Job ID

75574

Job Title

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

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/05/01

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/05/17

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 8

Salary Range

$28.90 - $43.51 (hourly)

Job Code

JD0402

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

24.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 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 3 years of relevant experience.

The anticipated fill date for this position is June 2026.

Job Description

JD: #JD00402
Pay Grade:8
Title: Research Engineer (I)

Unit/Project Description:

The Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL) is an emerging national neutron scattering research facility based at the McMaster University Nuclear Reactor. The CNBL provides access to unique-in-Canada scientific infrastructure for materials research using neutron beams. More information about the CNBL is available here: https://nuclear.mcmaster.ca/neutron-beams/
Through recently funded CFI projects (PI: Bruce Gaulin), the CNBL will expand its facilities by developing multiple new neutron beam instruments, which will be driven by a custom-designed data acquisition and distributed instrument control system (based on EPICS framework). The research engineer will be critical in developing this control software to orchestrate the instrumentation and will also provide contributions to hardware development and integration.

The successful candidate will be part of a team of scientists, technicians, specialists, and developers working to complete the neutron beam instrumentation and maintain them in a state of readiness for visiting researchers and students from across Canada.

Job Summary:
The Research Engineer (I) is responsible for carrying out engineering assignments on research and contract projects under the supervision of a Principal Investigator or supervisor. Requires knowledge of standard engineering methods and techniques in a specialized engineering field or discipline.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Design, fabricate, and assemble equipment and instruments requiring the application of engineering standards and practices.
• Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments.
• Analyze and solve a variety of engineering research problems as presented in the research project or contract.
• 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, and mathematical and statistical analysis.
• 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.
• Recommend resource requirements and in consultation with supervisor will determine priorities in order to schedule work activities.
• 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.

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

Assets:

• Proficiency in Python 3.0 (Python 2.7, pyenv, and git are valuable).
• Development experience in Linux environments.
• Familiarity with electronic hardware commonly used in neutron or X-ray scattering instrumentation (e.g. precision motor control systems, nuclear instrumentation modules, pulse processing, circuitry).
• Familiarity with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control Systems (EPICS) for building distributed control systems.
• Skills in C/C++ or virtual machines are beneficial.
• Team-oriented with effective communication skills.

Additional Information:

• Applicants must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment

• The anticipated start for this position is June 2026.

Nuclear Operations Security Provisions
Security clearances and background checks are necessary due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear facility’s operations and regulatory licensing (Nuclear Safety Control Act) requirements. As a condition of employment for this Appointment, you must successfully complete the appropriate and necessary security screenings / clearances (documentation will follow in a separate email). You will be advised in writing by the University whether this condition has been met upon the University's receipt of the results. If you are unsuccessful in these processes, you will not be able to meet the job requirements and therefore any offer of employment will be rescinded or will result in your employment with the University will be terminated.

Being a Nuclear Energy Worker
You will be declared a Nuclear Energy Worker. Given the nature of the work environment where you will be performing your duties, which includes entering and working in radiological hazardous environments, the University requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, protective clothing, and gloves, as necessary to enter these areas. The University is committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

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

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