Characterization Engineer – Electron Microscopy

About the position

Duties
Working with CMAT scientists and project teams, you will provide hands on laboratory and technical support for materials characterization using electron microscopy and related techniques. You also help maintain the electron microscopy facility through scheduling and keeping track of preventative maintenance. The role supports multiple research programs by ensuring high quality data acquisition, sample preparation, and operational efficiency of microscopy facilities.
• Prepare samples for SEM and TEM analysis using standard and advanced techniques including FIB
• Operate SEM instruments and associated analytical tools
• Operate XRD instrument
• Support scientists in executing characterization plans and experiments
• Maintain laboratory equipment and microscopy infrastructure
• Analyze and document microstructural data and support reporting
• Assist in method development and implementation of new techniques

Intent of the process
The intent of this process is to staff one 1-year term position located in Hamilton, Ontario.

A pool of fully or partially qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions within Natural Resources Canada with various tenures (determinate period or indeterminate), various language requirements, various security requirements, various conditions of employment and for various locations.

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
You must meet all essential qualifications to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In your response to the screening questions, please provide concrete examples and the following information:
1. Name of the department or organization where the experience was acquired;
2. Title of the position occupied and duration for which you exercised the functions;
3. Specific details of tasks, projects, or accomplishments demonstrating how the experience was acquired.Please note that point form, “copy and paste” from your resume and comments such as “refer to my attached resume” will NOT be accepted. Failure to provide this information in the requested format WILL result in your application being rejected.*NOTE: Please note your application and your answers to the screening questionnaire may be used to assess your ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Learn more about security screening process.

Operational Requirements

Operational requirements
OR1: Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
OR2: Willingness and ability to work overtime when required.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience
E1: Experience providing laboratory or technical support in materials characterization.
E2: Hands on experience in microstructural characterization using electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM).
E3: Experience in sample preparation for electron microscopy using metallographic, electropolishing and/or ion milling, and focused ion beam (FIB) techniques.
E4: Experience operating analytical instruments (e.g., SEM, LOM, XRD, or related tools) and acquiring data.
E5: Experience characterizing metallic, ceramic, or composite materials for industrial or applied research projects.
E6: Experience working in a collaborative environment supporting multiple projects or clients.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge
K1: Fundamentals of materials science, including structure–property relationships.
K2: Principles of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), including imaging and analytical techniques.
K3: Basic principles of crystallography and X-ray diffraction.
K4: Knowledge of microstructural analysis techniques (e.g., phase identification, grain size, defects).

Abilities
A1: Ability to operate and maintain electron microscopy instrumentation (SEM/TEM) and associated analytical tools.
A2: Ability to support experimental work, including planning, execution, and documentation.
A3: Ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal form.
A4: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a laboratory environment.

Personal Suitability
PS1: Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
PS2: Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
PS3: Initiative
PS4: Adaptability

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential

Learn more about language requirements.

You may need (asset qualifications)

May be applied / assessed at a later date

Asset Qualifications:
Education
AQ1: Graduation with a Master's degree in Materials Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience
AQ2: Experience with advanced SEM techniques (e.g., EDS, EBSD).
AQ3: Experience with TEM analytical techniques (e.g., EDS, EELS, in situ or cryo microscopy).
AQ4: Experience maintaining or troubleshooting scientific instrumentation.
AQ5: Experience working with industrial clients or applied research projects.

Our commitment

We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

How to apply

Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.

Information you must provide

• Your résumé

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional links

About CanmetMATERIALS - Natural Resources Canada

Hiring organization contact

Name: Maya Crisostomo - Human Resources Advisor
Email address: [email protected]

Apply