R&D Engineer - Mass Timber Connections

R&D Engineer - Mass Timber Connections MTC Solutions designs, tests, and supplies structural hardware for commercial timber and mass timber construction. Our products include screws, beam hangers, connectors, and connection systems that help engineers and builders connect large timber components safely, efficiently, and reliably. The R&D Engineer is part of MTC Solutions' Research & Development team, the group responsible for developing new products, generating physical test data, and translating research questions into validated engineering solutions for the mass timber industry. This role is about structural behaviour, physical testing, product performance, engineering judgment, and applied research that leads to better hardware and better design guidance. This position is intended for an early- to mid-career engineer who enjoys a mix of analysis, experimentation, testing, and product development. You will work with senior technical staff to plan research programs, develop and evaluate connection concepts, coordinate internal and external testing, analyze results, and help turn technical findings into practical recommendations for MTC products and design resources. What You'll Do Applied research: Plan and execute engineering investigations related to structural connections, fasteners, timber systems, and product performance. Product development support: Develop and evaluate new connection concepts and improvements to existing MTC products, working from early technical questions through prototype and validation stages. Engineering analysis: Perform calculations, analytical modelling, literature reviews, and code-based evaluations to understand structural behaviour and support technical recommendations. Testing and validation: Develop test plans, coordinate specimens and fixtures, support or execute internal testing, coordinate external laboratory programs, and analyze results. Hands-on research support: Participate in physical testing work, including specimen preparation, prototype installation, test setup review, instrumentation support, and failure-mode observation. Data analysis: Interpret experimental results, identify trends and limitations, develop design parameters, and document defensible engineering conclusions. Prototype and fixture development: Work with engineers, technologists, suppliers, and fabricators to develop prototypes, fixtures, and test setups required for research and product validation. Codes, standards, and approvals: Support technical work related to CSA O86, NDS, ICC-ES evaluation, CCMC, Eurocode 5, AS/NZS, and other relevant standards or approval pathways. Project ownership: Take ownership of assigned R&D projects or workstreams, maintaining priorities, schedules, project records, and communication with relevant stakeholders. Technical documentation: Prepare clear technical summaries, calculation packages, research reports, test documentation, and recommendations that can be reviewed and used by other engineering teams. Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Product Application Engineering, Operations, Technical Service, Business Development, Marketing, suppliers, universities, and external laboratories. Who You Are You are a curious engineer who enjoys figuring out why things behave the way they do. You like the combination of calculations and physical testing, and you are motivated by research that leads somewhere practical: a better product, a stronger design value, a clearer recommendation, or a new solution for the industry. You are comfortable not knowing the answer immediately. You can gather information, develop a hypothesis or recommendation, test it, learn from the results, and adjust. You are building confidence in your engineering judgment and want a role where you can take increasing ownership as your experience grows. You are collaborative, organized, practical, and willing to work directly with physical products, specimens, prototypes, and test setups. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Timber Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation, or EIT able to apply for P.Eng. in the near term. Approximately 2-6 years of relevant structural engineering, applied research, testing, product-development, or building-products experience preferred; exceptional candidates outside this range will also be considered. Strong understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, material behaviour, and engineering fundamentals. Experience with timber engineering, structural connections, fasteners, mass timber, or building products is considered a strong asset. Experience with physical testing, laboratory research, structural testing, or experimental engineering is considered an asset. Experience interpreting design codes and standards such as CSA O86, NDS, Eurocode 5, or similar is considered an asset. Experience with engineering analysis tools, spreadsheets, CAD, or numerical modelling. Ability to work through open-ended technical problems, form engineering recommendations, and communicate the reasoning behind them. Strong project-management, organizational, technical writing, and communication skills. Ability to work independently while seeking appropriate technical review and collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency in English required. Why This Role Matters MTC's future products and technical leadership depend on strong applied research. This role helps answer the questions that determine how products are designed, tested, approved, and ultimately used in the field. Your work will help build the technical evidence behind MTC's next generation of mass timber connection solutions. About MTC Solutions MTC Solutions is a North American leader in mass timber connection technology. We design, test, and supply structural hardware that helps engineers and builders realize safe, efficient, and beautiful timber structures. Our competitive edge comes from technical credibility, practical problem solving, and our ability to translate complex research into usable design solutions. We are a small, agile, and passionate team shaping the future of mass timber construction across North America. Your work will directly influence new products, technical approvals, design values, and engineering resources used on real projects. Closing We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.