ACE Research & Development Technical Support Specialist

ACE Research & Development Technical Support Specialist

Tracking Code: req2276

Faculty/Department: Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE)

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week 

Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 9 - $78,742 - $98,427

Posting Date: October 29, 2026

Closing Date: November 12, 2026 (11:59 pm EST)

Job Summary:

ACE (https://ace.ontariotechu.ca/) is a world-class research and development facility at Ontario Tech University and has experienced engineers and technicians to deliver solutions for any research, development, advanced product development and/or testing.

Our environment can re-create any weather conditions a test object will experience anywhere in the world, from the blistering heat in Death Valley to the frigid conditions in the Arctic. Ontario Tech-ACE houses the most sophisticated one-of-a-kind wind tunnel in the world. We can test vehicles operating under full load and wind speeds up to 280 km/h.

This position is responsible for electrical systems support of research, development and testing at ACE. The primary responsibility is for performing electrical assembly and testing, and providing periodic support for the climatic wind tunnel and other chambers on a multi-shift basis as well as technical support of clients. The work elements include those duties and responsibilities consistent with an industrial and/or commercial electrician plus periodic support for setting up test objects, supporting experiments and operating the ACE facility.

The position is for an R&D Technical Support Specialist with expertise and experience primarily in PLC automation controls OR knowledge in automotive systems. The position will include operating the wind tunnel and other chambers, physical setup of customer properties for testing, supporting vehicle or other related test properties along with a focus on facility infrastructure maintenance and repairs.

This position will also include troubleshooting facility and equipment issues, reviewing apparatus for safety, performing planned maintenance, unplanned maintenance and equipment calibration.

Responsibilities/accountabilities:

•  Coordinate routine shutdown & related activities 
• Diagnosis & troubleshooting of basic Mechanical & electrical Systems
• Support management of materials, equipment and lab space
• Customer Support for test objects (install/remove wind tunnel equipment and/or vehicle parts)
• Procurement of material required to support projects
• Support other ACE members in assembly/testing
• Lead special projects where applicable
• Support personnel who operate ACE test systems (wind tunnel, main fan, rolling road, dyno, 4POST/MAST …)

Required Skills:

CORE SKILL REQUIREMENTS (Must Have):

• Automotive Diagnostics & Repair OR PLC Controls technician (Schneider preferred) OR Industrial Electrician
• Vehicle testing & Validation OR Instrumentation Controls & Setup OR Electrical diagnostics
• Mechanical & Electrical Troubleshooting
• Preventative Maintenance
• Fault Diagnosis & Root-Cause Analysis
• Customer Technical Support
• Computer Skills (Medium to Advanced Level): Software & Hardware

ADDITIONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS (Nice to Have):

• Wind Tunnel Operations
•  Dyno Operation & Controls
• Visual Basic for Applications Programming
• Forklift Operation
• Hoisting & Rigging
• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
• 3D Printing & Custom Tooling
• Data Acquisition & Equipment Calibration
• Vehicle Instrumentation (CAN, ECU, Thermocouples, Sensors, Pressure Taps)

Required Education:

3-yr post-secondary College Diploma in:

• Automotive Technician Program (310S Automotive Service Technician) OR
• Instrumentation & Control Technician (447A) OR
• Industrial Electrician (442A) OR
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this role

• Verification of academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• 5+ years' experience in either of the above post-secondary streams
• Strong technical aptitude
• Good customer service skills and aptitude
• Good communication & organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Trustworthy self-starter, able to work independently with limited supervision
• Willing and able to follow safety policies, procedures and guidelines
• Willing and able to work in a cross-functional environment with teams (sales, marketing, engineering and external clients)
• Possess a valid driver’s licence
• Eligible for Government of Canada Controlled Goods Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•  Lifting parts, cables and lightweight instrumentation, up to 50 lbs
• Extreme (hot/cold) temperature exposure: -40C to +60C – limited duration
• Wet & dry environment exposure (rain, snow, humidity...)
• Industrial environment conditions (Energized equipment, rotating machinery)
• Operation of vehicles, forklifts, other industrial equipment
• Use of trade tools (hand tools, multimeters, scanning tools, refrigerant machine, etc...)

Additional responsibilities may include design and assembly of electrical apparatus, developing innovative ideas, improving existing systems, creating, designing, building, mentoring students, and supporting research and development. The markets include automotive, architectural/civil, defense, media, human performance, human factors, aerospace, UAV, and other opportunities in an ever-expanding number of market segments.

ACE is a multi-shift operation that includes afternoons and weekends. The candidate must be prepared to work periodic afternoon or evening shifts and irregular hours as operational needs require. There may also be occasional travel requirements. Facility operational hours are from 8 a.m. to 12:00 midnight with core day shifts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and other periodic shifts including 4 pm-12 midnight or 12 noon to 8 p.m. (Monday-Friday) but may occasionally include weekends. This position requires that employees be physically present on-site.

All employees must demonstrate professional behaviour at all times when dealing with customers, management and co-workers. Must have clear, concise and accurate communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk to self or to others. Must maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until November 12, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 11/16/2026