Technical Officer, Materials Testing Specialist

National Research Council of Canada; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Robust pension plan

Comprehensive health and dental care

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada seeks a Technical Officer to advance materials testing capabilities within the Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre. You will conduct advanced mechanical and electrochemical testing, develop new test methods, and interpret results in collaboration with researchers and engineers.

The role emphasizes hands-on operation of laboratory equipment, data interpretation, and reporting, with a hybrid work arrangement and opportunities to contribute to hydrogen

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience with specialized laboratory instruments/ mechanical equipment operation and/or installation.
• Experience in CAD/design software
• Experience in building new test capabilities
• Experience in preparing and presenting reports both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of new capabilities and apparatuses for materials assessment under hydrogen exposure conditions and/or other environments.
• Support a wide range of materials testing activities using standard techniques and help implement new test capabilities.
• Perform standard tests to determine mechanical properties (tensile strength, ductility, fracture toughness, impact toughness, fatigue) with/without hydrogen exposure.
• Analyze material properties using analytical tools including optical/electron microscopy and XRD.
• Collect, compile and interpret data; install lab equipment according to specifications.
• Coordinate lab resources and maintain equipment within area of responsibility.
• Analyze data, prepare reports and presentations for clients/publications.

Skills

Laboratory instrumentation

Mechanical testing

Documentation & reporting

Test equipment maintenance

Education

College Diploma or University Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

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Technical Officer, Materials Testing Specialist

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:Clean Energy Innovation

Classification:TO-3

Duration: up to December 2029

Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

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.

Discover the possible

The role

We are looking for a Technical Officer to support the goals of NRC and Clean Energy Innovation (CEI) Research Centre through research and development and application of advanced technologies. You will be working in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities, while sharing our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The technical officer will provide the technical expertise on techniques/approaches in the fields of mechanical, materials, and electrochemical testing to ensure that project objectives are met in a timely manner. The technical officer will plan and conduct standard tests to determine mechanical, electrochemical and other properties of the materials being tested. The work follows established protocols, but often requires the development of novel methods and modifications to test equipment. The technical officer’s duties include:

• Participate in the development of new capabilities and apparatuses aimed at addressing gaps in materials assessment under hydrogen exposure conditions and/or other environments.
• Participation in a wide range of activities relating to the materials testing and evaluation for clean energy using standard techniques and support the development and implementation of new test capabilities.
• Perform standard tests to determine mechanical properties (tensile strength, ductility, fracture toughness, impact toughness (Charpy), fatigue, etc.) with and without exposure in high pressure hydrogen gas environment and/or other environments.
• Perform analyses to determine other material properties using a wide variety of analytical tools including, optical and electron microscopy and XRD.
• Collect, compile and provide mechanical interpretation of data, and prepare and install lab equipment based on specifications.
• Involve in coordination of lab or facility resources and is responsible for the maintenance of equipment within their area of responsibility.
• Analyze test data, prepare well written reports and presentations suitable for clients and/or publications.

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

College Diploma or University Degree in, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy or in relevant field.

• Significant** hands-on experience with specialized laboratory instruments/ mechanical equipment operation and/or installation.
• Experience* in CAD/design software
• Experience* in building new test capabilities
• Experience* in preparing and presenting reports both orally and in writing.

Asset:

• Installation/ operation of pressure vessels
• Basic knowledge on codes/ standards and safety related to high pressure hydrogen gas system

*Experience is defined as one (1) year
** Significant expericen is defined as three (3) to five (5) years of experience

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:

• Sound knowledge of R&D testing techniques and principles including application of standards for referencing and calibration.
• Sound knowledge of mechanical testing.
• Sound knowledge of mechanical design and drawing tools.
• Sound knowledge in the use and care of analytical equipment.
• Basic knowledge in optical and electron microscopy and XRD.
• Ability to interpret results, identify problems and troubleshoot basic equipment as needed.
• Ability to implement innovative ideas.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment based on knowledge of Occupational Health.
• Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Communication (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Initiative (Level 2)

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.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• 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 (26114) to:

Closing Date: 09 December 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time