Research Engineer / Technician – Surface Coating Technology

About the role

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Engineer / Technician to advance surface coating technology. The role focuses on developing metallic and ceramic environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for ceramic matrix composites using plasma‑spray processes.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and design experiments for EBC development.
• Process metallic and ceramic coatings with plasma‑spray equipment.
• Perform mechanical and thermal testing of coated specimens.
• Characterize microstructure and metallurgical features using optical and electron microscopy.
• Prepare written and verbal reports and liaise with industrial partners.

Required profile

• Graduation from a technical college or institute with at least two years of related experience, or an equivalent education‑experience mix.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Preferably a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering from a Canadian university.
• Minimum two years of research experience with ceramic coatings, plasma‑spray processes, or ceramic composite materials.

Required skills

• Plasma‑spray technology
• Optical microscopy
• Electron microscopy
• Mechanical testing
• Thermal testing
• Experimental design
• Processing of environmental barrier coatings
• Metallurgical and microstructural characterization

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a leading academic research environment.
• Collaboration with industry partners.
• Professional development and mentorship under Dr. Rizhi Wang.