Research Equipment Engineer

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This is an in-person role with potential work locations at one or more of the following UofA sites: North Campus, Edmonton, South Campus, Edmonton, and Faculty of Engineering Research Sites (Greater Edmonton Area).

Working for the Faculty of Engineering (FoE)

The Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is a faculty within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). It is a complex and diverse organization with five (5) departments. This world-class faculty gives the next generation of undergraduate and graduate students an unparalleled education with world-class instructors, hybrid learning environments, hands-on lab and field experience, and internship experience. The FoE occupies and manages space allocated within 14 buildings owned by the University of Alberta (UA) on both North and South campuses. The space comprises education, administration, research, and student project areas. The research lab space occupies over 35,000 square meters. There are 240 tenure and tenure-track faculty members, all involved in research activities, most of which require equipment.

FoE strives to provide a rich, interdisciplinary environment of learning and research for all students, faculty, and staff. Strategic space management is imperative to the success of the Faculty's core initiatives in teaching and research. Reporting to the Manager, Engineering, Safety and Risk Management, the Research Equipment Engineer/Technologist is a critical resource who will support the long-term success of the Faculty by providing strategic advice on equipment procurement, managing installation activities, maintaining equipment inventory, and related laboratory renovations. The Research Equipment Engineer/Technologist reports to the Manager, Engineering, Safety, and Risk Management, to progress projects; works collaboratively with the College (accountability for space) and UOSF (authority over space). Additionally, they will consult with Principal Investigators on the purchase of scientific equipment to ensure maximum infrastructure flexibility, minimize costs, and identify opportunities for optimization.

Position Summary

This position is a trusted advisor and key resource mainly to the Associate Dean Research, Infrastructure and Centers, as well as other Associate Deans, Faculty Operations Manager, Department Chairs, and Principal Investigators. The ideal candidate provides advice and assistance on strategic use of resources and also ensures ongoing optimization of high-value scientific equipment and infrastructure in support of FoE research and teaching.

Note: Title will be 'Engineer' if the successful candidate holds an EIT or P.Eng. as it is a protected title. It will be 'Technologist' if they hold other relevant designations.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

• Provide Technical Expertise: Act as a key technical advisor for equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, warranties, renovations, lab moves, and functional space assignments across the Faculty of Engineering.
• Analyze and Manage Equipment Information: Assess user requirements, vendor specifications, regulatory standards, and infrastructure constraints. Maintain centralized equipment inventories, track performance and vendor reliability, and prepare cost-benefit analyses and recapitalization proposals.
• Develop Policies, Plans, and SOPs: Create management plans for multi-user equipment and support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Ensure compliance with relevant safety and engineering standards (CSA, UL, ASME, IEEE) and granting-agency requirements (e.g., CFI, NSERC).
• Support Project Development & Strategic Planning: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to review technical specifications, evaluate infrastructure suitability, and support equipment-related grant applications. Contribute to early-stage planning for major competitions such as CFI JELF and IF.
• Execute Equipment and Infrastructure Projects: Coordinate equipment data sheets, site preparation, installation, testing, and calibration with vendors, project managers, and facilities teams. Support RFP development for major equipment and ensure alignment with project schedules and delivery processes.

• Coordinate and Communicate Across Stakeholders: Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory services and research equipment. Resolve technical issues, coordinate repairs and recalibrations, and maintain accurate tracking of infrastructure projects through project management and work-request systems.

• Education & Credentials: BSc in Engineering required; preference for E.I.T., P.Eng., or eligibility for APEGA registration. Candidates with a technical diploma or journeyman status and 5+ years of experience may also be considered.

• Experience Requirements: Minimum 3 years in a research lab, industrial environment, or technical equipment design setting, with a strong understanding of engineering laboratory procedures and research equipment principles.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of research fundamentals across engineering disciplines, technical specifications for specialized equipment procurement, and experience with lab/building design, construction processes, and blueprint reading.
• Understanding of safety standards and ability to integrate safety principles into equipment and construction-related activities; capable of mediating issues between research operations and nearby construction work.
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills, excellent facilitation, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities, and confidence to challenge conventional practices and drive process improvements.
• Familiarity with university administrative structures, policies, and procedures, along with proficiency in Google Workspace.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, please respond to the following question: "How will you contribute to a culture of trust, effectiveness, care and innovation in the Faculty of Engineering?"

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.