Research Officer, Semiconductor Fabrication

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is seeking a Research Officer in Semiconductor Fabrication to join the Quantum and Nanotechnologies unit. The role requires full-time onsite presence at NRC facilities in Ottawa, with possible accommodations for exceptional cases.

Eligible candidates will have advanced degrees and hands-on experience in semiconductor process development and characterization. Applicants must meet rigorous screening criteria including education in physical, chemical,

Qualifications

• : Master’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences, or equivalent Engineering disciplines.
• A PhD in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.
• Two years of significant hands-on experience in cleanrooms and semiconductor fabrication environments.
• Hands-on experience with metallization tools/systems: thermal, electron beam and sputtering.
• Experience operating five or more of the listed semiconductor tools is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operate and qualify semiconductor fabrication processes.
• Maintain safe working practices in a semiconductor environment.
• Collaborate on process development and optimization and contribute to device fabrication.

Skills

Semiconductor processing

Cleanroom experience

Metallization tools

LabVIEW

Materials characterization

Safety practices

Education

Master's degree in physical, chemical, materials sciences

PhD asset

Tools

Thermal metallization

Electron beam

Sputtering

PECVD

RIE/ICP-RIE

LabVIEW automation

XRD

SEM

Job description

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Research Officer, Semiconductor Fabrication

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

OrganizationalUnit:Quantum and Nanotechnologies

Classification:RO

Duration: 2 years

Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.
At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

The role

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Master’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences, or equivalent Engineering disciplines.
A PhD in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

• Significant recent** hands-on experience in cleanrooms and semiconductor fabrication environments;
• Significant recent ** hands-on experience in semiconductor process development and optimization (lithography, metallization, wet- and dry-etch, metal contact alloying, materials and devices electrical and structural characterization);
• Significant recent** hands on experience with metallization tools/systems: thermal, electron beam and sputtering
• Hands-on experience in the operation of five (5) or more of the following semiconductor front- and back-end processing tools will be considered an asset:
  
  • Mask and maskless optical aligners,
  • Electroplating,
  • Rapid thermal annealers,
  • PECVDs
  • Wet- and dry-etch (RIE & ICP-RIE)
  • Electrical probe stations,
  • LabVIEW automation software development,
  • Materials characterization (EDX, XRD)
  • Metrology (VASE, reflectometry, SEM) equipment,
  • Automated or semi-automated Scribers/dicers
  • Lappers/polishers

**Significant recent experience is defined as at least two (2) years of experience gained within the last 5 years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Solid knowledge of semiconductor processing principles (lithography, metallization, thin film deposition and etch, materials and electrical characterization techniques, and partial back-end processing);
• Demonstrated ability in the operation and programming of thermal, electron beam and/or sputtering metallization systems.
• Demonstrated ability of qualifying and maintaining semiconductor processes
• Demonstrated ability to integrate semiconductor fabrication process in the fabrication of functional semiconductor-based devices; and
• Solid knowledge of safe working practices in a semiconductor device fabrication environment; including working with chemicals, compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and electrical, mechanical and vacuum systems.
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Partnering (Level 1)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-rangeof competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with therequisition number (26008) to:

Closing Date: 27 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.