Research Engineer

Employment and Social Development Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Resources Canada- Energy Efficiency and Technology Sector, CanmetENERGY-Ottawa seeks a Research Engineer to plan, execute, and support applied R&D on advanced industrial technologies. You will apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and process engineering to optimize energy systems, design experiments, and develop models.

The role involves coordinating with external partners, preparing technical reports, and supporting project management activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering (mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, aeronautical, geological) or related field.
• Experience in industrial energy conversion projects and evaluating system performance.
• Experience planning energy conversion projects and developing advanced processes.
• Experience commissioning/operating industrial energy conversion systems at pilot or larger scale.
• Experience in data analysis and presenting technical results.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat/mass transfer.
• Familiarity with computational techniques to solve engineering problems.
• Ability to interpret results, communicate clearly, and manage external partners.

Responsibilities

• Design and commission research equipment and test rigs.
• Conduct laboratory and field experiments to evaluate performance.
• Develop engineering models and analyze experimental data.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and recommendations.
• Assist with project management activities (scheduling, costing, procurement).

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Project coordination

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Engineering degree (mechanical/chemical/civil/electrical/aeronautical/geological)

Job description

Natural Resources Canada- Energy Efficiency and Technology Sector, CanmetENERGY-Ottawa

Selection process number
2026-RSN-EA-EETS-683578

Salary
$100,684 to $122,337

Level
EN-ENG-03

Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.

Duties
Group Description:The Carbon Management Technologies group at CanmetENERGY-Ottawa (Natural Resources Canada) conducts applied research and development to advance the decarbonization, efficiency, and competitiveness of Canada's industrial sector. The group combines experimental research with engineering analysis, process modelling, and collaboration with industry, universities, and government partners to accelerate the deployment of innovative industrial technologies.Description of Duties:The Research Engineer (ENG-03) is a working-level engineer responsible for planning, executing, and supporting applied R&D projects related to advanced industrial technologies. Working within a multidisciplinary research environment, the engineer applies principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and process engineering to evaluate system performance, develop new process concepts, and optimize industrial energy conversion systems.Key responsibilities include designing and commissioning research equipment, conducting laboratory and field experiments, developing engineering models, analyzing and interpreting technical data, and preparing technical reports, publications, and recommendations. The position also supports project management activities such as scheduling, costing, procurement, and collaboration with external partners.

Work environment
CanmetENERGY is Canada’s leading research and technology organization in the field of clean energy. Its expertise, projects and unique facilities are driving solutions for cleaner production and use of energy resources. CanmetENERGY-Ottawa engages in research and development in the areas of energy efficiency, clean fossil fuels and renewable and alternative energy sources, in the transition to a low-carbon future. Our goal is to ensure that Canada is at the leading edge of clean energy technology development and greenhouse gas reduction. We are one of four national laboratories under the Minister of Natural Resources Canada dedicated to research, development and deployment of energy science and technology solutions for Canada.CanmetENERGY-Ottawa’s mission supports the Minister’s mandate by leading the development of energy S&T solutions for the environmental and economic benefit of Canadians. We foster a broad range of successful research partnerships with manufacturers, academia, planners, builders, and all levels of government, by working collaboratively to identify, test and innovate products and processes beneficial to the lives of Canadians.At CanmetENERGY-Ottawa, we strive for organizational excellence and demonstrate this commitment through our Gold Level Certification in the Organizational Excellence Standard provided by Excellence Canada. CanmetENERGY-Ottawa also supports its employees in achieving a work-life balance that allows them to continue to be successful in their careers while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In 2022, CanmetENERGY Ottawa was named a Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month® Great Employer by Excellence Canada and Canada Life, for the fourth year in a row (2019 & 2020 & 2021)!This position is located at the Bells Corners Complex, situated within Ottawa’s Greenbelt, yet close to restaurants and shopping within the area of Bells Corners. Situated between Nepean and Kanata, we are close to the Bayshore bus station as well as the Eagleson/Terry Fox Park and Ride with bus access to the Complex. This location also features trails and walking paths as well as workplace wellness programs including running, fitness and mental health initiatives to boost employee morale and work/life balance.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLzA6PP1Ln0

Intent of the process
This process will be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates for determinate ENG-03 positions.

Operational Requirements

Willingness and ability to travel.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours.
Willingness and ability to work overtime.
Willingness and ability to wear personal safety equipment.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

Experience:
1. Experience in conducting industrial energy conversion projects, including efficiency determination or evaluation of system performance.
2. Experience in planning industrial energy conversion projects, including the design or development of advanced processes.
3. Experience in commissioning or operating industrial energy conversion systems at the pilot or larger scale.
4. Experience in data analysis and presenting results.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of engineering principles (e.g., thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer).
2. Knowledge of recent trends in the field of industrial energy systems.
3. Knowledge of computational techniques to solve engineering problems.

Abilities:
1. Ability to interpret results to draw relevant conclusions and present recommendations.
2. Ability to safely operate specialized laboratory and mechanical equipment.
3. Ability to manage projects with external organizations.
4. Ability to communicate effectively orally.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Personal Suitability:
1. Effective interpersonal relationships
2. Conscientious
3. Initiative and self-learning
4. Dependability

Language requirements (essential for the job)

May be applied / assessed at a later date

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:Education:
1. Post-graduate degree from a recognized institution in a specialty relevant to the duties of the position.
2. Licensed as a professional engineer in Canada with specialization in an engineering specialty relevant to the position.

Experience:
1. Experience in conducting research and development of advanced energy conversion systems such as critical minerals processing, fuel cells, combustion, gasification, or CO2 capture.
2. Experience in searching scientific and technical literature to review the state-of-the-art in various aspects of energy conversion systems.
3. Experience creating technical system drawings, such as piping and instrumentation diagrams or electrical diagrams, using software such as Microsoft Visio.
4. Experience applying mechanical design principles using software such as SolidWorks.
5. Experience in the development of process models using software such as AspenHYSYS.
6. Experience using thermochemistry software such as FactSage.
7. Experience using numerical simulation software, such as COMSOL or Fluent, that uses discretized mathematical models to solve physical phenomena.
8. Extensive experience in programming to solve engineering problems.
9. Experience applying electrical engineering principles for designing equipment.

Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of electrical engineering principles.

Our commitment

We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service .

Everyone is welcome! Natural Resources Canada is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce with a diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds that represents Canada now and in the future. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.