Materials Engineer in Halifax

Weir Canada is seeking a Materials Engineer to join the Naval Engineering Test Establishment (NETE), where you will work alongside engineers, technologists, military personnel, and industry partners to solve real-world materials and corrosion challenges affecting naval vessels across the country.

This position offers a unique combination of laboratory testing, field investigations, shipboard assessments, failure investigations, and hands-on technical problem solving. You will contribute to test planning, project execution, data management, and Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities while supporting projects that directly impact fleet sustainment, modernization, and readiness.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the Materials Engineer will provide technical expertise in materials testing and characterization, corrosion prevention and control, coating systems, failure analysis, and asset integrity. Responsibilities include developing test plans, coordinating laboratory and field testing, reviewing and interpreting results, preparing technical reports, and providing engineering recommendations that support informed decision-making throughout the lifecycle of naval equipment.

The successful candidate will coordinate testing services and collaborate with military and civilian stakeholders, fleet maintenance organizations, research establishments, shipyards, and industry partners across Canada. Depending on project requirements, opportunities may exist to travel to naval facilities, shipyards, testing locations, and operational vessels to conduct inspections, witness testing activities, and provide technical support.

In addition to materials and corrosion-related projects, the candidate may support:

• On-ship inspections and testing
• Failure investigations and root cause analyses
• Corrosion and coating system assessments
• Additive manufacturing initiatives
• Qualification of new materials and technologies
• Validation of emerging technologies
• Projects supporting fleet sustainment
• Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys applying technical knowledge to practical challenges and wants to see the direct impact of their work on operational naval capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Materials Engineering: Conduct testing and evaluation of metallic and non-metallic materials in accordance with ASTM standards and modern engineering practice. Perform failure analyses, corrosion assessments, materials characterization, and evaluations of new technologies to support stakeholders within DND, the RCN, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• Test Planning and Execution: Develop, coordinate, and execute laboratory and field test programs in accordance with applicable standards and processes, including ASTM, ISO, and AMPP requirements. Analyse results and provide technical recommendations to clients and project stakeholders.
• Failure Investigations and Technical Assessments: Investigate material failures, component degradation, and corrosion-related issues affecting naval assets. Support root cause analyses and develop recommendations aimed at improving equipment reliability, service life, and fleet readiness.
• Laboratory and Technical Support: Support laboratory operations through the implementation of procedures, quality control practices, equipment maintenance, and specimen management. Ensure testing activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved standards and methodologies.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with DND customers, naval project authorities, technical authorities, subject matter experts, suppliers, and industry partners. Present technical findings through reports, presentations, and technical correspondence.
• Safety First: Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and continuous improvement by supporting Weir's objective of maintaining a world-class safety culture in all laboratories, field, and shipboard activities.

What You'll Bring

• Ability to obtain a Government of Canada security clearance, requiring Canadian citizenship and a minimum of 10 years of continuous residence in Canada.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and correspondence.
• Experience applying or working with materials testing standards such as ASTM, ISO, or AMPP.
• Experience in materials testing, materials engineering, laboratory operations, corrosion assessment, failure analysis, or related technical fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• For positions located in LaSalle, bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as microscopes, hardness testers, corrosion testing apparatus, and analytical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of coatings, corrosion protection systems, and surface modification technologies.
• Experience writing technical reports, procedures, and engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting marine, defence, manufacturing, transportation, or industrial applications.
• Interest or experience in additive manufacturing, technology qualification, applied research, or technology development programs.

Since 1953, Weir has operated and managed the Naval Engineering Test Establishment (NETE), supporting the Royal Canadian Navy and the Department of National Defence through engineering, testing, and evaluation services across a broad range of technical disciplines. Joining Weir offers a rare opportunity to work on engineering challenges that directly affect Canada's naval capabilities.