Applications Development 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.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for an Applications Development Specialist to support our Digital Technologies Research Centre. The Applications Development Specialist would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As part of the Cryptography and Quantum Computing Team, the retained person will work with cryptography researchers as part of the Quantum Safe Technologies Initiative to implement, test, debug and benchmark cryptographic a privacy-preserving algorithms.

A typical project involves working with existing code libraries of cryptographic primitives to implement new algorithms, benchmarking new algorithms and testing them on real-world data.

The incumbent will be part of a small, fast-paced team where analytic initiative is expected, and communication is frequent. We expect team members to be results-oriented and resourceful to become experts in a wide array of technologies.

Do you have the technical and leadership skills to meet this exciting challenge? If so, we want you to apply!

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 computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, or related fields or equivalent experience.

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

Experience

• Experience designing and developing applications using C++, Python and Object Oriented programming principles. 


• Experience using development tools for C++ and Python-based application development and AI/ML modelling, including IDEs, version control, build tools and testing frameworks. 


• Experience with virtual machines, data processing, APIs, databases, and backend services for application development.


• Experience in the UNIX/LINUX environment for application development, scripting and testing.

 
Experience in the following areas is considered an asset:

• Experience in implementing constant time algorithms.


• Experience in working on project involving cryptographic privacy-preserving scheme such as FHE.


• Experience with embedded or constrained environments.


• Contribution to cryptographic open-source projects.


• Experience with AI/ML modelling and integrating secure models into application development.


• Experience developing GUI interfaces, dashboards and prototypes for secure AI/ML applications.

Condition of employment

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

Language requirements

Waterloo: English 
Montreal, Ottawa or Fredericton: Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of C++, Python and Object Oriented programming principles.


• Knowledge of version control, build tools and testing frameworks.


• Knowledge of at least one common scripting language such as Python, Javascript or Powershell.


• Knowledge of computer security principles such as encryption, digital signatures and hash functions. 


• Knowledge of modern machine learning techniques.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $86,503 to $108,068 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.