Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for a Senior Instrumentation Technologist to support the Systems Engineering team of the Drone Flight and Autonomy Lab (DFAL) of the Aerospace Research Centre. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As a Senior Instrumentation Technologist, you will play a key role in supporting advanced flight simulation and mobile ground control station capabilities. Working in a team-centric environment with the Systems Engineering Team and other multidisciplinary groups, you will apply your hands-on expertise in software, networking, and hardware integration to deliver reliable, high-performance laboratory systems.

In this role, you will help define project and laboratory requirements, develop practical plans within resource, budget, and schedule constraints, and independently carry out the procurement, installation, instrumentation, operation, maintenance, and optimization of these complex systems. You will also document system changes and support procurement and supplier management activities, contributing directly to the success and continuous improvement of cutting-edge research infrastructure.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A minimum of a Diploma from a three-year post-secondary Engineering Technology program or an Applied Science Technology program in electrical engineering, electronics or in instrumentation.

or

A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation or Process Control Engineering combined with relevant experience may also be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

1. Experience independently designing, implementing, and documenting practical technical solutions for computer hardware, and professional audio and video systems, balancing immediate project needs with long-term organizational reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
2. Experience independently, procuring, installing, configuring, integrating, and maintaining instrumentation of audio, visual, and other hardware systems, including multi-source video and audio synchronization, equipment mounting and set-up, and cable fabrication.
3. Experience supporting software development and building environments, including the use of source control systems such as Git, build tools such as CMake or Make, integrated development environments, and package management systems.
4. Experience configuring and troubleshooting computer network systems, including static IP configuration, gateway setup, connectivity testing, and network diagnostics.
5. Experience working across multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting technical systems.
6. Experience autonomously applying Occupational Health and Safety practices such as safe installation, operation, maintenance, and modification of equipment and systems.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

1. Ability to design and document practical and innovative solutions for computer hardware systems and professional audio and video systems to meet short‑term project requirements and long‑term organization needs;
2. Strong knowledge in procuring, installing, configuring , integrating, and maintaining instrumentation, including computer hardware, audio and visual systems, including synchronization of multiple data sources including video and audio, custom cable fabrication, and equipment mounting and setup;
3. Basic ability developing and maintaining software build environments and pipelines, including repository management (GIT) and build tools such as CMake, Make, IDE environments, and package management systems (for example Homebrew);
4. Knowledge of computer network configuration and management, including static IP configuration, gateway setup, and network diagnostics to support equipment and connected systems;
5. Knowledgeable in working across multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, with the ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot systems; and
6. Solid knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety regulations and legislation required to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment, as well as safety techniques and methods.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $83,435 to $107,838 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.