Strategic Advisor to the Director General

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.

The role

We are looking for a Strategic Advisor to the Director General to support the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC). The Strategic Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.
 
The Strategic Advisor supports the CPFC Director General and its Management Team in effective technical and strategic decision making by researching, validating and analyzing relevant information from a range of sources including stakeholder, client and industry and developing analyses related to potential changes to the governance and operations of the CPFC. 

Support key strategic initiatives related to client engagement, expanding scope of technology services and enhancing the CPFC offering to the Canadian ecosystem partners.

The incumbent will be a key resource for the Director General in developing and coordinating strategic initiatives important for the CPFC Business Unit, NRC and the entire Canadian Photonics Innovation Ecosystem. He/she will be responsible for handling incoming requests from internal and external stakeholders, coordinating the required actions, and preparing responses on behalf of the CPFC Management.  

Given the nature of the decision-making implications of this position, there is a significant degree of judgement, initiative and discretion required.  

The position must understand the priorities of the CPFC Business Unit, The Emerging Technology Division, Challenge Programs, The NRC, Government of Canada and Canada’s innovation network; and must develop an understanding of stakeholder priorities.

Screening criteria

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. It is recommended that candidates use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.

Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

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, Science or in a related field. An acceptable combination of additional education, training or experience may be considered for specialization requirements.

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

Experience

• Significant experience supporting or working within compound semiconductor manufacturing from both RTO and industry.
• Significant experience in InP and GaAs processing technologies, including advanced semiconductor processes such as lithography and process integration for complex device fabrication.
• Significant experience in interacting with executive management, providing advice and recommendations to support decision-making processes.
• Significant experience developing strategic technology and business roadmaps and initiatives.
• Significant experience working on complex and multifaceted projects.
• Significant experience engaging and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including technical teams, senior management, industry partners, government agencies, and key clients, to advance organizational initiatives.
• Significant experience identifying and engaging strategic partners across the Canadian and international semiconductor ecosystem.

Assets

• Experience in technical leadership and management of engineering and operational teams in a semiconductor fab environment.
• Experience managing operational or financial responsibilities, such as supporting major organizational initiatives and overseeing delegated expenditures.

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

• Solid knowledge of Canada’s photonics value chain and leading actors in research, innovation, and technology commercialization.
• Solid knowledge of the global III-V photonics, market, key players and industry trends.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends to address challenges/opportunities in Photonics.
• Solid knowledge of business models, organizational structures, and operational planning in a semiconductor fabrication environment.
• Solid knowledge of financial and operational considerations for major initiatives and delegated authorities.
• Knowledge of collaboration approaches with industry, government, academia, and ecosystem partners.
• Knowledge of strategic analysis methods, governance frameworks, and best practices for preparing decision-ready advice for senior executives.
• Solid knowledge of innovation processes for photonics and compound semiconductors.

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

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), 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.

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

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Occasional travel will be required.
• ​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.