Research Council Officer, Autonomy Core

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 Research Council Officer, Autonomy Core, to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The Research Council Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Aerospace Research Centre is expanding its capabilities in full-scale aircraft autonomy and is seeking a Research Council Officer, Autonomy Core, to help develop the next generation of autonomous flight systems. The successful candidate will apply strong software development expertise to design, implement and integrate autonomy software, including mission management and supervisory control functions. Working within a multidisciplinary team, they will contribute to software architecture, translate research concepts into operational solutions, support simulation and flight-test activities, and help advance autonomous aviation technologies that support Canadian innovation and commercialization.

The successful candidate will apply strong software development expertise to design, implement and integrate autonomy software, including mission management and discrete-event supervisory control functions for autonomous aircraft.

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

A Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Practical exposure to autonomous systems, discrete-event system implementation, or real-time embedded software is expected.
 
A Master’s, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering would be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Strong software development experience, including the design, implementation, integration, and testing of production-quality software for embedded or real-time systems (e.g., C++ or similar languages). 


• Practical, hands-on experience developing or working with mission management software and discrete-event systems for supervisory control in autonomous or complex engineered systems. 


• Experience implementing and integrating algorithms into real-time computer systems or embedded platforms.


• Experience preparing technical documentation such as software design documents, test plans, test procedures, and integration or evaluation reports.


• Experience designing software architectures or modules for autonomous aircraft, robotic platforms, or other complex real-time systems is considered an asset.


• Experience with full-scale aircraft autonomy, discrete-event system specifications (DEVS), or applying machine learning techniques in autonomous or real-time systems is considered 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

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 software engineering skills, with practical proficiency in C++ for embedded or real-time systems;


• Working knowledge of mission management and discrete-event systems for supervisory control in autonomous systems;


• Knowledge of implementing, integrating, and validating algorithms in simulation and real-time embedded environments;


• Proficiency with Python, and knowledge of DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) framework and machine learning methods applied to autonomous or real-time systems may be assessed as assets; 


• Knowledge of software architecture design and module decomposition for autonomous aircraft, robotic systems, or complex real-time systems may be assessed as assets.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.