Research Engineer - Instrumentation

UBC The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Engineer - Instrumentation to design, fabricate, and implement tools and protocols for measuring combustion and emissions of alternative fuels. You will collaborate with the research group and industry partners to collect data, analyze results, and report findings.

Responsibilities include developing software for instrument control (LabVIEW, Matlab, Python/NumPy), supervising lab operations, and mentoring graduate students.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science; minimum one year related experience or equivalent.
• BASc or MASc in Mechanical engineering preferred.
• Fabrication and electronics experience, plus strong technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and create prototype equipment, analyze requirements, test, and document.
• Design, fabricate, implement, and maintain instrumentation and protocols for combustion/emission studies.
• Develop measurement techniques for data collection using lab- or field-based approaches.
• Develop and maintain software for instrument control and data analysis (LabVIEW, Matlab, Python/NumPy).
• Oversee lab operations, safety, equipment maintenance, and supplier coordination.
• Support measurement campaigns, engine facility operation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare archival documentation such as journal articles, conference papers, and presentations.
• Mentor graduate students in equipment development and operation.

Skills

LabVIEW

Matlab

Python / NumPy

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science

BASc or MASc in Mechanical engineering

Tools

LabVIEW software

Matlab

Python

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Scientific Eng., Level A Job Title Research Engineer - Instrumentation Department Research Group | Thermochemical Energy Conversion Systems Lab | Department Mechanical Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $6,631.67 - $9,533.25 CAD Monthly The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job. Posting End Date October 14, 2026 Job End Date October 31, 2027

Job Summary

This position is responsible for design, fabrication, and implementation of tools, protocols, and analytical methods for measuring and evaluating the combustion and emissions of alternative fuels for engines. The incumbent will need to interact with UBC team members and industrial partners for design of equipment, protocols and analytical methods, as well as collection of data, analysis, and reporting. Documentation for reporting and archiving purposes is required.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. P. Kirchen and receives additional supervision from senior research staff. Will work in co-operation with other members of the research group, including graduate students and other PI’s at UBC and/or external partners.

Work Performed

• Design and create unique prototype equipment for novel engineering applications, includes assessing requirements, consulting with stakeholders, completing the full-cycle design process, conducting analysis and testing, and preparing documentation.
• Design, fabricate, implement, and maintenance of instrumentation, equipment, and protocols for measuring and evaluating the combustion and emissions of alternative fuels and energy systems.
• Develop and implement measurement techniques and protocols for emission and combustion data collection using lab- or field-based approaches.
• Develop, implement, and maintain software for instrument control and operation, and data analysis using programming languages such as Labview, Matlab, and/or Python/NumPy.
• Oversee the proper operation of laboratory facility, including: maintaining safe work environment; designing, fabrication, and commissioning of custom equipment; purchasing of equipment and supplies; maintenance of equipment; troubleshooting equipment; interfacing with external vendors and contractors.
• Support measurement campaigns for data collection, including campaign design and planning, operation of research engine facility and instrumentation, analysis of collected data, and/or preparation of engineering reports and/or data archives.
• Prepare archival research documentation such as journal articles, conference papers and presentations, seminars, and/or workshops.
• Document activities and provide regular reports to the supervisor and other team members.
• Provide guidance to graduate research students in the development, fabrication, operation, and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercises judgment in collection of data to ensure relevance and quality. Responsible for the completion of assigned work or project objectives. Consequence of errors include damage to reputation, delay of project objectives and deliverables, damage to equipment, and/or injury.

Supervision Received

The position reports to the research supervisor on a weekly basis. The position requires a high degree of professional skill, organization and motivation to conduct the work in and independent manner.

Supervision Given

Will provide mentorship, guidance and direction to students in carrying out experiments or implementation of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate or graduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. BASc or MASc in Mechanical engineering is preferred. Demonstrated fabrication and electronics experience, as well as technical communications skill are required. Experience with numerical software such as Matlab or Python/NumPy , engine emission analysis, hands‑on experimentation, and/or processing of experimental data are desired.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].