Robotics Control System or AI Sensor Fusion Specialists

The role

We are looking for two (2) specialists in the general areas of Field Robotics Systems (stream 1) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) (stream 2) with relevant research or work experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support our Aerospace Research Centre in the Centre for Drone Innovation. These specialists would be people who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The new Centre for Drone Innovation is part of the National Research Council of Canada’s Aerospace Research Centre’s Drone and Flight Autonomy Lab. It will strengthen Canada’s ability to research, develop, test and validate advanced drone technologies.

The Centre will be a national research and technology development hub that supports every stage of drone innovation—from design and simulation to prototype building, testing and qualification.

The new facility will include, but not limited to:
 

• a new drone hangar and operations centre with direct runway access;
• technical laboratories;
• indoor and outdoor flight test arenas;
• secure research spaces for specialized projects.

The individuals are expected to provide scientific leadership, technical support, and systems oversight and conduct research and development in our Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and Counter UAS teams.  

Working with other members of the team, the specialists will carry out:

• Technology Assessment and Research Leadership: Evaluate the current technology landscape, identify technical gaps, and define R&D activities to advance state of the art in the UAS area with specialized focus on the field of AI machine learning and sensor fusion, or control, navigation, and dynamic systems, depending on the selected competency stream.
• Development and application of advanced UAS technology: Support the goals of NRC and the Aerospace Research Centre through research of international calibre and the development and application of advanced AI Robotics technologies in the area of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) control and Counter UAS.
• Collaboration and Partnership Development: Work with industry, government, and academic partners to develop, integrate, and demonstrate innovative technical solutions; contribute to joint research proposals and collaborative projects.
• Project and Resource Management: Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and milestone tracking to ensure timely, on-scope, and on-budget delivery.
• Research Communication and Dissemination: Author, review, and present research plans, technical reports, and peer-reviewed papers; share findings through conferences, seminars, and working groups. 
• Technology deployment: Provide support for technology deployment, interface validation, and integration testing as required.
• UAS and Counter UAS R&D Capability development: Contribute to the planning, implementation and commissioning of new R&D capabilities. 

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

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 

A Master's degree in the same fields may also be considered.

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

Experience

• Significant* experience in research and development in either AI machine learning, or UAS controls and navigation;  
• Significant experience with programming and scripting languages: Matlab, C/C++ and Python;  
• Significant experience in building, training, and applying analytical physics-based and/or artificial intelligence machine learning methods to field robotics and/or UAS systems;
• Experience in design, research and development, or operating field robotics systems;
• Experience in the full spectrum scientific/technical research practice including identification of research requirements, proposal writing, project management, data production and analysis, ensuring data quality and reporting through written documentation, presentations and publishing high-calibre peer-reviewed research papers;  
• Experience in the development of partnerships and collaborations; and
• Experience with perception sensors such as Electro-Optics, and LiDAR and radar for automated robotics systems.

*Significant refers to between 2 to 6 years.

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 or French

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

Common:

• Strong analytical research skills in robotics, and/or machine learning, computer vision and controls;
• Advanced abilities working on hardware and software systems and integration as related to robotics systems;
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality conferences or journals; and
• Advanced abilities in utilizing open-source robotics simulation platforms, including ROS2, Gazebo, and NVIDIA Isaac Sim.

Stream 1: UAS Robotic Controls:

• Advanced knowledge of mechatronic architectures in unmanned aircraft systems and systems engineering approaches used for their design;
• Expert-level proficiency abilities in motion planning, navigation, and controls for field robotics and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS);
• Solid knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems dynamics and control; and
• Basic knowledge of algorithm-driven design tools, like mathematical optimization and machine learning;

Stream 2: AI Sensor Fusion: 

• Advanced theoretical knowledge of: 
  • Artificial Intelligence, including applied machine learning and reinforcement learning for autonomous systems;
  • Perception and sensor fusion and Computer Vision;
• Strong analytical knowledge of distributed control and multi-agent coordination and task allocation.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles: Research; Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

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 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 leading research and technology 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.