Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer - Intermediate & High Level Waste

Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO); Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is seeking an Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer with extensive experience in nuclear waste management. The role involves leading projects focused on the development of deep geological repositories, requiring strong project management, analytical, and technical communication skills. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the safe disposal of nuclear waste while collaborating closely with industry stakeholders. This position offers competitive benefits and is located in Toronto, with options for future relocation.

Benefits

Health care benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Hybrid work model

Qualifications

• Over 6 years of relevant experience in nuclear waste management.
• Knowledge of ILW, NFHLW, and/or non-CANDU nuclear waste forms.
• Demonstrated experience in contract and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and contracts in nuclear waste management.
• Produce technical reports and conduct analyses for engineering design.
• Collaborate with industry to develop inventories and understand waste.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Writing

Analytical Thinking

Education

4-year university degree in engineering

Job description

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer – Intermediate & High-Level Waste

Fulltime – Three (3) Positions Available

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East

or Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Intermediate and High-Level Waste, the incumbent will join a multidisciplinary technical team engaged in the early stages of development of a deep geological repository for the disposal of Intermediate Level Waste (ILW), Non-Fuel High Level Waste (NFHLW), and used fuel from new reactor technologies in Canada (e.g., Small Modular non-CANDU nuclear fuel waste forms).

The incumbent will be responsible for leading and contributing to technical reports, managing contracts and collaborating with industry (e.g., waste owners, new nuclear proponents, technical working groups). The incumbent will lead and/or support project management, pre-disposal planning, governance development, repository design, safety analyses, lifecycle cost modelling and financial forecasting. The ideal candidate will have experience in nuclear waste management, supported by experience in project planning and development of procedures, and strong communications and project management skills and expertise in engineering design, geoscience and/or safety analysis or a related technical discipline.

• Provide technical expertise, literature reviews and conduct analyses on ILW, NFHLW, and non-CANDU fuel waste, including fuels from new reactors such as SMRs, to support the development of pre-disposal planning, engineering design, safety analyses, and project life cost estimates.
• Lead projects and contracts. Participate in developing and issuing contracting documents (e.g., RFPs) and evaluation and selection of contractors. Review work plans and deliverables and monitor/report on contractor performance against work plans and schedule.
• Collaborate with industry to develop inventories and understanding of ILW, NFHLW, and non-CANDU fuel wastes. Provide technical support to help address gaps.
• Produce technical reports and presentations. Conduct analyses and/ or provide recommendations for work on ILW, NFHLW, SMR, and non-CANDU fuel wastes needed for the development of engineering and transportation design solutions.
• Manage a range of internal and external resources to ensure assignments are produced on time, on budget, and in by NWMO brand standards and communication strategies. Ensure resources are scheduled to avoid bottlenecks, delays or unnecessary costs.
• May be required to perform lifecycle cost modelling and financial forecasting to support long-term planning and decision-making for nuclear liabilities.
• May be required to participate in budget submissions, financial evaluation and purchase justification as required.
• Stay informed of developments and international projects/experience related to ILW, NWHLW and non-standard fuels through technical publications and contacts with internal and external experts in the field.
• Represent the NWMO and make presentations to the public, CNSC, and national and international forums.
• Ensure that all work activities follow applicable corporate and departmental safety requirements and programs.
• Perform other duties as required.

This is a Progression-In Place role. Applicants with lesser experience or qualifications may be considered for a position at a lower-level position commensurate with their experience.

• A 4-year university degree in engineering, preferably nuclear physics/engineering or chemistry/chemical engineering or the equivalent education
• Over 6 years of relevant experience in nuclear waste management.
• Knowledge of ILW, NFHLW, and/or non-CANDU nuclear waste forms from new reactors such as SMRs (i.e., understanding of waste characteristics and behaviors such as heat generation, durability, criticality, corrosion, radionuclide content, radionuclide release as it relates to repository safety and design).
• Demonstrated experience in contract management (i.e., creation of requests for proposals, bid evaluation, ongoing management, contract close out).
• Demonstrated experience in project management (i.e., plan development, resourcing, schedule tracking, contract management and problem resolution).
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications and procedures, governmental regulations, policies, procedures and technical reports.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven professional writing and oral communication/presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Self-directed learner who displays initiative, problem recognition, synthesis and problem-solving ability.
• Must be able to effectively apply theoretical and practical technical knowledge and use sound analytical thinking to solve problems in the appropriate subject areas.
• Experience with procedure writing or governance development would be an asset.
• Experience in cost estimating and financial forecasting is an asset.

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing toReconciliationin all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, pleasecontact us.