Robotics & Orbital Weld Specialist

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon is Canada’s largest nuclear constructor, currently employing 2,000+ highly skilled workers. As an industry leader with 50 years of successful history building nuclear infrastructure, 413 approved Canadian suppliers, and 300+ qualified nuclear procedures, Aecon is well-positioned for the development and construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Aecon's reputation for reliability, safety, and performance has made us a preferred Canadian top-tier contractor and a partner of choice. Aecon offers an unparalleled depth of expertise and a comprehensive capability that can be called upon to deliver an integrated solution to virtually any construction challenge.

Aecon Nuclear is currently undertaking efforts to replace key components at the Darlington and Bruce Power plants as part of each respective Life Extension Program to allow operation for another 40+ years. The scope of work includes the removal and replacement of calandria tubes, pressure tubes, feeders, and steam generators, as well as technical development, construction management, and trade labour.

Aecon Nuclear is also currently at the forefront of the next generation of nuclear power in Canada, developing the construction plan and manufacturing details for the SMR facility in Darlington.

The COE Robotics & Orbital Weld Specialist position is a salaried position supporting welding development in the Aecon Nuclear Welding Centre of Excellence (COE) department. This department is responsible for three basic areas critical to welding within the company:

• Developing, administering, and maintaining the welding program at a corporate level.
• Supporting new and in-process project activities.
• Performing R&D, training, and proposal work, and supporting business development and proposal initiatives.

Staying at the forefront of welding technology is key to ensuring that Aecon welding activities maintain the high level of quality required in the nuclear industry. Additionally, ensuring that Aecon leverages the latest available technologies to remain competitive in the marketplace will provide further confidence and opportunities for future business development. The Welding Centre of Excellence is a self-managed department that operates as a dedicated body within Aecon to provide internal welding services to Aecon, as well as contract services to external customers.

Why Join Aecon Nuclear and Work for the COE?

• The Aecon Centre of Excellence is essentially the “skunkworks” division of Aecon Nuclear. The intent is to be at the forefront of welding technology by investing in R&D and testing and developing new and revolutionary equipment and processes. The COE is a core group of “A-Team” problem solvers who get to figure out how to solve problems.
• This position has a wide variety of responsibilities and troubleshooting opportunities to keep you engaged with a great variety of applications and tasks.
• Provide support to the leading edge of welding development to ensure the business stays competitive.
• Exposure to a wide variety of welding equipment, automation and robotics, and new processes provides engagement, day-to-day variety of tasks, and interest for those passionate about welding excellence.
• In-depth exposure to SMR-X nuclear welding and fabrication development activities, including advanced robotic welding, custom mechanized systems, and state-of-the-art distortion analysis equipment.

What You'll Do Here:

• Lead welding development initiatives in the Aecon Centre of Excellence shop.
• Assist welding engineers in developing, troubleshooting, designing, testing, and training with various types of welding processes and equipment.
• Perform welding activities using manual, mechanized, and automated solutions to develop welding processes and complete welding PQR efforts according to CWB and ASME code standards.
• Apply experience and education in mechanized orbital welding and robotic welding.
• Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude.

What You Bring to the Team:

• Strong education and hands-on welding experience. A college diploma or university degree is a bonus.
• Experience welding to high volumetric RT/UT standards using GTAW, SMAW, and/or GMAW welding processes.
• Minimum two years of industry welding experience with manual and/or mechanized arc welding processes.
• Able to read and work from blueprints and fabrication drawings, as well as understand weld symbols.
• Takes pride in work, strives for excellence, and instills this mindset in others.
• Must have a passion for welding.
• Willingness to mentor other welders and trainees.
• Practices a strong safety culture.
• Must have a positive attitude toward developing and testing new solutions to solve a variety of technical welding issues.
• The ability to think “outside the box” is an asset.
• Must have experience with hand tools, grinders, and similar equipment.
• Upon request, welding applicants may be required to perform a preliminary weld test before employment to demonstrate their talent.
• Membership in a local trade union is not a requirement, including local trade union UA 527 or the Boilermakers’ union.
• Familiarity with welding principles is preferred, including the basics of arc welding and types of welding.
• Familiarity with robotics or comparable semi-automated and mechanized machinery is an asset.
• Results-oriented and takes ownership of assigned tasks.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to work on and maintain basic welding equipment.
• Up-to-date overhead crane and forklift certifications would be an asset.
• Willingness to continuously learn, try new approaches, experiment with new technologies, and push the envelope related to welding, manufacturing, machinery, and tooling development.
• Knowledge of developing weld-related tooling and equipment is an asset.
• Knowledge of operating mechanized and robotic equipment is an asset.

Reason for vacancy: New

Salary range: $90,000 - $115,000

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may include certifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role