Applied Scientist, RF Sensing and Counter-Drone Technologies

Defence Industrial Strategy

The role

We are looking for a Research Officer with expertise in Radio Frequency (RF) systems, signal processing, and electromagnetic sensing and countermeasure technologies, with a focus on Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) applications. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing Canada’s national capabilities in spectrum monitoring, interference mitigation, and drone detection technologies within the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Aerospace Research Centre’s Drone and Flight Autonomy Lab.

This individual will share and demonstrate NRC’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

The Centre for Drone Innovation, part of the NRC’s Drone and Flight Autonomy Lab, strengthens Canada’s ability to research, develop, test and validate advanced drone technologies. The Centre serves as a national hub supporting all stages of drone innovation—from design and simulation to prototype development, testing and qualification.

Facilities include:

• Drone hangar and operations centre with direct runway access;
• Technical laboratories;
• Indoor and outdoor flight test arenas;
• Secure research spaces for specialized projects.

The Drone Laboratory provides a controlled environment for spectrum characterization, RF algorithm development, countermeasure testing, and integration of C-UAS detect-and-identify systems. It supports research on RF sensing, direction-finding, and signal classification for UAS geolocation and protection.

Working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and partners, the Research Officer will:

• Assess and advance RF technologies for C‑UAS detection, identification, and mitigation.
• Conduct research in RF signal characterization, detection, classification, and interference management across the operational frequency spectrum.
• Develop and apply signal processing algorithms, spectrum monitoring techniques, and RF instrumentation workflows to enhance C‑UAS capabilities.
• Plan, commission, and operate RF infrastructure including spectrum analysis systems, software‑defined radios, direction‑finding arrays, and related measurement equipment.
• Collaborate with industry, government, and academic partners to develop and demonstrate innovative spectrum sensing and protection technologies.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and milestones to ensure timely delivery.
• Communicate research results through technical reports, presentations, and publications.
• Support technology integration, validation, and testing in laboratory and operational environments.
• Design and conduct RF characterization experiments using commercial and custom UAS platforms to expand a national UAS RF signal library.

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

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field with specialization in Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Electromagnetics, Signal Processing, or Spectrum Operations;

Master’s degree in one of the above fields combined with significant experience (typically 5+ years) in applied research or system design in RF sensing or spectrum analysis could also be considered.
 

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

Experience

1. Experience in research, development, or applied work related to radio frequency (RF) systems, signal processing, or electromagnetic sensing;
2. Hands-on experience with RF test instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, or equivalent);
3. Experience with signal processing programming in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++;
4. Experience collecting and analyzing experimental data and communicating results through technical reports or presentations; 
   
   
5. Assets:
   • Experience in RF signal capture and analysis using software-defined radio (SDR) platforms (e.g., USRP, GNU Radio, or equivalent);
   • Experience with detection, classification, or geolocation of RF emitters — particularly uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), ISM-band devices, or other low-power RF targets; 
   • Experience in an RF laboratory environment (test and measurement, anechoic or shielded enclosures, EMC testing); 
   • Experience contributing to collaborative research projects with government, industry, or academic partners.

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. Working knowledge of RF signal propagation, telecommunication systems, antenna fundamentals, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Ability to apply spectrum monitoring and signal characterization techniques, including modulation identification and time-frequency analysis.
3. Ability to set up and carry out controlled RF measurements and validate the resulting data.
4. Ability to implement signal processing algorithms and waveform prototypes on SDR platforms (e.g., GNU Radio, USRP).
5. Ability to use MATLAB and/or Python for RF data analysis, signal processing, and test automation.
6. Ability to operate RF test and measurement equipment and apply good practices for interference mitigation.
7. Familiarity with any of the following is an asset: 
   -    UAS detect-and-identify architectures and RF-based mitigation approaches; 
   -    Direction-finding and geolocation techniques (TDOA, AOA, FDOA); 
   -    RF simulation and modelling tools.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RO-2 to RO-4 level, which is an intermediate to senior career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $168,192. 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 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.

Notes

• 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.