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

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 setting.
- 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 strong 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. CN

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