Sustaining Engineer

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) invites applications for two term positions at the RCO-2/RCO-3 level in the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre in Ottawa. These roles require full-time presence on site and involve rigorous screening criteria focusing on III-V semiconductor fabrication knowledge, process integration, and data-driven quality improvements.

Successful candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering, with PhD or Master’s considered an

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or applied science discipline.
• A PhD or Master’s degree in one of these disciplines may be considered an asset.
• Hands-on experience in III-V semiconductor fabrication within an industrial production cleanroom environment.
• Experience sustaining and optimizing III-V semiconductor fabrication processes, including troubleshooting, process stability, and yield improvement.
• Experience integrating multiple fabrication steps within a semiconductor device flow, with demonstrated understanding of cross-process interactions and their impact on yield and performance.
• Experience using MES and DOE data to support process monitoring, variation control, and decision-making.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following core process areas is required: Dielectric deposition and etch (including III-V etch); Metallization; Lithography (including E-beam) and metrology.

Skills

Semiconductor fabrication

DOE data analysis

Process optimization

Cleanroom safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences or related field

PhD or Master’s degree asset

Tools

MES data systems

DOE data analysis tools

Process integration

Job description

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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:Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre

Classification:RCO

Tenure: Two (2) term positions - one (1) night shift and one (1) week-end shift

Duration: 1 year

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.

The role

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

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or applied science discipline.

A PhD or Master’s degree in one of these disciplines may be considered an asset.

• Hands-on experience in semiconductor device fabrication within an industrial production cleanroom environment.
• Experience sustaining and optimizing III-V semiconductor fabrication processes, including troubleshooting, process stability, and yield improvement.
• Experience integrating multiple fabrication steps within a semiconductor device flow, with demonstrated understanding of cross-process interactions and their impact on yield and performance.
• Experience using MES and DOE data to support process monitoring, variation control, and decision-making.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following core process areas is required:
• Dielectric deposition and etch (including III-V etch);
• Metallization;
• Lithography (including E-beam) and metrology.

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:

• Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of on III-V semiconductor fabrication processes (dielectric deposition/etch, metallization, and/or lithography/metrology).
• Demonstrated ability to sustain and optimize semiconductor fabrication processes, ensuring process stability, repeatability, and yield through effective execution and application of data-driven methodologies such as SPC, DoE, and MES.
• Solid knowledge of troubleshooting methodologies, including investigation of process deviations or tool instability, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Demonstrated knowledge of III-V semiconductor process integration, including the impact of process variations on downstream steps, device performance, and yield.
• Solid knowledge of cleanroom safety practices, including safe handling of chemicals, compressed gases, and fabrication equipment, in accordance with established operational and health and safety procedures.
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Partnering (Level 1)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theRCO-2/RCO-3level, which is an early to mid-career level position with a salary range of $83,985to $139,608.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of 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 f foster a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. 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 (26268) to:

Closing Date: 12 November 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.