Assistant Chief Operation Engineer

Assistant Chief Operation Engineer

Are you a First Class Operating Engineer with strong leadership experience looking to take the next step in your career? Do you enjoy leading teams, driving performance, and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of complex utility systems?

Can you see yourself playing a key role in overseeing Powerhouse operations, supporting critical infrastructure across a large site, and stepping in as Chief Operating Engineer when needed?

If you answered yes, then this may be the job for you! 

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What will you be doing! 

• Providing leadership, direction, and oversight to Operating Engineers within Utilities Operations.
• Supporting the Chief Operating Engineer (COE) in ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the Powerhouse and associated systems.
• Overseeing operations supporting site utilities, including steam, compressed air, water systems, and wastewater treatment.
• Ensuring compliance with TSSA regulations (Ontario Regulation 219/01) and other governing standards.
• Supervising performance, supporting coaching, development, and workforce planning for operating staff.
• Acting as Chief Operating Engineer in their absence, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational continuity.
• Monitoring operational performance, reviewing system data and logs, and addressing trends or abnormalities.
• Managing and coordinating maintenance activities, work permits, and scheduling.
• Supporting budget planning, resource allocation, and small maintenance projects.
• Driving a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory programs.
• Collaborating with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and regulators to support operations.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.
   

What we are looking for: 

• Education 
  • Must hold a valid First Class Operating Engineer Certificate (Province of Ontario).
• Experience 
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience operating high-pressure steam plants.
  • Significant supervisory and leadership experience.
  • Trade background or hands-on mechanical experience considered an asset.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and drive accountability.
  • In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, including TSSA requirements, Ontario Regulation 219/01, Boiler & Pressure Vessel codes, CSA standards, Canadian Labour Code, and environmental/emission regulations.
  • Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capability.
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and process flow diagrams.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability in complex, high-pressure environments.
  • Experience with computerized systems (CMMS, process control systems, Microsoft Office).
  • High level of self-direction with the ability to lead and inspire teams.

• Security Clearance Eligibility Required

   

  • Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.” 
     

Working Conditions:

• Working schedule: Standard 40 hour work week, days-based schedule with requirement to support a 24/7 operation, including occasional off-hours support as needed. 

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Why CNL? 

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team: 

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period 
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing 
• A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security

 

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You? 

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow 
• Restoring and protecting the environment 
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

 

If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL! 

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Location: Onsite 

Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.

Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values: 

• Respect
• Teamwork 
• Accountability 
• Safety 
• Integrity
• Excellence

 

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [email protected]. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.