Coatings Development Specialist

Coatings Development Specialist

Role Type: Part-time or Full-time, in-person or remote

Location: Oakville, Ontario

Job Description

Betterfrost's Development Team seeks a specialized Coatings Development Specialist to drive the prototype design and manufacturing process for multi-layer film stacks used in advanced thermal management systems. This role is highly cross-functional, requiring expertise in developing and applying complex spray-on coatings onto unique conductive substrates while meeting stringent low-temperature curing and high-voltage isolation requirements. The successful candidate will be key to designing a manufacturable material stack compatible with our ultra-low energy defrosting technology.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and practical production capability of a multi-layer material stack. Key technical responsibilities include:

• Material Stack Design and Production: Drive the design, formulation, and application of a multi-layer material stack (insulator, conductor, insulator) onto a proliferated metal sheet.
• Coating Formulation & Application: Design and produce spray-on coatings (e.g., polymer solutions, ceramic-filled epoxies, or specialized paints) for both electrical insulating and conductive layers.
• Low-Temperature Curing: Develop and implement processes for coatings that can be cured under 50°C (with a preference for room temperature curing) to ensure compatibility with sensitive substrate materials.
• High-Voltage Isolation: Ensure the material stack, particularly the high-voltage electrical insulation layer, is capable of safely withstanding and isolating operating voltages of up to 400V.
• Surface Finish Management: Address the challenge of applying the insulating layer without texturing the substrate surface.
• Prototype Manufacturing: Translate lab-scale formulations into repeatable, high-quality prototype application processes for demonstration purposes.

Job Requirements

• Required Experience: 5+ years of hands-on process and materials engineering experience in materials science, electrical insulation systems, or advanced coatings development within automotive, electronics, or aerospace industries.
• Core Technical Competence: Proven knowledge and capability in the design and production of spray-on coatings for both electrical insulating and conductive applications.
• Low-Temperature Curing Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in developing and applying coatings that can be cured under 50°C.
• Electrical Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of electrical breakdown, dielectric strength, and creepage/clearance necessary for high-voltage (up to 400V) electrical isolation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thin-film application methods, such as spraying or electrical deposition.
• Familiarity with materials designed to function as an electrical conductor but possessing relatively high resistance for effective heating.
• Experience working with unique substrates, particularly proliferated metal sheets.
• Experience in designing a final exterior insulating layer to protect against environmental factors.

About Betterfrost

We are developing ultra-low energy methods for defrosting for a variety of applications. We embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world more energy-efficient and safer.

Why Join Us

Our 'Work Appropriately' philosophy supports our foundation of inclusion and provides employees with the flexibility to work where they can have the greatest impact on achieving our goals, depending on role needs. Every day, we want every employee, no matter their background, ethnicity, preferences, or location, to feel they belong to our Betterfrost team.