Research and Development Scientist/Engineer

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits effective Day One

Tuition support

Pension plan

Job summary

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is seeking a Research and Development Scientist/Engineer to contribute to cutting-edge work in computer modelling, sensor design, signal processing, and data analysis for concrete materials and NDT. You will design testing systems, lead projects, and help advance monitoring technologies critical to nuclear infrastructure.

The role requires a strong background in radiation-based measurements, Monte Carlo analysis, and programming, with a focus on NDE/NDT methods,

Qualifications

• Postdoctoral studies or 2–3 years of government/private sector experience.
• Demonstrated experience with radiation-based measurements and experimentation.
• Strong math and analytical skills, including Monte Carlo methods.
• Proficient with programming across several languages and data analysis.
• Familiar with NDE techniques and laboratory instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on concrete materials and NDT of structures.
• Develop experimental, numerical, and analytical characterization methods.
• Design, construct, and operate specialized testing apparatus and data systems.
• Supervise staff and ensure safe operation and hazard assessments.
• Plan, execute, and report project activities and deliverables.
• Prepare technical proposals and manage work packages and milestones.

Skills

Radiation-based measurements

Monte Carlo analysis

Programming in multiple languages

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong communication

Non-destructive evaluation (NDE)

Electronics knowledge

Education

Bachelor (Honours) in Engineering or Science

Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering or physics (asset)

NDT certification (e.g., RT)

Job description

Do you enjoy developing innovative technologies and solving complex technical challenges? Can you see yourself designing inspection tools, analyzing data, and advancing monitoring technologies that support critical nuclear infrastructure and components? Our team is looking for a Research and Development Scientist/Engineer to contribute to cutting‑edge work in computer modelling, sensor design, signal processing, and data analysis. If you answered yes, then this may be the job for you!

What will you be doing!

• Developing and leading R&D projects focused on concrete and cementitious materials, including the non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete structures.
• Applying advanced experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques to characterize concrete materials.
• Conducting research related to freeze-thaw cycling, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), acoustic monitoring, and cementitious sensors.
• Designing, constructing, and operating specialized testing apparatus and data acquisition systems.
• Performing experimental studies and developing innovative solutions to address customer-identified challenges.
• Leading and supervising technical staff while ensuring the safe operation of laboratory equipment and completion of job hazard assessments.
• Assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing technical guidance to project team members.
• Initiating, planning, executing, and reporting on project activities and deliverables.
• Preparing technical and project proposals in support of new and ongoing work.
• Managing project work packages, schedules, resources, and milestones.
• Writing technical reports, procedures, and supporting project documentation.
• Following documentation processes and standards to ensure quality and compliance.
• Reviewing technical documents and resolving comments through effective disposition and documentation control.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What We Are Looking For

• Education
  • At minimum, a Bachelor (Honours) in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
  • A master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering or physics from a university of recognized standing or a member of a provincial professional engineering association would be considered an asset.
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certification (e.g., RT) in one or more methods.
• Experience
  • Postdoctoral studies or 2-3 years of experience working in the government or private sector.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Demonstrated experience with radiation-based measurements and experimentation.
  • Strong mathematical and analytical skills, including experience with Monte Carlo analysis.
  • High degree of computer literacy, including proficiency in programming using multiple computer languages.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external clients.
  • Knowledge of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of electronic equipment, instrument networking, and data manipulation.
• 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.
• This position is part of the CRPEG unionand is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
• Office and laboratory work, requiring standing and sitting.
• Carrying less than 30 lbs.
• Ability to wear standard PPE, i.e., safety shoes, safety glasses, and gloves. Possibly respirators or various types of masks (comfo, N95, etc.).

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: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

Location: Fully Onsite

This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. 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. We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values.

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

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.