Associate Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer

Location

Toronto

Employment Category

Regular Full-Time

Department

Engineering

Job Reference

10417

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Associate Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer -

Mechanical

Fulltime – One (1) Position Available

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East

OR Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Section Manager, Engineered Barrier Design, and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary technical team, the successful candidate will carry out work assignments related to the design, analysis, manufacture, and demonstration of the Engineered Barrier System (EBS) (comprised of the Used Fuel Container, Bentonite Buffer & Sealing Systems and related equipment/systems) for the disposal of used nuclear fuel within a Deep Geological Repository (DGR). This role will also support mechanical engineering design needs (as required) in cross-functional engineering groups (e.g., Nuclear Facilities Design, Mining & Repository Engineering, Used Fuel Transportation, Research & Collaboration).

This position will be of interest to those wanting to use and further develop skills and knowledge in the nuclear industry in project engineering, mechanical & systems design, manufacturing, automation / remote operation of machines, validation testing and contract management.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Section Manager, carry out technical work assignments related to the design and implementation of the Engineered Barrier System (EBS):

- Perform conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design work on the EBS and associated equipment and systems.

- Development of new concepts and processes for the EBS.

- Development of CAD models and engineering drawings for EBS components and related equipment, using commercial CAD software (e.g., Solidworks).

- Prepare design documentation (e.g., design requirements, design descriptions, design specifications, design calculations, design reports, technical specifications).

- Coordinate the procurement of goods and technical services:

- Participate in the development of scopes of work,

- Support tendering process,

- Evaluate proposals,

- Complete funding/purchase requests,

- Evaluate proposals for contractor award, etc

- Support external contracts related to component design, design qualification, prototyping, and testing.

- Monitor contractor performance against work plans and schedule,

- Maintain contract budgets, schedules, estimates and change.

- Provide technical guidance.

- Review deliverables to ensure NWMO requirements for quality, clarity, and technical accuracy are met.

- Perform contract close out in accordance with NWMO governance.

- Coordinate with other departments to ensure the Engineered Barrier System (EBS) design is aligned and integrated with the overall NWMO Deep Geological Repository (DGR) design.

- Communicate (written and oral) findings of work to stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.

- Attend and/or appear before government authorities, agencies, regulatory bodies, and legislative hearings as requested to assist supervisor and/or others.

- Participate in NWMO public engagement activities.

- Ensure that all work activities reflect an awareness of, and compliance with regulatory requirements, adherence to applicable codes & standards, are consistent with industry best practices, and meet NWMO’s quality requirements.

- Assist engineering management and/or other engineers with daily engineering activities.

- Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

This is a Progression-In-Place role offering significant opportunities for on-the-job learning and professional development. Applicants with less/more experience or qualifications may be considered for a position commensurate with their experience.

- Four-year university degree in Mechanical Engineering.

- A minimum of 4-6 years of relevant experience in mechanical & systems design and project engineering.

- Initiative-taker who can work independently, can drive tasks to completion, displays initiative, problem identification, synthesis, and problem-solving ability.

- Strong people skills, experience working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and with external contractors.

- Experience in CAD modeling and concept development using SolidWorks (or similar software packages) as well as technical drawing preparation. Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5).

- Experience in the preparation of design documentation (e.g., design requirements, design descriptions, design specifications, design calculations, design reports, technical specifications).

- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

- Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications and procedures, governmental regulation, policies and procedures and technical reports.

- Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form and have excellent professional presentation skills to present information and respond to questions from public officials, contractors, the public and other stakeholders.

- Proven organizational ability and attention to detail.

- Must be capable to work under tight deadlines and be flexible to travel when needed.

Preferred

- Registered, or eligible to be registered, as Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.

- Advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

- Familiarity with Project and Contract management.

- Experience in a Nuclear Engineering environment.

- Knowledge in the design and manufacture of nuclear waste containment vessels or pressure vessels.

- Knowledge in the design and development of heavy machinery equipment/systems.

- Experience in design qualification analysis of mechanical components and structures using classical hand calculation as well as using the finite element method (in ANSYS, LS-DYNA or similar software packages).

- Knowledge of ASME BPVC Section II, III, V, VIII, IX and XI.

- Knowledge of CSA standards (e.g., CSA N292 series, CSA N285 series, CSA N289 series, CSA B51).

- Knowledge of nuclear quality requirements (e.g., CSA N286, N299) and other industrial quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025).

- Knowledge of materials (e.g., steel, copper), manufacturing (e.g., welding, forming, and machining) and inspection processes (non-destructive examination).

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce.

The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities.