Radio Frequency Interference Engineer Research Officer

The Role

We are looking for a Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Engineer to support our Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre. The RFI Engineer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

This position will be located in Penticton, British Columbia, at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO). The DRAO is operated by the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (NRC-HAA) Research Centre, and is home to Canada’s largest radio telescopes such as the John A. Galt 26-m Telescope, Synthesis Telescope, Solar Radio Flux Monitor, the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), and the currently under-construction Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD). Apart from operating and maintaining these telescopes, staff at the DRAO also develop leading-edge instrumentation for some of the world’s largest astronomical observatories such as the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillmeter Array (ALMA).

The RFI Engineer will be a key member of the Radio Astronomy group, reporting to the Director of Radio Astronomy. They will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of an RFI program at DRAO in order to protect the RFI environment at DRAO and assure the site’s continued existence

Key Activities

Some of the responsibilities associated with leading the RFI development program include:

• Develop RFI policies, protection levels, procedures and control plans
• Develop RFI qualification techniques and facilities
• Conduct site RFI characterization studies through measurement campaigns
• Develop RFI mitigation techniques
• Interface with project managers and systems engineers to ensure project RFI compliance for new projects
• Participate in RFI relevant design reviews for onsite systems
• Coordinate RFI monitoring and mitigation activities
• Engage with telecommunications companies, government agencies, and international bodies like the ITU (International Telecommunication Union)

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 Electrical Engineering or Radio Astronomy.

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

Experience

1. Experience as an RFI manager for a radio astronomy observatory.
2. Experience developing RFI policies, protection levels, procedures and control plans for radio astronomy observatories.
3. Experience using RFI qualification techniques and facilities to measure conducted and emitted RFI, especially using reverb chambers.
4. Experience in the establishment and configuration of RFI measurement facilities.
5. Experience conducting RFI impact assessments.
6. Experience in spectrum management is considered an asset.

Condition of Employment

 Reliability Status

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

1. Advanced understanding of RFI protection levels and how they relate to radio astronomy.
2. Advanced understanding of RFI measurement techniques and standards.
3. Good understanding of electromagnetic theory and principles.
4. Knowledgeable in writing RFI policies, procedures and control plans and performing RFI impact assessments.
5. Knowledge of RFI mitigation techniques such as shielding and filtering.
6. In-depth understanding of RFI monitoring and locating techniques.

Considered an asset:

1. Knowledge of spectrum management.
2. Ability to perform reverb chamber measurements and calibration.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AcRO/SRO level with a salary range of $117,341 to $164,894. 

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.

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Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). 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

• Must be able to travel across Canada and/or internationally as necessary. 
• 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.