Mass Spectrometry Technician

Job Title: Assay Laboratory Technician – Battery Recycling Facility

Location:
Markham, Ontario

Department:
Quality Control / Assay Laboratory

Reports To:
Laboratory Manager / Senior Metallurgist

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Pay Rate:
To be determined based on experience and qualifications; expected range $19–$20 per hour (may be adjusted higher for candidates with strong relevant experience in precious/critical metals analysis, hydrometallurgy, or battery recycling). Payroll and training/dev is done by Recruitment partner for 4-6 months.

Company Overview

We are an innovative battery recycling facility in Markham, Ontario, dedicated to the sustainable recovery of critical metals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Our advanced hydrometallurgical processes recover high-value materials such as lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and other strategic/precious metals, supporting the circular economy and reducing reliance on primary mining for electric vehicle and energy storage battery production.

Job Summary

The Assay Laboratory Technician will be responsible for conducting precise analytical testing and assays on battery feedstocks (e.g., black mass, shredded material), process solutions, intermediates, and recovered products. This role is essential for accurate metal quantification, process optimization, recovery yield tracking, and quality assurance.
In-depth knowledge of precious metals and critical metals analysis is required
, with emphasis on techniques applicable to transition metals (Co, Ni, Mn) and lithium in recycling streams, including handling of complex matrices and high-accuracy quantification.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced assays using methods such as ICP-OES/ICP-MS, XRF, AAS, titration, gravimetric analysis, and wet chemistry for multi-element determination of critical metals (Li, Co, Ni, Mn) and any trace precious metals.
• Prepare representative samples from battery black mass, leach solutions, precipitates, and final products, including acid digestion, dilution, filtration, and matrix matching to minimize interferences.
• Quantify metal content in hydrometallurgical process streams, monitor leaching efficiency, impurity profiles, and recovery rates to support production decisions.
• Assist in process troubleshooting and optimization by analyzing experimental samples and validating assay methods for improved precision in battery recycling contexts.
• Maintain accurate records of all assays, calibrations, quality controls (e.g., standards, duplicates, blanks), and sample chain-of-custody in compliance with lab standards and regulations.
• Calibrate, operate, and perform basic maintenance on analytical instruments (ICP systems, spectrometers, balances, etc.); ensure lab safety, cleanliness, and hazardous waste handling protocols are followed.
• Collaborate with process and engineering teams to interpret data, identify recovery improvements, and contribute to R&D for enhanced metal separation techniques.
• Adhere strictly to health, safety, and environmental protocols when working with hazardous materials (acids, battery residues, toxic metals).

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience:
  1–3+ years in an analytical lab setting, ideally in mining/metallurgy, precious metals refining, hydrometallurgy, electronic waste/battery recycling, or similar industries. Entry-level candidates with strong academic training in metals analysis will be considered.
• Technical Skills:
• Proven hands-on experience with precious and critical metals assay techniques (e.g., ICP for Co/Ni/Li/Mn analysis, sample digestion of complex battery matrices, interference correction).
• Familiarity with hydrometallurgical sampling and monitoring (leaching, extraction, precipitation).
• Strong attention to detail, data accuracy, and problem-solving in high-precision environments.