Technical Officer in Mechatronics and Laboratory Automation Development

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.

City: Mississauga 

Organizational Unit: Energy, Mining and Environment 

Classification: TO-4 

Tenure: Term 

Duration: until 31 March 2027 

Language Requirements: English  

Notes: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

This position is being re-posted. If you had previously applied, there is no need to re-apply.

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada’s largest research and technology organization, and support the goals of the Energy, Mining and Environment (EME) Research Center through research and development and application of advanced technologies. 

We are looking for a Technical Officer (TO) with a focus to support the accelerated discovery and development of clean energy and/or energy storage materials for the Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre’s new Research Facility in Mississauga. 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.

You will assist in the development of mechanical, electrical, and programming aspects of automated technology, focusing on pushing the capabilities of laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation. You will develop innovative solutions towards the development of robot-operated wet/dry chemical laboratories. You will assist in the development of various mechanical parts/pieces for modularity of the robotic platforms, develop methods for multi-component device integration (potentially including API development and programming equipment controls), as well as fine-tune and validate the operation of the platforms.

Your duties will include:

•    Design, develop, and implement automated systems for laboratory automation, with a focus on mechatronics integration.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, assess feasibility, and propose technical solutions for automation projects, and provide technical support as required.
•    Create detailed mechanical designs and assemblies for custom automation equipment, being able to conceptualize high-level concepts into this scope for systems-level design and analysis, and execute on the material selection, component integration, and operation of your designed hardware.
•    Implementation of existing non-automated hardware into automated workflow.
•    Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards throughout the development and deployment of automated systems.
•    Stay updated with the latest advancements in mechatronics and automation technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation, and willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, tools, and industry trends in mechatronics and automation.

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:

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

• Experience in designing and developing automated systems.
• Experience in mechanical design and engineering, with expertise in CAD software for 3D modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Experience in the application of programming languages such as C++ or Python for equipment system integration.
• Experience working with various sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers for automation purposes.
• Experience in successfully collaborating with cross-functional teams, taking a central role as the primary source of mechanical-related knowledge and expertise.

Assets:

• Experience with Human-Machine interface (HMI).
• Experience working with scientific equipment and laboratory automation.

Reliability Status

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

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

• Ability to produce 3D mechanical assemblies ready (eg. Solidworks) and/or process flow diagrams to MAP out an automated workflow.
• Ability to code in Python or C++, with capabilities in other languages and control applications considered an asset (LabVIEW, SQL etc.).
• Ability to operate, modify and develop specialized equipment and techniques, including the calibration, maintenance and repair of equipment or experimental set-ups.
• Occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of mechatronics systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet project deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, quality, and safety in all aspects of automation system development.

• Research Technician/Technologist - Communication (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)

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

View all competency profiles

From $73,744 to $94,839 per annum. 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation and other leave entitlements.

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.

We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you.  Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.

At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season. We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. 

Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today!

• 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 the requisition number (20049) to:

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone : 438-304-7562 

Closing Date: 5 January 2024 - 11:59 Eastern Time 

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