analyses.
Experience with process modeling and simulation tools for carbon and thermal processes.
Familiarity with software tools such as OriginPro, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Python, and data analysis packages .
Effective in cross-functional collaboration between R&D, process, and application teams.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for reporting, and customer communication.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and process quality control.
Leadership skills for mentoring junior engineers, managing laboratory operations, and driving R&D initiatives and projects.
Project management skills
Good communication and collaboration skills.
Fluent professional command of oral and written English language, knowledge of Chinese and French language could be an advantage.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Chinese and French language could be an advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize carbon and graphite materials from Green Petroleum Coke (GPC), Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC), and needle coke and other carbon precursor materials produced by sustainable processes for use in energy storage systems.
Conduct coke upgrading studies, including calcination, sulfur removal, and catalytic enhancement, to produce high-quality synthetic graphite.
Develop and evaluate BAM derived from coke-based carbons to improve energy density and electrochemical performance.
Support and perform R&D trials and technical feasibility studies for new feedstocks, additives, and processing technologies.
Design, control, and monitor processes to achieve the process parameters for the desired carbon crystallinity, purity, texture, particle size and shape, surface morphology, and structural integrity.
Implement and document process improvements, including operating parameters, control charts, and data-driven optimization methods.
Collaborate with process and application teams to scale laboratory processes to pilot production levels, ensuring reproducibility and cost efficiency.
Perform external trials at equipment manufacturers and external pilot labs.
Perform advanced carbon material characterization using XRD, Raman, XPS, SEM/TEM, BET, PSA, etc.
Develop and integrate new analytical methods in the analytical laboratory process.
Collaborate with external laboratories for advanced analytical tasks.
Design and fabricate electrochemical test cells (coin cells, pouch cells) to validate performance under real-world operating conditions.
Ensure safety compliance and environmental sustainability in the handling, calcination, and graphitization of coke and other carbon precursors.
Ensure all planned activities meet internal safety protocols and external regulatory requirements.
Promote a safe and clean working environment through proper housekeeping, material handling, and PPE usage.
Conduct pre-use inspections and always maintain equipment safe, including forklift operation.
Collaborate with other company functions (operations, commercial, engineering) to ensure seamless product integration.
Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and propose product specifications for internal teams and industrial partners.
Contribute to IP protection actions like patent applications and technical articles, and technical conference presentations to showcase the company expertise and innovations in energy storage materials.
Work as member of a multidisciplinary R&D team and share technical knowledge across functions.
Assist in training technicians in plant operation, safety practices, and basic maintenance.
Be an active link between lab-scale development, upscaling and industrialization.
Assist in identifying technical needs for spare parts, consumables, and new equipment.
Manage inventory of raw materials and tools.