Job ID

78141

Job Title

Principal Research Engineer (ENG-PHYS)

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/08/17

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/08/22

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Engineering Physics

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 11

Salary Range

$41.99 - $59.09 (hourly)

Job Code

JD0409

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

12.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours/week

Education Level

Doctoral degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience

Anticipated Start Date

September 21, 2026

Principal Research Engineer

(JD0409)

Engineering a Brighter Future https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

About the Faculty

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering. has a reputation for innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. Engineering faculty, staff and students at McMaster pursue research and learning in more than 22 research centres, institutes and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross-departmental and faculty boundaries. Outside the University, we regularly collaborate on research projects with partners in universities, the government and more than 100 companies in Canada and abroad.

About the Department The Engineering Physics program at McMaster University is a dynamic hub where fundamental physics meets innovative engineering design. The program integrates rigorous training in physics, mathematics, and engineering with hands-on experience in advanced technologies such as materials and devices, photonics, biomedical, micro- and nano-systems, nuclear and quantum-enabled technologies. Students develop the skills to analyze, design, and build solutions that address complex challenges in areas spanning energy, computing, advanced materials, and emerging technologies.

With a strong emphasis on problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning, Engineering Physics provides a stimulating environment for its 250 undergraduate and 85 graduate students in a close-knit community.

About the Position

We are welcoming applications for the Limited-Term (contract) position of Principal Research Engineer . The successful incumbent will lead the research and technology development on advanced photonic devices based on nonlinear optics and diode pumped solid state laser, including modelling, simulation, design, fabrication, testing, assembly, and packaging. This position will report to Professor Chang-qing Xu.

Job Summary

Responsible for providing guidance and advice for multiple research projects and providing extensive, highly-specialized, engineering services in broad areas of assignments in order to design, develop, and oversee research and contract projects.

Purpose & Key Functions

- Develop and design research projects.
- Prepare and submit proposals to external funding and granting agencies.
- Manage multiple research projects by defining and coordinating resource needs, determining priorities to achieve project goals, and setting schedules that will meet defined deadlines.
- Design, fabricate,



and assemble equipment and instruments that require the identification, modification, and adaptation of novel engineering techniques.
- Apply specialized knowledge to review, critically appraise, and interpret published literature.
- Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments.
- Identify, analyze, and solve new, unique, and complex problems as presented in research contracts and projects.
- Apply standardized engineering principles and adapt methods from a specialized field or discipline.
- Collect, evaluate, and analyze data.
- May be required to design and develop computer software required for, but not limited to, data collection, design, modelling, and mathematical and statistical analysis.
- Identify, recommend, and incorporate new approaches and methodologies into research.
- Author scientific reports and papers for inclusion in journal publications and contract reports.
- Format and summarize data and write technical reports based on research findings.
- Develop and deliver technical presentations to engineering colleagues, industry, and contract agencies.
- Present briefings to industry and to representatives of contracting agencies on the progress of the work that is being conducted to ensure the awarding of or continuing of additional funding.
- Obtain contracts to provide support for projects.
- Assign and schedule work to others and review work for technical accuracy and adequacy.
- Provide financial and resource planning and tracking for research projects and contracts.
- Provide advice in a specialized field to colleagues, collaborators, and students.
- Exchanges technical and scientific information with others.
- Liaise with external clients and project partners.
- May be required to perform activities which require dexterity and precision including, but not limited to, the manual calibration of laboratory equipment, and assembly of circuit boards.
- Remain current with frequent advances in a technical field or scientific discipline.

Supervision

- Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers.
- May provide direction to others in how to carry out tasks.

Qualifications

- Doctoral degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study.
- Requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

- Previous experience working in a university environment is considered a strong asset.

Additional Information The successful applicant must have a solid background in photonics, mechanics, and electronics, as well as significant hands-on experience in remote sensing, micro/nanofabrication, optoelectronic device packaging, programming, subsystem assembly, and prototyping. The successful candidate must have and/or demonstrate:

- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with stakeholders.
- Adaptability and creativity when resolving issues and maintaining workflows.




- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to make technical decisions with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with CAD, SolidWorks, MatLab, and Microsoft Office Suite.

The successful candidate must also have a solid background and extensive hands-on experience in the following areas:
- Photonics, mechanics, and electronics
- Assembling, packaging, and prototyping optoelectronic devices.
- Product development, testing, and debugging.

This position requires full-time onsite presence. Flexibility is also required to work occasional evenings, weekends, and evening h ours to meet the demands of the position. How To Apply To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a robust commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

- Human Resources Service Centre at (phone hidden) ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews.

If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.

📌 Principal Research Engineer (ENG-PHYS) (Canada)
🏢 McMaster University
📍 Canada