Characterization Engineer – Electron Microscopy

• Department: Natural Resources Canada - Energy Technology Sector - CanmetMATERIALS-Hamilton
• Reference number: RSN26J-040095-000723
• Selection process number: 2026-RSN-EA-ETS-685437
• Location: Hamilton (Ontario)
• Salary: $100,684 to $122,337
• Level: EN-ENG-03
• Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.
• Closing date: 7 November 2026

About the position DutiesWorking 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 employmentReliability Status security clearance Operational RequirementsOperational 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 followingEducation
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.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 dateKnowledge
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 You may need (asset qualifications) May be applied / assessed at a later dateAsset Qualifications:
Education
AQ1: Graduation with a Master's degree in Materials Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.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.