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Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations. You can learn more about us here or through our stories.

We're looking for talented, motivated and value-driven professionals to help advance our mission. See below for our current employment opportunities!

Senior Engineering Manager - Mechanical, PRIMED

Job Title: Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical

Job Location: University of Victoria, Marine Technology Centre, Victoria, BC

Salary/Wage: Full-time = $87,035 to $95,971 negotiable dependent on qualifications, previous experience and the negotiated hours of work per week

Hours of work per week: Full-time (suggested 37.5-40.0 hrs.)

Location: Marine Technology Centre Bay 111 (N. Saanich) & IESVic (MAC D202, UVic Gordon Head Campus)

Start Date: 1 April 2026

Number of Positions: 1

About PRIMED

The Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED), is a marine energy research and development hub hosted by the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria (UVic). PRIMED’s mandate is to leverage research outputs at IESVic to accelerate the development and adoption of Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) in BC Coastal Community Energy Systems.

In this role PRIMED staff:

· use computational models and field measurements to define the energy characteristics in BC’s marine winds, waves and tides

· apply computer modeling tools to assess how MRE devices convert these resources into usable forms of energy.

· support of detailed MRE project design including MRE device siting, mooring design, electrical integration, partner identification and development of operating strategies.

PRIMED’s community projects are executed with support from staff in the UVic Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) Initiative – a campus wide initiative that supports energy system innovations in small-to-medium sized communities in Western Canada; PRIMED is an independent marine energy division of the UVic ACET initiative.

Job Description / About this position

PRIMED’s projects include marine energy resource assessment, pre-feasibility, front-end engineering design and first-of-a-kind MRE construction projects. Across these activities, PRIMED 

works with an extensive network of community, private sector, academic and government agency partners. As a university research group, we seek to disseminate best-practices and knowledge developed in projects to the benefit of the BC MRE sector. This requires thoughtful dialogue with partners to ensure intellectual property is protected.

The advertised position will be based inside PRIMED. The primary role of the Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical is to oversee mechanical engineering design and analysis activities whilst playing a leadership role, mentoring and developing a small team of mechanical engineers.

In completing their duties, the successful candidate will: lead the mechanical engineering aspects of projects and be responsible for setting scope of engineering activities and directing progress towards deliverables. In addition, the successful candidate will provide professional mentorship and guidance for team members. The candidate is also required to interface regularly with private sector partners, project stakeholders and building excellent working relationships with these groups. The candidate will also work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure University procurement and risk processes are adhered to for all projects.

In addition, the PRIMED Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical will work closely with the Victoria Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST). COAST and UVic jointly operate the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub (“The Hub”), which delivers knowledge and data services to companies developing MRE technology solutions, and provides sites for physical testing and demonstration of MRE devices.

The activities of the Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical fall into 3 categories: academic research, applied research, and activities executed in support of commercialization programs under The Hub.

Academic Research (IESVic):

• Support mechanical engineering related research activities
• Identify and support new institutional and industry collaborations
• Provide technical and engineering mentorship for students, researchers, and junior members of the PRIMED team

Applied Research (ACET):

• Provincial MRE resource assessment: data generation and curation
• MRE system analyses: community energy systems, diesel displacement potential of MRE deployments, system design
• MRE device performance assessments. MRE device component and assembly design

Commercialization ("The Hub")

• Design and installation of equipment and test facilities in support of Innovation Challenges
• Development and delivery of engineering supports for device (re)design and optimization for BC environmental conditions (winds, waves, tidal currents)
• Development of scale-up strategies for the BC marine energy sector informed by knowledge of device performance and operational strategies/constraints

Responsibilities

The PRIMED Mechanical Engineering Lead will:

• Provide technical leadership by
  • being responsible for mechanical engineering scope, deliverables and execution on projects.
  • Ensuring designs comply with applicable codes and standards.
  • Reviewing CAD packages and overseeing generation of fabrication drawings and technical reports.
  • Providing technical guidance to the mechanical engineering team and resolve complex engineering challenges.

• Improve team productivity by
  • Being a leadership figure responsible for mentoring and developing a team of mechanical engineers.
  • Maintaining and enhancing a high-trust environment that drives team member engagement in assigned tasks.

  • Conducting performance reviews, setting individual team member goals, and supporting career development.

  • Overseeing allocation of resources to meet project timelines.

  • Leading meetings with the mechanical engineering team

• Execute Project & Program Management through
  • Working with the PRIMED Director to develop proposals, budgets and feasibility studies.
  • Developing schedules, scopes of work and budgets - for the mechanical engineering activities within assigned projects.
  • Assisting in scheduling and coordination of operations and contracted services at field sites.
  • Resolving project related issues with service providers/contractors.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years relevant professional experience working on complex mechanical systems.
• At least 3 years’ experience managing a (small) team of engineers.
• Preference for candidates holding an active PEng in Canada or equivalent (e.g. P.E. in the US) license; candidates without active license must be engaged in the Engineer in Training program or have a clear path to licensure with a commitment to pursuing that path.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of mechanical design principles, fabrication and manufacturing.
• Experience with CAD (e.g. Solid Works) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Experience with structural analysis and FEA (e.g. ANSYS).
• Experience with fluid mechanics and CFD (e.g. ANSYS, ProteusDS).
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and engineering documentation.
• Ability to understand and review mechanical design part and assembly drawings - including dimensions, tolerances, materials, weld symbols, and finishes.
• Experience leading design reviews with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Knowledge of recognized Project Management principles and methodologies.

Soft Skills and Leadership

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to respectfully engage with internal and external stakeholders through email, conference calls and face-to-face meetings.
• Ability to work between project stakeholders to problem solve.
• Ability to lead, mentor and coach other engineers.
• Ability to chair team meetings and provide feedback and guidance to other engineers.

Desired but not essential

• Familiarity with construction project management, particularly marine-based infrastructure.
• Experience in Marine/Offshore engineering (Offshore Structural Engineering, Naval Architecture).
• Proven experience in construction management (particularly marine/offshore infrastructure).

Contact and Application

Interested candidates should email primed@uvic.ca by March 1st 2026 with the subject “PRIMED Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical”, and attach:

• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• A one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation for applying for the position.

Equity Statement

ACET and the University of Victoria are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Read UVic's full equity statement at www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement

 If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact uviccareers@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, the Musqueam people, the fourteen Yukon First Nations, Atikamekw and other Indigenous People on which ACET partner institutions stand, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.