Research Engineer

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience. The Northern Tornadoes Project aims to contribute to exploring tornado behavior and climatology using various remote sensing technologies, plus ground-based storm survey investigations and public reports, with the objective of improving knowledge of tornadoes in Canada, including their detection, climatology, and prediction.

Responsibilities

The Research Engineer will be responsible for independently planning, executing, and evaluating research on the detection and assessment of hazards associated with severe convective storms as part of the ‘The Northern Tornadoes Project’. The role will apply their expertise and knowledge to achieve and maintain cutting-edge remote sensing and in-situ observation capacity and will conduct research to apply the technologies to the development of new techniques that will enable improved project outcomes. The role will also play a key role in project ground surveys as part of the rapid-response storm damage survey team. The Research Engineer will be responsible for timely updates and reports to the Executive Director and provide support and guidance to the project team regarding overall project design, as well as approaches to utilizing new tools and techniques.

Qualifications

Education:
-   PhD in Civil Engineering, Wind Engineering, or related field
-   Drone Operator License (Advanced)
-   Professional Engineer (PEng) registered in Canada preferred
-   Project Management Professional Certification preferred

Experience:
-   5 years' experience in a research environment planning, preparing, and executing wind engineering research initiatives, and managing projects
-   Experience interpreting and analyzing damage survey data related to severe storms

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-   In-depth knowledge of techniques for planning, managing and coordinating multiple projects, with competing priorities that involve a variety of stakeholders
-   Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
-   Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
-   Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
-   Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
-   Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
-   Communication skills to describe technical concepts and the proper and safe use of materials and equipment effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
-   Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
-   Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
-   Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
-   Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
-   Commitment to ongoing professional development, with a willingness to stay abreast of technological developments and a desire to take on new challenges
-   Must have own transportation with ability to travel between Western Engineering and field locations; Valid Class G driver’s license required
-   Ability and willingness to travel within Canada, often on short notice, and to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the activities of the research project
-   Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and other software applications or equipment used to support the project would be and asset (such as mapping software, geographic information system (GIS), and aerial photography equipment) 
-   Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

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


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