Description

AbbaTek is developing MPDetect, a next-generation water-monitoring platform designed to improve how microplastic pollution is detected and understood in aquatic environments.

We are seeking an experienced engineer and product designer to lead the technical strategy and engineering execution required to move MPDetect from development through field validation and commercialization. The CTO will help transform complex sensing technology into a reliable, manufacturable, field-ready product while working closely with scientific, business development, and commercialization teams.

This is an equity-based founding leadership opportunity. This is an opportunity to join AbbaTek’s founding leadership team, shape the company’s technical direction, and receive meaningful ownership in an emerging Canadian technology company.

Candidates based in Nova Scotia or willing to relocate are preferred. Some remote or hybrid flexibility may be possible, depending on the candidate and stage of development, but regular collaboration with the AbbaTek team is expected.

Qualifications The ideal candidate will have:

- An engineering degree or equivalent technical experience.
- Significant hands-on engineering and product development experience.
- Experience taking products from early-stage development through prototyping, testing, validation, and commercialization.
- Experience with multidisciplinary systems involving hardware, electronics, sensors, software, data, or other complex technologies.
- A strong understanding of product development and systems engineering.
- Experience with manufacturing, supply chains, component selection, or contract manufacturing.
- Experience leading technical teams or multidisciplinary engineering projects.
- Solid problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
- The ability to work hands-on when needed while maintaining a strategic, systems-level perspective.
- The ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, customers, investors, and business leaders.

Valuable experience includes:
- Environmental monitoring or water-quality technologies.
- Sensors and sensing systems.
- Optical or photonic systems.




- Electronics and embedded systems.
- Quantum sensing or quantum technologies.
- Scientific instrumentation.
- IoT and connected devices.
- Data acquisition and analytics.
- Field-deployed instrumentation.
- Design for manufacturing.
- Environmental, marine, or cleantech technologies.

Candidates do not need experience in every listed area. AbbaTek is seeking strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to lead a multidisciplinary technical program.

Expected Duties

Technical Leadership

- Own AbbaTek’s technical strategy and product development roadmap.
- Translate scientific and customer requirements into engineering specifications.
- Lead the development and integration of MPDetect’s hardware, sensing, electronics, software, and data systems.
- Establish engineering requirements, system architecture, testing protocols, and technical documentation.
- Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Product Development and Engineering

- Lead the transition from prototype technology to a reliable, field-deployable product.
- Oversee system integration, prototyping, testing, validation, and iteration.
- Establish design-for-manufacturing and design-for-deployment practices.
- Evaluate components, suppliers, contract manufacturers, and engineering partners.
- Develop a practical pathway toward manufacturing and commercial-scale production.

Field Deployment

- Help design MPDetect for diverse aquatic ecosystems and environmental conditions.
- Develop testing and validation strategies for real-world deployments.
- Identify and resolve technical challenges encountered during field testing.

Team Building

- Determine the engineering capabilities AbbaTek needs as it scales.
- Build and manage an engineering team over time.




- Decide when to develop capabilities internally and when to partner with external experts.
- Establish a culture of rigorous testing, documentation, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Leadership

- Work with the CEO and founding team on product strategy, fundraising, partnerships, and commercialization.
- Represent AbbaTek’s technical vision to investors, customers, research partners, and other stakeholders.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear business and product decisions.

Compensation This is an early-stage, equity-based leadership opportunity. AbbaTek is not currently offering a conventional salary package. Instead, the successful candidate will receive a meaningful equity stake structured to reflect their role as a key member of the founding leadership team. Upon successful candidacy, further compensation will be discussed.

The opportunity includes the ability to:

- Take significant ownership in an emerging Canadian technology company.
- Lead development of technology with potential applications in environmental monitoring, public health, industry, and national security.
- Shape AbbaTek’s technical direction from an early stage.
- Build and lead the engineering organization as the company grows.
- Work with a multidisciplinary team developing novel technology.
- Help bring Canadian research and innovation into commercial deployment.

To apply, please send a CV or resume and a brief note describing a complex product or technology you helped take from concept to reality, including your role in the process. AbbaTek is committed to building a diverse and multidisciplinary team and encourages applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. AbbaTek is an equal opportunity employer.

About AbbaTek

AbbaTek Group Inc is a Nova Scotia water-tech company committed to providing environmental data solutions that lead to positive action for all communities. https://www.abbatekgroup.com/solutions

Pay: $83,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Halifax, NS

📌 Chief Technology Officer (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 AbbaTek Group
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality