ACE Research and Development Engineer

Tracking Code: req2037

Faculty/Department: Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE)

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 10 - $89,100 - $111,100

Posting Date: May 7, 2026

Closing Date: May 27, 2026 (7:00 pm EST)

Job Summary: The ACE Research & Testing Facility (ACE) at Ontario Tech University is a world-class center for advanced research, development, and testing. Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and supported by a team of experienced engineers and technicians, ACE delivers innovative solutions for research, product development, and validation efforts across many market segments.

ACE’s unique capabilities enable the simulation of extreme environmental conditions from around the globe—from the intense heat of desert climates to the harsh cold of Arctic environments. At the core of the facility is one of the most advanced and sophisticated climatic aerodynamic wind tunnels in the world, supporting a wide range of industry and academic applications

Responsibilities/Accountabilities: The ACE Research and Development Engineer will play a critical role in strengthening ACE’s mechanical design, fabrication, and testing capabilities. This role requires a high degree of innovation to develop practical, robust solutions to complex technical challenges within a dynamic testing environment. The position demands detail-oriented, safety-driven design practices, including rigorous analysis, design reviews, and validation to ensure compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

• Contribute to the continuous development and advancement of ACE’s facilities and capabilities as a state-of-the-art, world-class research and testing environment
• Design and implement fixturing, mechanical interfaces, and measurement systems to support customer-driven projects
• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements and translate them into high-quality, executable engineering solutions
• Support the design, setup, and execution of experimental test programs across a range of applications
• Operate and support major ACE testing assets, including:
  • Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel
  • Model-Scale Wind Tunnel
  • Climatic Chambers
  • Climatic 4-Poster System
  • Hemi-Anechoic Chamber Multi-Axis Simulation Table (MAST)
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions to address evolving technical challenges across diverse market segments
• Collaborate across operations, including customer-facing testing, employee cross-training, and academic engagement activities
• Support the research, specification, and procurement of equipment and materials
• Contribute to the development and improvement of operational procedures, safety protocols, and testing methodologies
• Support industry engagement, research partnerships, and outreach initiatives
• Directly mentor students and support student projects and teams

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Proven ability to support mechanical design and development projects based on internal and external requirements, including:
  • Fixtures
  • Force measurement systems
  • Structural components
  • Test hardware
  • Facility upgrades and maintenance
• Strong practical understanding of supporting systems and equipment, including:
  • Force balances
  • Mechanical interfaces
  • Instrumentation
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Facility support infrastructure
• Experience collaborating closely with fabrication teams and understanding manufacturing processes and constraints
• Demonstrated technical leadership, including providing design direction, operational support, and guidance across testing activities
• Customer-facing experience, including:
  • Direct interaction with clients
  • Translating requirements into test plans and hardware solutions
  • Supporting testing through execution and delivery
• Experience developing and executing test programs, including:
  • Fixturing and interface design
  • Instrumentation selection and integration
  • Alignment of test methods with facility capabilities
• Strong troubleshooting skills across vehicle, component, and facility-related technical issues
• Hands-on experience designing and assembling custom apparatus and improving existing systems
• Ability to develop innovative, practical engineering solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to research and development initiatives
• Ability to identify and support new business and research opportunities aligned with engineering capabilities
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• High level of professionalism and adaptability to support both research-focused and industry-driven work

Required Education:

• Completion of a university program consisting of 4 years in Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechatronics Engineering
• Registered or eligible for registration with Professional Engineers Ontario (P.Eng. or EIT)
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered
• Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, development, and testing
• Strong proficiency with CAD, FEA tools and GD&T principles
• Experience designing fixtures, test hardware, or force measurement systems
• Hands-on experience working with fabrication shops and manufacturing processes
• Experience supporting test environments, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated project coordination, risk identification, and problem-solving skills

Assets:

• Knowledge of mechanical vibration and/or acoustics theory, practical measurement and analysis
• Experience in automotive or motorsports testing environments
• Familiarity with instrumentation, wiring, and system integration
• Experience with automation systems, PLC programming, and facility systems
• First Aid or emergency response training

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Hands-on, solution-oriented mindset
• Flexibility to support varying work hours based on testing schedules

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until May 27, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 6/1/2026