Can you see yourself driving experimental research that shapes the next generation of nuclear reactors? In this role, you’ll design and conduct advanced in‑reactor and high‑temperature experiments, investigate new instrumentation techniques, and analyze complex material behaviors to understand how candidate SMR and Gen IV materials perform under extreme conditions. You’ll contribute directly to Canada’s future energy landscape by developing models, interpreting results, and sharing discoveries through papers and reports. If you’re eager to lead innovative research and solve meaningful scientific challenges, this is where your work will matter most. Apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Designing and conducting in-reactor and high temperature experiments on candidate materials for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Generation IV (GenIV) concepts.
- Making technical decisions with respect to experimental research.
- Investigating new techniques for instrumentation, control and fabrication of high-temperature experiments.
- Performing and/or supervising laboratory work.
- Analyzing and interpreting data by using underlying physical mechanisms relevant to material behavior. Applying and developing models for materials performance in the nuclear reactor environment.
- Writing R&D reports, conference and journal papers.
- Preparing and managing research work packages, and ensure that the projects complete the required scope, remain on schedule and are within approved budget.
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.
What we are looking for:
- Education
- At minimum, a MSc in mechanical engineering, materials science, nuclear engineering or a related discipline from a university of recognized standing or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
- A PhD is considered an asset
- Experience
- 2 years of experience in experimental design, experimental instrumentation, high-temperature and in-reactor/ion irradiation materials testing is required.
- 2 years of experience conducting experiments and a demonstrated ability to document experimental results effectively is required.
- Experience with characterization methods such as FIB, TEM, SEM and EDX is an asset
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- High degree of computer literacy
- Ability to work on short- and long term projects and results oriented.
- Strong communication skills and ability to deal with internal and external clients
- A high degree of motivation and the ability to handle the competing demands of multiple assignments are essential.
- Background in experimental design, experimental instrumentation, high-temperature and in-reactor/ion irradiation materials testing and characterization techniques
- Knowledge of the nuclear industry.
- Security Clearance Eligibility Required
- Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
Working Conditions:
- Occasionally, there may be in hazardous environments that require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and high vigilance to alarms, lights, and signals as a safety requirement.
- Work takes place in both office and laboratory environments. Laboratory environment includes some degree of exposure to hazardous conditions (electrical power sources, pressurized systems, high temperatures, chemicals).
- Periodic travel to conferences and meetings will be required.
Why CNL?
Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.
What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package
We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security
Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians
If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!
Location: Fully Onsite
This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.
Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!
We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.
CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via jobs@cnl.ca. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.
CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.
