Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Industrial Research Associate

Position Summary

The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) is Red Deer Polytechnic's first nationally recognized research centre. CIM-TAC creates capacity in advanced design, design simulation, prototyping, and prototype testing to further the competitiveness of Alberta's manufacturing industry by providing a regionally unique, affordable alternative to in-house research and development. Through customized support that builds on Red Deer Polytechnic's (RDP) established Center for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM), this Technology Access Centre (TAC) helps innovators design, build, and test their creative solutions to advance their company's profitability and capability. Our clients recognize CIM experts for their diverse skill sets, capabilities, and responsiveness to unique challenges associated with manufacturing. Given this track record of innovation and success, the CIM-TAC at RDP is destined to grow the success of even more of Alberta's innovative manufacturers.


The Industrial Research Associate is an entry-level engineering position who will be responsible for evaluating, researching and developing new ideas to support our client needs. The incumbent must be registered with APEGA as an Engineer in Training or a Professional Engineer. In this dynamic, fast paced and applied research environment, the incumbent will be troubleshooting and problem-solving products, designs, and processes. The ideal candidate enjoys solving challenging problems and working with both the CIM-TAC and RDP team and the companies we serve.

The Industrial Research Associate is detail-oriented, organized, and focused on advancing applied research activities. The incumbent will support research planning, data collection, and documentation, and will help coordinate collaboration between internal teams, external partners, and suppliers. While some engineering tasks may be required, the role is centered on managing research workflows, supporting study execution, and helping maintain momentum across multiple applied research initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

Expert Advice:Provide engineering and research network advice on an ad-hoc basis or as part of an applied research project with the team.
Technology Development:Support technical requirements on both external customer projects and internal research and development projects, executing as per the scope and deliverables. Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE) tools as needed to support research tasks, data collection, or study planning. Develop solutions for client-directed applied research considering implementation of innovative technologies in a cost-effective manner, including design feasibility, environmental impact and safety. Apply concepts of digital manufacturing (design for additive manufacturing, metrology, automation, mixed reality, digital twin) where relevant to research objectives. Support the development of validation strategies using both standard and non-standard testing methods. Apply relevant industrial standards and certification to applied research projects. Collaborate with engineers, technologists, faculty, managers, research partners, and administrative teams to coordinate research progress. Assist in gathering specifications, research data, and cost information to support study planning and early-stage feasibility assessments. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Business Development:Coordinate applied research projects to ensure timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements are met, helping maintain strong relationships with partners and clients. Share project knowledge through workshops, internal presentations, or partner-facing sessions. Prepare proposals, presentations, and demonstrations for clients, collaborators, and funding opportunities.
Develop and maintain partner relationships through meetings, follow-ups, and professional communication.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in engineering or related field Minimum of 4 (four) years of experience in engineering or similar role Experience and demonstrated background in building and maintaining a research network. Registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), as Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Experience with solid modeling and exposure to commercial CAD/CAE systems (e.g., SolidWorks (preferred), Autodesk Fusion), with the ability to interpret and support engineering documentation as needed Exposure to simulation or analytical tools (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys) to support research decision-making Awareness of advanced manufacturing trends, such as Industry 4.0, digital workflows, and additive manufacturing, and how they relate to applied research Understanding of design-for-additive-manufacturing principles, with the ability to apply these concepts in research contexts when applicable Demonstrated ability to independently perform analytical and experimental research work, including coordinating data collection Strong ability to communicate research progress and findings through clear written summaries, reports, and presentations Proficient analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, with attention to detail across multiple concurrent research activities Commercial and applied-research awareness, including the ability to understand partner needs and project constraints Ability to integrate creativity and critical thinking into solving a variety of research and technical problems Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and basic data-management tools Able to work with minimal supervision, taking ownership of research tasks, timelines, and coordination activities

Preferred Qualifications

Salary or Hourly?

Hourly

Salary

$40.60 - $49.34

Benefits and Compensation Information

Exempt Terms and Conditions allow an 8% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation and benefits

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta,

Red Deer Polytechnic

(RDP) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and 3,400+ learners with Continuing Education programming. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, the Polytechnic provides applied research opportunities, leadership in the social, economic, and cultural development of Alberta, and myriad lifelong learning opportunities.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is more than a post-secondary institution. It is a community of highly dedicated and skilled faculty, staff, learners, and partners who are making a positive impact on the world around us. Unbound by tradition, we are focused on producing the talent, solutions, and environments needed for Alberta's economy and society to thrive.

Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Metis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our

polytechnic community

.

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

2025-E-027

Employment Type

Term-Certain Part-Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

12/11/2025

Position End Date (if term-certain)

06/30/2026

FTE

Hours of Work

Flexible Schedule

Open Date

12/01/2025

Close Date

12/09/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact

Peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca

.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

Optional Documents