Application Development and Systems Specialist

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.

The role

We are looking for a Application Development and Systems Specialist to support our Metrology Research Centre (NRC-METRO). The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. 

 
We, at the NRC Frequency and Time (F&T) group, are responsible for realising the second, the SI unit of time, and maintaining and disseminating the Official Time for Canada. In support of this work, the F&T team conducts research and development of primary and secondary frequency standards, and frequency comparison and dissemination methods. 

 
The majority of F&T R&D and Services are computerised and automated and involve significant IT infrastructure and software base. The primary role will be to contribute to the support and development of F&T automated systems and services. 

 
The challenge will be to work collaboratively with F&T team and NRC services to develop software tools and IT systems to support NRC Time measurements, analysis and dissemination and contribute to F&T capabilities development at one of the leading metrology institutes in the world. The activities will include:

• Design, development, implementation and maintenance of in-house software and IT systems;
• Deploy, maintain and support F&T network-based time dissemination services; and
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, analysis and visualisation of measurement results 

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

BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computer Engineering

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

Experience

• Significant experience working independently and within a team on joint projects and achieving recognized and quantifiable results including planning, design, setup, documentation, data collection, troubleshooting, and analysis of complex systems;
• Significant experience working in Linux operating system, including system setup, configuration, troubleshooting, customization and software development;
• Significant experience with software design and development using Python and C, object-oriented programming (OOP), open-source software development tools, revision control systems, web development, and Linux shell scripting;
• Experience with web programming (XML, HTML, JSON, and JavaScript), graphical user interfaces programming, client/server architectures development, data acquisition programming, database programming (SQL, relational and non-relational DBs);
• Experience in IT networks design and technologies (i.e., TCP/IP), implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting;
• Experience with Java or C++ would be considered an asset;
• Experience with analog and digital electronics, FPGA programming, including writing firmware and software for microcontrollers and embedded systems would be considered an asset;
• Experience with network time synchronization concepts and technologies (e.g., NTP, PTP), including knowledge of underlying principles and hands-on experience with setup, configuration and troubleshooting would be considered an asset. 

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required

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

• Expert knowledge of Linux operating system including system setup and administration, optimization, troubleshooting, automation and shell scripting;
• Expert knowledge of Python and C computer programming languages;
• Knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles;
• Knowledge of database programming, open-source software development tools and web development; 
• Knowledge of TCP/IP model and general networking concepts.
• Knowledge of microcontroller (MCU) programming and its applications is an asset.
• Knowledge of underlying principles of network time synchronization (NTP, PTP) is an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles: Research Technician/Technologist; Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $103,911 to $130,061 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.
• Only the applications that include a detailed cover letter clearly outlining how each of the experience requirements are met will be considered.