Business Development Associate/Chemist

Saltworks Technologies is a leading Canadian cleantech company solving two of the world's most pressing challenges: water sustainability and critical minerals supply. We design and build advanced industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems for global leaders in semiconductors, mining, automotive, and industrial processing.

Saltworks is a 2025 Technology Fast 50 company and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner. We lead our industry in adopting and developing AI across our products, projects, and operations. Join us and build skills defining the next era of engineering and industrial systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for a  Chemist or Chemical Engineer to join our Business Development team! If you are interested in working with customers and collaborating with our technical team to deliver state-of-the-art water treatment and lithium refining plants, the Business Development Associate position might be for you. Join a world-leading team that is making a positive impact where it matters most!

Here is what the role entails:

• Developing a deep understanding of our ground-breaking products, water chemistry, and saline water treatment fundamentals while learning from internal technical experts. This position will be mentored by a Senior Business Development Engineer and supported by our entire technical team.
• Interviewing customers to understand their challenges while gathering critical information to enable development of an effective solution.  
• Working collaboratively with our internal team to develop creative and differentiated process options and present cost-optimized solutions to the customer.
• Focusing on customer service excellence through responsiveness, thoroughness, and quality outputs.
• Completing high-level process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and economic analyses.
• Drafting proposals, developing project plans (scope, schedule, cost), securing customer feedback, and ultimately working with customers toward successful solutions.
• Building meaningful long-term relationships based on technical trust.
• Representing Saltworks through in-person customer meetings and at conferences and exhibitions.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• A degree in engineering or science with strong core knowledge of chemistry.
• 0 - 3 years of industrial experience. 
• A passion for helping customers solve complex problems using science and technology while collaborating with experts.
• Strong analytical and math skills, with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal (active listening, asking great questions) and written (concise, clear messaging).
• Ability to analyze complex or incomplete information and develop solutions that align with customer objectives.
• Experience with economic assessments and developing process or cost models in Excel.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, learn quickly, and deliver high-quality work under deadlines.
• Curiosity and research skills to identify new customers, applications, and market opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an enthusiasm for meeting new people and building relationships.
• Willingness to travel to meet customers and attend industry events.

Why join Saltworks?

At Saltworks, you'll collaborate with talented colleagues to solve complex, real-world problems – designing and delivering innovative water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world's most recognized companies. Every team member contributes meaningfully, from early-stage development through field deployment.

Saltworks is investing intentionally in artificial intelligence for engineering and technical work. Engineering offers one of the longest runways for AI-driven productivity and automation, and Saltworks aims to be at the forefront of this shift. We provide the training, computational capacity, and practical tools needed for engineers and technical professionals to apply AI meaningfully in their work.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, vision, RRSP matching, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and an education allowance.
• Culture built on safety, innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.
• Collaborative, cross-functional team environment where every member contributes to project outcomes.
• Regular social activities and company events.

How to apply:

If you would like to join the Saltworks team, please submit your resume (cover letters are not required).

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications are considered confidential.

Kindly, no recruiters.

Salary: $65,000 to $85,000 per year (negotiable based on your experience, qualifications, and internal equity). 

Location: 13800 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC V6W 1A8

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