Research Engineer II

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
: JD0403

Expected Start Date
:
Early August 2026

McMaster University is seeking a talented, self‑motivated engineer for a research position in the technical services team. You will join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary department of radio chemists, engineers, and nuclear physicists at McMaster Nuclear.

McMaster Nuclear comprises a world‑class suite of nuclear facilities, including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the McMaster University Cyclotron Facility, the McMaster Accelerator Laboratory, the McMaster High Level Laboratory Facility, the Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems, and the Taylor Radiobiology Source. This suite of nuclear facilities is key to our identity as “Canada’s Nuclear University” and a major effort is underway to increase the research and educational impact of these facilities in this priority strategic area of the University.

• 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.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Liaise with external clients and project partners.
• Perform activities that require dexterity and precision, including, but not limited to, manual calibration of laboratory equipment and assembly of circuit boards.
• Remain current with frequent advances in a technical field or scientific discipline.

Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short‑term staff and volunteers.

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

• Experience working in a nuclear reactor environment.
• Experience with reactor irradiation devices.
• Experience drafting sketches and drawings using CAD software.

• Exposure to radioactive isotopes and field hazards.
• Climbing a ladder to install and repair equipment.
• Using power tools to fabricate and repair equipment.
• Working with compressed gases and liquid nitrogen.

Supervise technical services co‑op students.

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 or clearances. 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 being terminated.

As part of the employment for this appointment, you will be declared a Nuclear Energy…