Senior Instrumentation Technologist

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 Senior Instrumentation Technologist to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The Technologist would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As a Senior Instrumentation Technologist within NRC’s Aerodynamics Laboratory (AL), you will play a key role in advancing the performance and reliability of the AL wind tunnel facilities at the Uplands Campus. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will lead and support instrumentation and control system projects that enable aerospace testing and research. In this role, you will:

• Contribute to facility renewal and upgrade projects while participating in design, installation, and technical development activities, and serving as the technical lead on specific projects when required;
• Design, develop, operate and maintain real-time control and measurement systems used for the operation of AL wind tunnel facilities;
• Develop and implement new systems and procedures that enhance the data acquisition, control and instrumentation capabilities of the wind tunnel facilities;
• Define, specify, and document control and data acquisition systems, and support the selection of scientific instrumentation, software and components;
• Provide technical expertise and support for instrumentation needs, including troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of complex test systems, and assisting in model preparations and installations.
• Offer functional supervision and mentorship to instrumentation technicians and co-op students participating in project and system development activities.

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 Electrical or Computer Science or Systems/Software Engineering. A diploma from a 3-year post-secondary engineering technology program or applied science technology program in electronics, instrumentation or another related field would also be considered.

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

Experience

1. Extensive experience in providing technical expertise for the selection, calibration, testing, and application of scientific instrumentation and sensors – such as pressure, temperature, position, vision, and motion tracking devices – and in troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic and electro-mechanical data acquisition systems.

2. Extensive experience designing, interpreting, and modifying electrical and control system documentation – including schematics, wiring diagrams, and system layouts – and developing and implementing improvements to enhance data acquisition, control and instrumentation performance in experimental facilities.

3. Extensive experience in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical control and automation systems, including analog circuits, relay-based controls, and modern digital control architectures.

4. Significant experience in analyzing, characterizing, and optimizing control systems, including assessing system dynamics, frequency response, and performance behavior, and applying feedback and feedforward control philosophies to enhance stability and responsiveness.

5. Significant expertise in motion and signal control applications, including the design and implementation of DC/AC motor drives, analog and digital filters, and the determination of appropriate cutoff frequencies for signal conditioning and overall system reliability.

6. Significant experience in control systems and data acquisition technologies, with demonstrated proficiency in at least two (2) of the following (4) categories:

• 1. Control & Data Acquisition Hardware Platforms
     • National Instruments PXI and cRIO systems
     • PLC platforms including GE/Emerson, Modicon, and Allen-Bradley
  2. PLC Programming & Industrial Control Systems
     • RSLogix / Studio 5000
     • Siemens TIA Portal
     • ProWORX (Modicon)
  3. Advanced Control & Modeling Software
     • LabVIEW (Real-Time and FPGA)
     • MATLAB / Simulink
  4. Industrial Communication & Networking Protocols
     • EtherCAT, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA

*Significant experience refers to 3-5 years, and extensive is 5-8 years of experience.

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. 

Must be able to possess and retain the physical capabilities to perform the position which include but may not be limited to: manual dexterity, crouching, bending, twisting, walking, climbing stairs & ladders, ability to hear to diagnose mechanical troubles, and the ability to handle heavy and bulky objects.

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

• Strong knowledge of analog and digital control systems and signal conditioning / processing
• Strong knowledge of experimental measurement techniques particularly related to the aerospace ground testing environment
• Advanced knowledge of calibration methods and standards
• Advanced knowledge of the design, troubleshooting and repair of electronic and electro-mechanical systems
• Knowledge of software design principles and the use of software using MS Suite, LabView and MATLAB

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

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.