Assistant Scientist/Engineer/Technical Officer - SMR/Non-Standard Fuel Wastes

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Founded in 2002, the NWMO has been guided for 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024, and two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.

 Scientist/Engineer/Technical Officer - SMR/Non-Standard Fuel Wastes

(Regular Fulltime)

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East

 Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Projects, the incumbent will provide technical input and oversight to support the assessment of non-CANDU nuclear fuel waste forms, including their inclusion in the Adaptive Phased Management (APM) deep geological repository (DGR) safety case or alternative. 

The incumbent will be responsible for leading and implementing non-standard fuel wastes work and contract(s) needed for the development of engineering design, transportation and safety solutions. This work includes but is not limited to assessment of the wasteform including physical dimensions, inventory, heat generation, durability, criticality, corrosion, radionuclide content; radionuclide release, as well as potential changes required for fuel handling, transportation and APM DGR design).

 

Location
Toronto
Address
22 St. Clair Ave East.
Map Location
22 St. Clair Avenue East, M4T 2S3
Employment Category
Regular Full-Time
Department
Strategic Projects
Job Reference
10217

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical expertise, guidance and input on non-CANDU fuel wastes, including fuels from new reactors such as SMRs.
  • Lead projects and contracts. Participate in the development and issuance of contracting documents (RFP’s) and evaluation and selection of contractors.  Review work plans; review technical reports and outputs; monitor/report on contractor performance against work plans and schedule. 
  • Interface with vendors or waste owners to develop descriptions of non-CANDU fuel wastes, including providing technical support to help address gaps, and implementing or advising on contracts to address gaps.
  • Produce reports and other documentations and presentations. Conduct analyses and/ or provide recommendations for work on non-CANDU fuel wastes needed for the development of engineering and transportation design solutions.
  • Manage a range of internal and external resources to ensure assignments are produced on time, on budget, and in accordance with NWMO brand standards and communication strategies. Ensure resources are scheduled to avoid bottlenecks, delays or unnecessary costs.
  • May be required to participate in budget submissions, financial evaluation and purchases justification as required.
  • Keep abreast of developments and international projects/experience related to nonstandard fuel through technical publications, contacts with internal and external experts in the field.
  • Represent the NWMO and make presentations to the public, CNSC and at national and international forums.
  • Ensure that all work activities reflect an awareness of, and follow, applicable legislated, corporate and departmental safety requirements and programs.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

  • A 4-year university degree in nuclear engineering or chemistry/chemical engineering or the equivalent education.
  • Over 6 years of relevant experience including experience in nuclear waste and nuclear waste handling.
  • Knowledge in non-CANDU nuclear waste forms from new reactors such as SMRs.
  • Demonstrated experience in contract management (i.e., creation of requests for proposals, bid evaluation, ongoing management, contract close out).
  • Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and interact with external contractors.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications and procedures, governmental regulation, policies and procedures and technical reports.
  • Proven organizational and attention to detail skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Self-directed learner who displays initiative, problem recognition, synthesis and problem-solving ability. 
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, including plan development, resourcing, schedule tracking, contract management and problem resolution.
  • Experience in communicating effectively in both oral and written form including excellent professional writing and presentation skills.
  • Must be able to effectively apply theoretical and practical technical knowledge and use sound analytical thinking to solve problems in the appropriate subject areas.

This is a Progression-In Place (PIP) role. Applicants with lesser experience/qualifications may be  considered  for a  position at a lower rate and be progressed in place.

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home. 

We offer a competitive base salary and health care benefits package.

The NWMO is committed to contribute to Reconciliation in all our work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, the NWMO actively seeks Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. We will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.