ACE Wind Tunnel Operator – Limited Term
Tracking Code: req2015
Faculty/Department: Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE)
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Limited Term
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 8 - $68,200 - $84,700
Posting Date: April 21, 2026
Closing Date: May 29, 2026 (7:00 pm EST)
Job Summary
This position is responsible for providing technical support for research, development, and testing activities within ACE. The primary responsibility is the operation of the Wind Tunnel and other testing chambers on a multi‑shift basis, as well as supporting clients during testing. Key responsibilities include setting up test articles and experiments, and operating specialized equipment such as the Wind Tunnel, Climatic Chambers, Climatic 4‑Poster, and Multi‑Axis Simulation Table. The role is suited for a licensed automotive technician, automotive mechanic, or electrician with expertise in advanced automotive development and familiarity with automation controls.
Nature of Work
ACE (www.ontariotechu.ca/ace) is a world‑class research and development facility at Ontario Tech University, staffed by experienced engineers and technicians who deliver solutions for research, development, advanced product development, and testing. Our unique environment can recreate virtually any weather condition a test object may encounter anywhere in the world—from the blistering heat of Death Valley to the extreme cold of the Arctic. Ontario Tech‑ACE is also home to one of the most sophisticated, one‑of‑a‑kind wind tunnels in the world, capable of testing vehicles under full load at wind speeds of up to 280 km/h.
Responsibilities / Accountabilities
This position involves: physical setup of customer test properties; diagnosing and resolving vehicle or test article issues; troubleshooting facility and equipment problems; performing planned and unplanned maintenance; supporting equipment calibration. The role requires a licensed automotive technician, automotive mechanic, or electrician with 3+ years of experience (5–7+ years preferred) and a Red‑Seal certification considered an asset. Experience in automotive advanced development and familiarity with automation controls is required.
Required Skills
- General knowledge of automotive parts and functionality
- General knowledge of computer software and hardware
- Strong technical & mechanical aptitude
- Good customer service skills and aptitude
- Good communication & organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Trustworthy self‑starter that can work independently with limited supervision
- Willing and able to follow all safety policies and procedures
- Willing and able to work with Engineers & Clients
Required Education
Completion of a 3‑year post‑secondary college diploma. Verification of academic credentials may be required.
Required Experience
- 3+ years (5‑7+ preferred) experience as an automotive technician, mechanic or electrician (Red‑Seal preferred)
Special Physical Requirements
- Lifting parts, cables and light‑weight instrumentation, up to 50 lbs
- Extreme temperature exposure: –40 °C to +60 °C – limited
- Industrial conditions (energized equipment, rotating machinery)
- Operation of vehicles, forklifts, other industrial equipment
- Use of trade tools (hand tools, multi‑meters, scanning tools, refrigerant re‑charge machine)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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, Métis, 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 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 university’s policies for accommodating employees with disabilities, please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.
Ontario Tech University acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, 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
6/1/2026
Expected End Date
6/1/2027
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