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Job Description

The Fluids Engineering branch performs fluids-based design, testing and analysis to support the nuclear industry. The branch develops and operates high-temperature, high-pressure fluids loops for research and development applications, as well as various other test loops, rigs and equipment. The branch also includes specialists in Instrumentation & Control, sensors and data analytics / machine learning / artificial intelligence supporting or leading related projects.

This position involves research and development work in the Fluids Engineering branch at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Chalk River campus. The work is generally on several projects in parallel and may involve laboratory and analytical work including design and development of test rigs or tooling, testing, analysis of results, project management and reporting. The work is primarily focused on fluids technology associated with the nuclear industry. This may include sealing, flow-induced vibration, wear, lubrication, and pumping / filtration systems, as well as other related fields.

The candidate must have the ability to be a positive addition to a multidisciplinary team in terms of technical competency, work ethic and positive attitude The responsibilities of the candidate may also include review and supervision of the work of other professional and technical staff.
Much of the work is for commercial customers and the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that work is completed within the time and budget allocated, meeting all technical requirements. The candidate shall have a good understanding of general project management principles. Familiarity working under a contract would be an asset.

DUTIES
To work with a team that primarily studies and develops fluids-related technologies for the nuclear industry, such as seals, pumping, filtration, lubrication and flow-induced vibration. Work may include:
• Assisting in the design, development, assembly, testing, qualification and operation of test fixtures and test loops;
• Selection and procurement of equipment needed for testing;
• Commissioning test fixtures and test loops;
• Maintaining records, preparing memos, reports and other documentation;
• Reviewing and supervising the work of other professionals or technical staff;
• Planning, reviewing, and performing tests, and analyzing test data;
• Interfacing with customers;
• Providing field support for equipment and systems;
• Monitoring and reporting on work status, including technical, schedule and budget;
• Managing projects within budget and schedule constraints;
• Working under the supervision of and in collaboration with senior R&D scientists / engineers;
• Keeping abreast of international literature in the field(s) of research;
• Supervising technologists, tradespeople and junior engineers /scientists associated with the work;
• Developing, verifying and using data analysis software;
• Preparing interim and final reports, status reports, journal papers and other documents as required;
• Representing CNL to external customers, and at external meetings, conferences and similar gatherings.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum Master’s Degree in Engineering or Applied Science from a university of recognized standing, preferably in Mechanical Engineering.
• Preference given to candidates licensed or in process towards being licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario. Registration in the PEO Engineering Intern Program is an asset for candidates without sufficient experience to be licensed.
• Sound knowledge of fluids-related phenomena and mechanical systems.
• Laboratory experience with fluids-related testing.
• Broad understanding of design, development and commissioning of test facilities for fluids-related experiments.
• Understanding and experience with fluids-related measurements such as local flow velocity, temperature, and pressure.
• Experience with control systems and data acquisition and analysis systems is an asset.
• Experience in other technical fields to support multidisciplinary projects may be considered an asset.
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis is considered an asset.
• Experience with numerical structural-dynamics modelling / simulation is considered an asset.
• Basic familiarity with CAD packages.
• Experience in scientific programming languages used for experimental data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, LabWindows, CVI and National Instruments systems is considered an asset.
• A moderate to high degree of expertise with spreadsheet software.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Knowledge of the nuclear industry, including radiation protection principles, environmental and security compliance programs is an asset.
• Knowledge of basic project management principles.
• Computer literacy in word processing tools is required.
• Familiarity with working within a regulatory framework is an asset.
• Experience working under an established quality assurance program is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including writing reports and papers.
• Excellent record-keeping is required (e.g., log books, data sheets, calibration records, etc).