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 of 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.
Engineer/Scientist/Technical Officer – Intermediate & High Level Waste
Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East
or Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street
Job Summary:
The incumbent will provide technical input, guidance and input on Intermediate Level Waste (ILW), Non-Fuel High Level Waste, and Small Modular Reactors (SMR)/non-CANDU nuclear fuel waste forms and their safe, long-term disposal in a deep geological repository. This role has a direct reporting line to the Manager, Intermediate and High-Level Waste, while maintaining a matrix relationship with Engineering Mangers to support cross-functional initiatives and to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration across technical teams.
The incumbent will be responsible for leading and implementing fuel wastes work and contract(s) needed for the development of engineering design, transportation, and safety solutions. This work includes but is not limited to assessment of the waste form including physical dimensions, inventory, heat generation, durability, criticality, corrosion, radionuclide content; radionuclide release, as well as potential new design or changes required for fuel handling, transportation and repository design).
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide technical expertise, guidance, and input on ILW, NFHLW, and non-CANDU fuel wastes, including fuels from new reactors such as SMRs.
· Lead projects and contracts. Participate in the development and issuance of contracting documents (RFP’s) and evaluation and selection of contractors. Review work plans; review technical reports and outputs; monitor/report on contractor performance against work plans and schedule.
· Interface with vendors or waste owners to develop descriptions of ILW, NFHLW, SMR, and non-CANDU fuel wastes, including providing technical support to help address gaps, and implementing or advising on contracts to address gaps.
· Produce reports and other documentations and presentations. Conduct analyses and/ or provide recommendations for work on ILW, NFHLW, SMR, and non-CANDU fuel wastes needed for the development of engineering and transportation design solutions.
· Manage a range of internal and external resources to ensure assignments are produced on time, on budget, and in accordance with NWMO brand standards and communication strategies. Ensure resources are scheduled to avoid bottlenecks, delays or unnecessary costs.
· May be required to participate in budget submissions, financial evaluation and purchases justification as required.
· Keep abreast of developments and international projects/experience related to nonstandard fuel through technical publications, contacts with internal and external experts in the field.
· Represent the NWMO and make presentations to the public, CNSC and at national and international forums.
· Ensure that all work activities reflect an awareness of, and follow, applicable legislated, corporate and departmental safety requirements and programs.
· Perform other duties as require
Qualifications:
· A 4-year university degree in nuclear engineering or chemistry/chemical engineering or the equivalent education.
· Over 6 years of relevant experience including experience in nuclear waste and nuclear waste handling.
· Knowledge in ILW, NFHLW, and non-CANDU nuclear waste forms from new reactors such as SMRs would be an asset.
· Demonstrated experience in contract management (i.e., creation of requests for proposals, bid evaluation, ongoing management, contract close out).
· Strong interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and interact with external contractors.
· Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications and procedures, governmental regulation, policies and procedures and technical reports.
· Proven organizational and attention to detail skills.
· Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
· Self-directed learner who displays initiative, problem recognition, synthesis and problem-solving ability.
· Demonstrated experience in project management, including plan development, resourcing, schedule tracking, contract management and problem resolution.
· Experience in communicating effectively in both oral and written form including excellent professional writing and presentation skills.
· Must be able to effectively apply theoretical and practical technical knowledge and use sound analytical thinking to solve problems in the appropriate subject areas.
This is a Progression-In Place role. Applicants with lesser experience or qualifications may be considered for a position at a lower level commensurate with their experience.
Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.
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 and dental 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. If you require accommodation, please contact us.
