Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

RESEARCH ENGINEER (II) - Physics and Astronomy/ Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL)

Job ID

71007

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

07/30/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

08/05/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$30.84 - $47.65 (hourly)

Contract Duration

34.9 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

35 Hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8:30A.M. - 4:30P.M. A 60 minute unpaid meal period is provided each day.

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study.

Career Level

Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience

Job Code

JD00403

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Unit/Project Description:
The Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL) is an emerging national neutron beam user facility at McMaster University. It provides access to unique-in-Canada tools for materials research. More information about the CNBL is available here: https://nuclear.mcmaster.ca/neutron-beams/

The CNBL has recently received funding through the CFI project “Building a Future for Canadian Neutron Scattering” (PI: Bruce Gaulin) to expand its facilities, including new neutron beam instruments that require further development of a custom designed data acquisition and instrument control system. The successful candidate will be part of a team of scientists, technicians, mechatronics specialists, and software developers working to complete the neutron beam instruments and make them readily accessible to visiting researchers and students from all over Canada.

Job Summary:

Under general direction, responsible for providing specialized engineering support in a specific engineering field or discipline for research and contract projects.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Design, fabricate, and assemble equipment and instruments that require engineering techniques or modifications.
• Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments.
• Analyze and solve new, unique, and complex problems as presented in research contracts and projects.
• Apply standardized engineering principles and methods from a specialized field or discipline to solve problems.
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze data.
• Write and adapt computer software required for, but not limited to, data collection, design, modelling, and mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Recommend and incorporate new approaches and methodologies into research.
• Write sections of 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.
• Participate in the management of the research project or contract by defining and coordinating resource needs, determining priorities to achieve project goals, and setting schedules that will meet defined deadlines.
• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience..

Assets:

• Familiarity with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) for building distributed control systems.
• Familiarity with electronics components commonly used in X-ray or neutron scattering instrumentation (e.g. detector electronics, nuclear instrumentation modules, motor control systems).

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 strong 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 905-525-9140 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.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

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 talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.