Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Title

PRINCIPAL RESEARCH ENGINEER (ENG-MMRI)

Job ID

70656

Location

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)

Open Date

07/17/2025

Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

07/30/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

ENG McMaster Mfg Res Instit

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 11

Salary Range

$36.54 - $57.23 (hourly)

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 4:30pm (on-site)

Education Level

Doctoral degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience

Principal Research Engineer (ENG-MMRI)

(JD00409)

Engineering a Brighter Future

https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

Unit / Project Description:

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering has a reputation for innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. It has earned a strong reputation as a centre for academic excellence and innovation. Comprised of three schools that offer a diverse range of programs and degrees, the Faculty of Engineering offers multi-faceted educational experiences that help create global-ready, socially aware citizens through project-based classes, flexible co-op work terms, research opportunities and over 60 clubs and teams.


We are welcoming applications for the full-time position of

Principal Research Engineer

in the Material Property Assessment Lab (MPAL) at the

McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI)

in the department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University. This position is responsible for leading and guiding a technically diverse group of experts in material characterization and property assessment research to identify existing or novel solutions that support product development, design, and testing for manufacturing industries. The successful candidate will work closely to liaise between academic researchers of different technical backgrounds and industry partners with specific functional needs to improve their designs, strengthen their manufacturing operations and enhance innovation. A key skill set is the ability to convert a high-level problem statement into a function set of tests, organize and prepare samples, conduct testing, interpret results, and provide a professional report. A strong background in material science and engineering is required for this role as well as leadership, problem solving and managerial experience.

Job Summary:

The Principal Engineer is responsible for providing guidance and advice for multiple research projects and providing extensive, highly specialized, engineering services in broad areas of assignments in order to design, develop, and oversee research and contract projects.

Purpose & Key Functions:

Develop and design research projects. Prepare and submit proposals to external funding and granting agencies. Manage multiple research projects by defining and coordinating resource needs, determining priorities to achieve project goals, and setting schedules that will meet defined deadlines. Design, fabricate, and assemble equipment and instruments that require the identification, modification, and adaptation of novel engineering techniques. Apply specialized knowledge to review, critically appraise, and interpret published literature. Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments. Identify, analyze, and solve new, unique, and complex problems as presented in research contracts and projects. Apply standardized engineering principles and adapt methods from a specialized field or discipline. Collect, evaluate, and analyze data. Will be required to design and develop computer software required for, but not limited to, data collection, design, modelling, and mathematical and statistical analysis. Identify, recommend, and incorporate new approaches and methodologies into research. Author scientific reports and papers for inclusion in journal publications and contract reports. Format and summarize data and write technical reports based on research findings. Develop and deliver technical presentations to engineering colleagues, industry, and contract agencies. Present briefings to industry and to representatives of contracting agencies on the progress of the work that is being conducted to ensure the awarding of or continuing of additional funding. Obtain contracts to provide support for projects. Assign and schedule work to others and review work for technical accuracy and adequacy. Provide financial and resource planning and tracking for research projects and contracts. Provide advice in a specialized field to colleagues, collaborators, and students. Exchanges technical and scientific information with others. Liaise with external clients and project partners. May be required to perform activities which require dexterity and precision including, but not limited to, the manual calibration of laboratory equipment, and assembly of circuit boards, Remain current with frequent advances in a technical field or scientific discipline.

Supervision:

Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers. May provide direction to others in how to carry out tasks.

Qualifications:

Doctoral degree in Engineering in a relevant field of study. Requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

The successful candidate must have/demonstrate the following: + Ability to recommend materials to meet functional requirements.
+ Proficiency in sample preparation and material characterization techniques, including a wide range of optical, electron microscopy, and AFM techniques.
+ Proficiency in conducting failure analysis, hardness and scratch testing, tribometry studies, and nanoindentation.
+ Ability to support surface engineering activity, in particular PVD coating.
+ Ability to leverage problem solving skills with applied material property testing and instrumentation experience to support material selection, development, implementation and validation for product development, design, prototyping, manufacturing process scale up, and manufacturing process optimization.
+ Ability to convert problem statements into work plans.
+ A proven track record of research experience and leadership working with multi-disciplinary teams of engineers.
+ Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
+ Strong interpersonal and management skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at work.
+ A high degree of professionalism and integrity.
+ Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
+ Ability to respond creatively to resolve issues and maintain workflows.
+ Proficiency with CAD, SolidWorks, MatLab, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Prior experience working with students and researchers in an academic setting will be considered strong assets. Prior experience using the following equipment will be considered strong assets: + Alicona InfiniteFocus G5
+ Anton Paar NHT3 Nano-Indentation Platform
+ Anton-Paar Revetest Scratch Tester
+ Anton Paar TOSCA 400 Atomic Force Microscope
+ Anton Paar TRB3 Pin-on-disk
+ DuraScan 50
+ Hitachi SEM + EDS
+ Keyence VHX-7000
+ Kobelco AIP-S20 Hybrid Arc and Magnetron
+ Micro Materials NanoTest Vantage Platform
+ Micro Materials NanoTest Xtreme Platform
+ ZwickRoell AllroundLine Universal Testing System
Prior experience in research and engineering techniques such as cutting tool design, mechanical testing, and/or additive manufacturing will be considered assets. An interest in or experience with advanced manufacturing topics including 5G, AI, vision, automation and robotics, and/or PVD coatings will be considered assets. A background in automotive, aerospace, medical, mold/die, consumer goods and/or energy (specifically nuclear) will be an asset.

Additional Information:

The Principal Research Engineer will be part of a cross-functional team. Tasks may include:

Supervising a group with diverse technical backgrounds. Responding to customer requests. Translating customer requests into actionable tasks. Engaging with others on delivery of tasks. Executing test plans on a range of specialized characterization equipment. Interpreting results and preparing reports. Keeping work area tidy, organized and professional. Following all safety requirements. Participating in ongoing training. Engaging in networking activities to promote the group and its services and build collaboration.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.


The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.


The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.


As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.


Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.