Technical Development Associate

Objective & Overview

The Technical Development Associate will play a key role in supporting and advancing innovation, technical excellence, and product development within the Lafarge Innovation & Training Centre. The incumbent will be responsible for executing advanced testing programs to optimize mix designs, raw material characterization, and qualification of concrete, aggregates, and admixtures in alignment with the company’s sustainability and innovation strategies. The role will provide direct technical support to operations and the technical & innovation department while also collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve product performance and implementation.

Responsibilities

Safety:

• The incumbent is responsible for implementation of Lafarge Safety Policies, and Compliance with Government Legislation, as well as with training and orientation of all direct and departmental staff, with a specific focus on behaviors and culture.
• Safety Induction of Visitors to Quality Lab or sites as required. Execution of Job Hazard Analyses for QC Tasks, and implementation of Action Items.
• Execution and implementation of Lab/QC Safety Improvement Plans.

Concrete and Aggregates Product Performance & Development:

• The incumbent will be expected to execute laboratory trials for concrete and aggregates product performance testing, ensuring compliance with CSA and ASTM standards.
• Support the development of innovative and sustainable concrete solutions, including EcoPact, Ductal, BMQ solutions, CDM, and fillers.
• Perform materials sampling, preparation, and testing to evaluate mix performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards.
• Assist in new mix designs to support RMX and specialty concrete applications.

Concrete and Aggregates Product Testing:

• The incumbent will be expected to perform a wide range of fresh and hardened concrete tests, pavement material evaluations, and aggregate testing in compliance with CSA and ASTM standards.
• Assist in overseeing the execution of special product demonstrations, sample preparation, and application training.
• Support the planning and execution of plant trials, troubleshooting product issues, and enhancing product quality
• Ensure timely and accurate data logging, analysis, and reporting of all testing activities.
   

Reporting & Documentation

• The incumbent must produce high-quality technical reports summarizing lab projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
• Must be able to review specifications, prepare and deliver detailed technical documents, presentations, and training materials.
• Must analyze and interpret test results, comparing them with specifications, tolerances, and targets to identify deviations and trends.
• Must provide strategic recommendations based on findings and report critical data promptly to the supervisor.
• Responsible for maintaining structured, audit-ready documentation to support quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Operational & Facility Support

• Assist in ensuring all testing equipment is maintained, calibrated, and in compliance with required standards.
• Support facility management activities, including vendor coordination, procurement of equipment/materials, RFQ and maintaining testing resources.
• Monitor and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Innovation & Training Centre.

Bookkeeping & Expense Coordination

• Track, organize, and report all facility-related expenses, including procurement of materials, tools, and laboratory supplies.
• Ensure timely processing and record-keeping of invoices related to facility maintenance, equipment purchases, and third-party testing services.
• Work with the Technical Services Supervisor to monitor budget allocations and implement cost-saving initiatives where applicable.

Sales/Operations Support

• The candidate will provide expert customer support to both our internal & external customers including; troubleshooting activities with VAP rep.’s, field sales support and quality incident investigation and resolution with sales and QC teams, as well as identifying VAP opportunities and potential innovation and product improvement opportunities for customers and job sites.
• Provide technical expertise and develop lab programs to pre-qualification testing for projects and troubleshooting.
• Develop Quality and product best practices for QC, sales and operations and will support programs with both field and regional labs to benchmark Lafarge aggregates material performance vs. competitors to effectively market our products.

Relationship with Others

• The successful candidate will report directly to the Technical Services Supervisor and work closely with the ITC Technician(s) and the Technical & Innovation Team.
• The role will require frequent collaboration with RMX & Aggregates Technical and QC Managers, Innovation & Development Lead, Sales Representatives, and Operations personnel. 

Specific Accountabilities:

• Safety Implementation & Compliance
• Product Development & Testing
• Mix Design Optimization (MDO) & Raw Material Characterization
• Customer Support & Troubleshooting
• Technical Reporting
• Technical Presentations
• Laboratory Operations & Equipment Maintenance
• Collaboration with Sales & Operations
• Bookkeeping & Expense Tracking

Dimensions

• This candidate will have no direct reports. The incumbent will also be part of a department that is responsible for the quality of approximately 3,000,000m3 of ready mix concrete.

Qualification Profile

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. 0–2 years of experience in construction materials, concrete technology, or a related industry. ACI Certification for Concrete & Aggregate Testing (preferred or willing to obtain).

OR:

• College Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology with at least 2 years of related experience, CET Designation or admissible to obtain it

Knowledge and Skills

• ACI Certification for Concrete & Aggregate Testing
• Experience in the construction materials (concrete and aggregates) industry. Have experience of working with CSA A23, A3000 a ASTM standards related to construction materials Expert in cement, concrete and aggregate technology knowledge
• Experience in analyzing/reporting results and maintaining records and sample techniques and instrumental analysis
• Work with autonomy in a lab setting.
• Must be familiar with standard repair techniques and proper routine maintenance procedures for the various pieces of laboratory equipment
• Must be able to interpret test results & recommend changes and next steps and produce high quality technical reports to summarize lab projects. Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong computer skills and ability to quickly learn and use new software

Job Specific Competencies

Strong problem solving and analytical skills
Strong technical writing and documentation skills for reports, SOPs, and presentations
Strong computer skills and ability to quickly learn and use new software
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to develop effective internal and external relations
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and reporting tools.
Maintain professional image at all times

Self-motivated with a professional and detail-oriented approach.
Disciplined and process-oriented ensuring structured, high-quality documentation

We thank you for your interest. Please note that this posting is for an existing vacancy, and only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  Lafarge is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages the applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Lafarge Canada Inc. welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.