Research Operations & Maintenance Technician

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre. We are a publicly funded, not-for-profit research lab that is a hub for discovery and innovation.

Our mission is to serve as Canada’s particle accelerator centre. We advance isotope science and technology, both fundamental and applied. We collaborate across communities and disciplines, from nuclear and particle physics to the life and material sciences. We discover and innovate, inspire and educate, creating knowledge and opportunity for all.

TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations. Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world.

Are you ready to build the future of physics?

Join the TUCAN (TRIUMF Ultra Cold Advanced Neutron) group, a cutting-edge international team at TRIUMF's world-class UltraCold Neutron (UCN) facility. We are on a quest to solve some of the greatest mysteries of the cosmos: Where is the missing antimatter in the universe? How were the elements created?

The answer lies in the subtle electrical characteristics of the neutron. Our mission includes measurements of the neutron Electric Dipole Moment (nEDM) and the neutron lifetime with unprecedented precision—aiming for critical tests of physics beyond the Standard Model. You will be essential in installing, maintaining and operating the complex systems that cool neutrons to a fraction above absolute zero, around 0.003 degrees above absolute zero, to trap and study them.

The Mission: Technical Excellence on a Grand Scale

We are seeking a highly-skilled Technical Certified Technician to provide moderately complex technical support and hands-on expertise to the UCN group.

General Responsibilities

• Build and assemble mechanical equipment: Construct and install experimental and support equipment used in day-to-day facility work.
• Assemble, maintain, leak checking of high vacuum systems.
• May prepare 3d models & standardized manufacturing drawings.
• Use SolidWorks PDM to file and track revisions of designs.
• Work under the guidance of an engineer to develop a design, and carry it through manufacture, assembly and installation
• Support students and trainees with hands-on guidance for their hardware projects, including setup, safe use, and basic troubleshooting.
• Support cryogenic systems: Assist with the operation and maintenance of cryogenic equipment and related infrastructure, following safety requirements and procedures.

Specific Responsibilities

• Technical support, including hardware/system assembly, fabrication or design
• Maintains up-to-date documents: parts lists, consumables, tools, maintenance index, system logs, drawings and models in the PDM vault
  • Keeps equipment logs to track work and equipment usage
  • Documents Helium usage, Vacuum level, leak checks performed.
• Creates work instructions where appropriate
• Follows established practices at TRIUMF when creating models, drawings and submitting them for manufacturing
• Performs routine operation of UCN equipment. This includes
  • Vacuum systems
  • Natural helium transfer and recovery system
  • Isopure and helium-3 handling system
  • Deuterium handling system
  • Heavy water system
  • UCN guide system
  • and related services and mechanical supports for the above
• Acquires knowledge of target water cooling and BL1U systems to coordinate with respective service groups at TRIUMF
• Sources and orders parts or material needed for new or existing apparatus and maintains parts inventory list.
• Maintenance of equipment and organization of machine shop, assembly and working spaces (including boot box and UCN areas on shielding blocks), tracking and reordering of consumables and tools.
• Modifications to the UCN equipment with hand or machine tools. Fabrication of assembly jigs and components using machine tools and welding processes. Quality control of fabricated and modified components (tolerances, fit, operational requirements).
• Might create manufacturing drawings for system components, either to build or outsource to appropriate channels. Provides guidance and feedback to the design team to improve designs.
• Is being involved in design reviews during design processes of new components. Review drawings for design accuracy before installation.
• Follow detailed engineering drawings and technical documents to assemble, align, install, and test new mechanical equipment.
• Coordinates with other service groups to perform equipment installations and service. (Borrowing equipment, outsourcing labor, etc.).
• Analyzes information to troubleshoot equipment and systems during and after their installation (e.g. troubleshooting vacuum issues, leak checking, LIDAR and laser tracker measurements).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

The position requires:

• Demonstration of a technical aptitude
• Ability to apply defined practices and procedures in analysis of situation or data, understanding of industry design, workflow, assembly practices (required permits, PPE, job hazard analysis, pre-job briefing etc.)
• Ability to build productive internal/external working relationships, present information clearly and in an appropriate style, and make technical information clear.
• Knowledge and ability to apply TRIUMF safety practices (industrial, gas, pressure, hazardous materials and cryogenic safety)
• Routine operation of cut off saws, all hand tools.
• Lathe and mill operation, manually machining parts to a tolerance of +/- 0.005”.
• Use of anchoring technology (Expanding anchors, Glue in, or Explosive shot style)
• Understanding of routine assembly gas and vacuum piping systems (Polyflow, Copper Stainless with VCR, Swage, soldered connections, KF, CF, ISO K, sanitary etc.)
• Excel and MS word use for documentation & data base of parts
• Understanding of different material properties and applications, interaction with hardware, torque specs, etc.
• Physical strength, accessing and working in elevated or confined areas and certification to do so.
• Operation of forklift, overhead crane, boom and scissor lifts.
• Reading and creating engineering drawings from a part or assembly, understanding of tolerance specification, weld symbols, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with industrial automation technology, specification and installs of solenoid valves for PLC control. Related wiring techniques (crimping tools, soldering).

Although not a requirement, below skills, knowledge and experience would be considered and asset:

• 3D modeling with SolidWorks
• Welding
• Industrial rigging

NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKER (NEW):

The incumbent will be required to complete the TRIUMF in-house radiation safety training course and be designated as a TRIUMF Nuclear Energy Worker.

Requirements:

• BCIT diploma or the equivalent in mechanical design technology.

• 1 - 4 years of related experience, or equivalent.

If you have the skills to build, maintain, and troubleshoot world-leading experimental apparatus, and the drive to contribute to a groundbreaking physics discovery, apply now!

Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada on a permanent basis (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Compensation:

Annual salary of $59,925.00 plus our comprehensive benefits package.

Position type:

Permanent

Hours per week:

37.5

Total Rewards

At TRIUMF, we value our employees and are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package. We offer comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff and provide an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility, where you can make a difference.

Benefits Information:

• TRIUMF paid dental, extended health, vision care, emergency travel assistance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life Insurance, and supplementary Wellness Benefits.
• Excellent Employee Pension Plan
• Disability benefits, and optional additional Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Generous time away
• Maternity and paternity leaves and top-ups

Application closing date:

April 27, 2026

Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey.

Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF.

https://www.discoverourlab.triumf.ca

http://www.rarestdrug.com

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

As an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalised on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Contact information: Email: recruiting@triumf.ca Phone: 604.222.1047 Fax: 604.222.3791

4004 Wesbrook Mall - Vancouver, BC - V6T 2A3

TRIUMF is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.