The Role

We are looking for a Semiconductor Sustaining Engineer to support our Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC). The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Working with clients and partners, the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research, innovation support, scientific, and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canada's current and future industrial and societal needs. The CPFC offers our clients and partners access to cutting-edge photonics device fabrication services providing simulation, design, fabrication, testing, characterization, and prototyping services to help move innovative photonic and electronic devices to market. It plays a key role in NRC’s Challenge Programs.

The key activities of the Semiconductor Sustaining Engineer are:

• The incumbent will be the primary technical resource during the second shift of operation of the CPFC.
• Maintain and enhance the suite of III-V processes supporting fab activities.
• Maintain a comprehensive record keeping and the provision of detailed reports to clients, and publications where appropriate.
• Liaison with clients of other research centres such as Advanced Electronics and Photonics and Quantum Nanotechnologies to establish viable specifications for the design of advanced materials structures, prior to commencing new projects.
• Establish validation and verification criteria for new processes and products to address new client/project needs and Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Create and revise documentation detailing production processes.
• Take a leadership role in the training and support of more junior technical staff across multiple shifts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain a safe work environment.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in the Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences; or Chemical or Electrical Engineering.

A PhD or Master’s in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Extensive relevant hands-on experience in an R&D or semiconductor production environment.
• Significant hands-on experience in developing, supporting and sustaining processes for fabrication of III-V compound semiconductor devices.
• Significant experience in at least 1 of the following fabrication:
  
  

• • • Dielectric deposition, dielectric etch and III-V etch; and/or
    • Metallization; and/or
    • Lithography and metrology.
      
      

• Basic experience in integrating complex process steps in the fabrication of semiconductor-based photonics devices the fabrication of semiconductor-based photonics devices.
• Significant experience in Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Must be available for shift-work on evenings.

Must qualify to work in a controlled Goods Zone, Training will be provided.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge in thin film deposition, etching processes, and lithography processes and their characterization techniques.
• Solid knowledge of process improvement, optimization to ensure robustness and reliability.
• Solid knowledge of safe practices for working with chemicals, compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and electrical, mechanical, and vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems with complex processes or fabrication tools and assist with/determine possible causes and solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the dynamic interaction of process steps across various fabrication areas
• Solid knowledge of the use of design of experiments, process control checks, trend charts, and paperless Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2/RCO-3 level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• This position requires to work the evening shift.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• The incumbent is expected to work in a clean room laboratory environment and follow the established health and safety guidelines.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials and/or situations.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.