Research Officer, Energy System Engineer

The role

We are looking for a Research Officer (RO) with a background in clean energy systems integration, energy storage, smart grid and microgrids to support developing and deploying resilient, low-emission, and intelligent clean energy systems for remote and Arctic operations. By advancing applied research and technology development in distributed energy integration, control, and optimization, this position will reinforce NRC’s leadership in supporting Canada’s energy transition and national energy security objectives. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

You will be working on projects performing research to plan and execute research, development, and demonstration (RDD) projects for the NRC’s clients and collaborators. This involves both administrative and technical responsibilities within the NRC’s operational and policy framework (project management, hazard prevention program, Treasury Board directives, etc.) to safely and efficiently deliver client-driven outputs.

You will be working on specifying and integrating various microgrid hardware, software, and/or complete systems, data collection, formatting, and analysis, operating microgrid power systems, including generators, battery/inverter systems, supervisory controllers, etc…

You will support the advancement of the microgrid lab infrastructure and operating microgrid power systems; writing and following safe operating procedures; evaluating operational performance of electrical and thermal systems and troubleshoot when necessary.

You will be involved in the development of new research proposals (with multi-stakeholders), management of research projects, maintenance of research partnerships with external academic, industrial and government collaborators and supervision of students and vendors.

Being in a dynamic position means that the workdays are always evolving, challenging and motivating. You are a self-starter who can excel in an evolving and exciting R&D environment and who provides input into the direction and priorities of R&D activities. If you are that person, this may be the perfect role for you!

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

• Graduation with a doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in engineering or in a field relevant to the position; or


• Graduation with a master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in engineering or in a field relevant to the position, coupled with acceptable professional experiences in research and/or technology development.

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

Experience

Experience in one or more aspects of distributed energy resources (DERs) for electrical generation and energy storage, smart grid or microgrid, such as, but not limited to, energy source and storage devices such as engine-based generators, batteries, electrochemical devices, photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, capacitors, load banks, and grid connections.

• Experience working on clean energy system design, operation and optimization


• Experience working on distributed energy integration, control, and optimization


• Experience organizing and supervising various trade contractors


• Experience working on data collection and analysis


• Experience in modeling and simulation of energy models, energy distribution systems, including electrical and thermal loads 


• Experience initiating and championing new ideas and executing research projects


• Experience presenting research findings


• Preparing peer-reviewed publications and / or client technical reports

  
Asset Experience

• Experience in developing AI/ML tools or digital twin technology for renewable energy system or microgrids is an asset.


• Direct experience with industrial power generation, storage and SCADA systems is an asset

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

• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies – Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass systems


• Knowledge of energy storage - Batteries, battery management systems, related safety standards, thermal storage, hydrogen, and emerging storage technologies, and their associate communication and control protocols.


• Knowledge of bi-directional 3-phase power conversion systems up to 600VAC, and safety considerations of DC systems up to 1000VDC.


• Knowledge of microgrid, smart grid and electrical systems such as power generation, transmission, and distribution.


• Knowledge of energy system modeling and simulation techniques and limitation, and coordinating work by others using tools like TRNSYS, HOMER, EnergyPlus, Modelica, or MATLAB


• Knowledge of data analysis and visualization – Using Python, R, or similar tools for energy data analytics


• English comprehension and writing skills to develop research ideas, write proposals, support documentation of research deliverables, review technical reports and write technical publications.

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 ASRO to ACRO level, which is an early to mid-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608. 

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 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.