Project Manager for AI for Productivity Challenge Program

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 have an opportunity for you. We are looking for a Project Manager to support the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Productivity Challenge Programs of our Research Centre. The ideal candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. Working collaboratively with researchers across NRC, stakeholders from industry, academia and government, the Project Manager will help the Digital Technologies (DT) Research Centre’s AI for Productivity Challenge Program meet its objectives of driving AI adoption in manufacturing, agriculture and clean technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.

The role will report to the Program Director and consists of the following key duties: 

• Actively researching relevant literature, including peer reviewed academic sources, strategic documents and the program engagement reports.
• Liaise with program technical leads, NPO challenge officers, stakeholders and NRC research experts in each program thematic areas (agriculture, manufacturing, clean technologies, Indigenous innovation).
• Building off these inputs to carry out research, writing, editing to support the program and project development.  
• Review and identify relevant aligned funding sources, and develop funding opportunities for collaborative research.
• Assist in the delivery of engagement and advisory meetings, and support NRC staff in their outreach activities.
• Contributes effectively to conceptualizing strategies and plans, and respond to information requests by understanding the context in which the challenge program operates, including its role in the national and international research community, and the nature of the NRCs technological and research capabilities.
• Providing advice and technical project management support to implement and maintain efficient project management for challenge program projects.  
• Assist in the development of research projects to ensure that all critical program/project elements are given proper consideration in the planning including clear goals and outcomes, statement of work, milestones, deliverables, resources and budgets.
• Provide regular updates and reports on the progress of projects against objectives and identifies any issues arising in relation to project status and resource expenditures and where there are issues, variances, delays, shortfalls or potential problems, proposes changes to projects to achieve objectives.
• Plans and organizes program and/or project meetings, including the issuance of agenda and preparation of minutes.
• Maintains relevant intelligence and information on projects to assist in developing new project proposals.
• Undertakes special projects or assignments to further the challenge program’s objectives in support of programs and projects, and project management.

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

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science is required. A bachelor’s degree in another discipline with a combination of work experience relevant to the position would be considered.

Formal designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) would be considered an asset. 

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

Experience

• Significant experience in developing research projects involving multi-disciplinary teams and multi-partner resources.
• Significant experience in management, monitoring and reporting of research projects through its entire life cycle in AI, manufacturing, agriculture, clean technologies or a combination of fields  relevant to the position such as programming using Python, R, etc.
• Significant experience in the application of project management and in using project management software tools in a R&D environment.
• Significant experience in developing and managing effective working relationships between multiple stakeholders including organizations external to NRC.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in working with NRC research programs, challenge programs in a research or program management capacity is an asset.

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

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Extensive knowledge of project management theory, procedures and practices and project management software tools.
• Knowledge of performance measurement and/or evaluation frameworks, principles and techniques which includes data gathering, analysis, preparation and presentation of reports.
• Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to field trial a variety of tools such as AI models, programming languages, GC or MS forms.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly acquire, assimilate, and apply new technical knowledge, tools, and methodologies relevant to NRC’s research and engineering environment.
• Ability to maintains an up-to-date understanding of emerging technologies and best practices, and effectively integrates new knowledge to improve project outcomes and innovation.
• Solid ability using the SAP Projects Systems (PS) module would be considered an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2 or RCO-3 level, which is an intermediate career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608.

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).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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.

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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.