Do you enjoy working with advanced materials and cutting-edge nuclear technologies? Are you looking for a role where you'll conduct experimental research, perform irradiation and high-temperature materials testing, and assess material performance for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactor concepts? Would you like to contribute to the development of the next generation of nuclear reactors while using specialized mechanical testing equipment and high-temperature ovens?

If you answered yes, our Research and Development Technologist - Mechanical role is for you; apply today!

What you will be doing!

- Executing high-temperature laboratory experiments to evaluate material performance and degradation under demanding operating conditions.
- Selecting, planning, designing, setting up, and troubleshooting experimental systems to support testing programs.
- Conducting mechanical tests, generating experimental data, and documenting, interpreting, and reporting results.
- Preparing job hazard analyses and compliance documentation while maintaining safe and efficient laboratory operations.
- Defining equipment and component requirements, supporting procurement activities, and ensuring equipment calibration and quality standards are maintained.
- Researching and implementing advanced testing equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition techniques to enhance experimental capabilities.
- Identifying opportunities for improving testing methods, data analysis, laboratory safety, and overall operational effectiveness.
- Collaborating with project teams, vendors, service providers, and compliance staff while providing technical updates, facility tours, and laboratory walkdowns.
- Mentoring and training junior staff on experimental equipment, testing procedures, and laboratory best practices as experience is gained.
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What We Are Looking For

- Education
- Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology, or equivalent formal education, in a field relevant to the position, such as mechanical engineering technology, materials engineering technology, materials sciences, engineering, machining and normally has two to three years of pertinent technological experience. OR Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and normally has five to eight years of pertinent and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.

- Experience

- 2 to 3 years of relevant experience in mechanical testing, instrumentation, and data acquisition is considered an asset.
- Prior experience in materials science, in-situ measurement techniques, scientific instrumentation (such as thermocouples, LVDTs), welding, LabVIEW, and working with systems involving elevated temperatures is required.
- Experience in sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching metal specimens would be an asset.

- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities





- Demonstrated theoretical knowledge of mechanical testing methodologies.
- Functional knowledge of computers, including using programmable data acquisition systems and processing of scientific data.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, especially when dealing with high-temperature testing, radioactivity and energized systems.
- A proven track record for producing high-quality work and effective display and communication of data.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to work to schedule and to balance needs for multiple ongoing projects with effective organizational skills.
- Manual dexterity is required to perform precision work with experimental equipment.
- Practical work experience in some combination of material testing, analytical sciences, scientific instrumentation, and designing experimental apparatus is required.
- A solid working knowledge of maintaining and using mechanical testing equipment is essential.
- General knowledge of materials degradation phenomena, creep and fatigue would be beneficial.
- Awareness of, or experience with, industrial quality assurance and quality control programs is an asset.

- Security Clearance Eligibility Required

- Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Working Conditions

- Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
- This position is part of the USW 1568and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
- Occasionally, you may be in hazardous environments that require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Standing or walking for long periods of time may be required when setting up and monitoring experiments in multiple laboratories.
- The work environment requires high vigilance for alarms. Lights and signals are safety requirements.
- Regular requirement for moderate lifting/pushing/pulling of equipment up to 25 lbs.




- Hand dexterity is required for preparing and installing mechanical test samples.

Why CNL? Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most. From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!

Location: Onsite Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance. Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees. CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [email protected] . All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.

📌 R&D Technologist - Mechanical (Chalk River)
🏢 Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
📍 Chalk River