2027 Winter Student Program - Project Engineering Student

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; Hybrid; CAD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Statutory Holidays (within term)

1 Company Floating Holiday

Additional 4% earnings on each pay

Job summary

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is seeking an Engineering student to support the Commissioning & Project Engineering team on site at Chalk River, Ontario. You will participate in reviews, field activities, and progress tracking within our Big Room approach to keep projects moving forward.

You will observe design, construction and commissioning meetings, contribute where appropriate, and develop practical skills in 3D modelling, laser scans, and documentation while maintaining safety and quality

Qualifications

• Enrolled in University Engineering, majoring in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Energy, Materials, Environmental, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering or Engineering-Physics.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions on active construction projects.
• Problem-solving mindset—resourceful and proactive in finding solutions, even when information is limited.
• Comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and figuring things out without constant direction.
• Strong communication skills—able to clearly convey ideas and collaborate with diverse teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring technical documentation and field observations meet high standards.
• Commitment to safety and quality—prioritizing safe work practices at all times.
• Technical curiosity—eager to learn new tools and technologies (Autodesk, BIM 360, Revit, 3D modelling).
• Demonstrated basic proficiency with MS Office and digital collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint).
• Physically able to perform field work and hold a valid Ontario driver’s license.
• Sureness on Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Participating in engineering reviews of drawings, design packages, construction plans, and testing procedures.
• Attending key project meetings (design, construction, commissioning) to observe decision-making and contribute where appropriate.
• Conducting field activities, such as walkdowns, surveillances, and engineering observations on active construction sites.
• Supporting quality management efforts, including inspections and compliance checks.
• Reviewing and preparing fieldwork documentation and ensuring accurate records in company systems.
• Collaborating with contractors and consultants to resolve technical queries and track progress on deliverables.
• Working with advanced tools, such as 3D models and laser scans, to support design and construction coordination.
• Providing progress updates and assisting with action tracking to keep the project on schedule.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

Skills

Adaptability

Problem solving

Self-starter

Communication

Detail oriented

Safety conscious

Technical curiosity

MS Office

Field work capability

Driver's license

Education

Engineering student in university

Tools

Autodesk applications

BIM 360

Revit

3D modelling

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the delivery of a major infrastructure project while learning from industry experts? Can you see yourself working alongside engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders to help bring advanced nuclear facilities from construction through commissioning? If you answered yes, this may be the opportunity for you. Student to join a dynamic project team supporting the construction and commissioning of advanced nuclear facilities. In this role, you'll gain exposure to both office and field environments while participating in our unique Big Room approach, where multidisciplinary teams work together in real time to solve problems, make decisions, and keep projects moving forward.

All students applying for student positions at CNL must be returning to full-time studies upon completion of their work term. Exceptions will be made for students who require a work term to graduate.

Department: 8656 Commissioning & Project Engineering
Number of Positions:1
Duration: 4 Months (January - April)
Field of Study: Engineering
Year of study: 2nd year or higher

What you will be doing!

• Participating in engineering reviews of drawings, design packages, construction plans, and testing procedures.
• Attending key project meetings (design, construction, commissioning) to observe decision-making and contribute where appropriate.
• Conducting field activities, such as walkdowns, surveillances, and engineering observations on active construction sites.
• Supporting quality management efforts, including inspections and compliance checks.
• Reviewing and preparing fieldwork documentation and ensuring accurate records in company systems.
• Collaborating with contractors and consultants to resolve technical queries and track progress on deliverables.
• Working with advanced tools, such as 3D models and laser scans, to support design and construction coordination.
• Providing progress updates and assisting with action tracking to keep the project on schedule.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Enrolled in University Engineering, majoring in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Energy, Materials, Environmental, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering or Engineering-Physics.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions on active construction projects.
  • Problem-solving mindset – resourceful and proactive in finding solutions, even when information is limited.
  • Comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and figuring things out without constant direction.
  • Strong communication skills – able to clearly convey ideas and collaborate with diverse teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring technical documentation and field observations meet high standards.
  • Commitment to safety and quality – maintaining a questioning attitude and prioritizing safe work practices at all times.
  • Technical curiosity – eager to learn new tools and technologies (experience with Autodesk applications, BIM 360, Revit, or 3D modelling is an asset).
  • Demonstrated basic proficiency with MS Office and digital collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
  • Physically able to perform field work
  • Possessea valid Ontario driver’s license.
• 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. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Working Conditions:

• Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What we offer Students:

• Paid Statutory Holidays (within the working term);
• 1 Company Floating Holiday;
• Instead of cumulative vacation time, students receive an additional 4% of earnings on each pay!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment

Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.

Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

Core Values

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [e-mail] . All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.