Senior Control System and Instrumentation Technologist

National Research Council Canada

  • Ottawa, ON
  • $83,435-107,838 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 9 days ago
Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.
  • The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.City: OttawaOrganizational Unit: AerospaceClassification: TO-4Tenure: ContinuingLanguage Requirements: EnglishWork Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.Discover the possibleAnything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada's 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 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 RoleWe are looking for a Senior Control System and Instrumentation Technologist, Propulsion and Power Laboratory to support the Altitude Research Facility (ARF) group within the Aerospace Research Centre. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.The selected individual will work closely with a multidisciplinary team composed of Technical Officers, Research Council Officers, and Research Officers within ARF group and external clients.This position requires an individual that can perform under pressure, have critical problem-solving skills and good awareness of task prioritization and process optimization. During the commissioning and test phase of projects, the position will require working long days and occasionally weekends. The individual must also possess the necessary technical skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain equipment found in a state-of-the-art industrial environment.Your responsibilities include:
  • Design, develop, and implement data acquisition and control systems associated with test facilities;
  • Design, develop, and assemble electronic and real-time computer hardware/software used for control and measurement;
  • Troubleshoot, support, maintain, and improve existing data acquisition and control systems;
  • Develop advanced programs for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and LabVIEW®(i.e. virtual instruments);
  • Execute the installation, repair, maintenance and calibration of critical and non-critical instruments following existing procedures and quality system work instructions based on NRC Aerospace ISO-9001-2015; as well as making continuous updates and improvements of said procedures; and
  • Provide technical expertise for defining requirements and selecting scientific instrumentation, components, and software.
In addition to technical duties, the incumbent will also be expected to follow all safety, environmental and regulatory rules applicable to the test facilities.This position may assign duties, overseeing the work and mentoring of junior technical officers.This is an exciting job opportunity for anyone that wants to demonstrate leadership skills combined with technical expertise!Screening CriteriaApplicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:EducationA Bachelor's degree in electrical, automation or process control engineering or similar.A 3-year college diploma in electrical engineering, electronics, instrumentation or mechatronics technology combined with relevant experience may also be considered.For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please seeExperience
  • Significant* and recent* experience in design, development, and implementation of data acquisition and controls (DAC) software using laboratory and industrial programming languages (PLC and LabVIEW®);
  • Significant and recent experience working with ControlLogix® Programmable Logic Controllers;
  • Significant and recent experience in leading maintenance activities in large-scale research facilities. This may include scheduling of tasks, resources, and training;
  • Significant and recent experience in leading project-related support activities for full-scale gas turbine engine tests, often under tight schedules. This may include identifying technical requirements, planning, and strong troubleshooting abilities;
  • Significant experience in the maintenance, calibration, operation, troubleshooting, and repair of measurement devices; and
  • Significant experience in implementing and managing process control changes.
*Significant refers to between two (2) and six (6) years of experience and recent refers to within the last five (5) years.Condition of EmploymentReliability StatusFor a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.Language RequirementsEnglishAssessment CriteriaCandidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:Technical Competencies
  • Advanced knowledge of PLC programming with a deep understanding of complex control strategies, programming languages and troubleshooting techniques beyond basic functionality;
  • Advanced knowledge of LabVIEW® to program new VIs (Virtual Instruments) and modify existing VIs that support complex research and test programs for aerospace and industrial technologies;
  • Advanced knowledge in installation of hardware, configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance of complex-high-channel-count data acquisition and control systems such as PXI, NI® CompactDAQ, Ethernet-enabled I/O devices for process controls as well as communication converters and protocols;
  • Advanced knowledge in instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, signal conditioners, transducers, data acquisition hardware for the measurement and recording of process variables including, but not limited to temperature, pressure, flow, vibration, strain; including the required calibration standards and procedures for such measurements;
  • Advanced knowledge in the implementation of closed loop PID (Proportional, Integral Derivative) and feedforward controls using motorized, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic and hydraulic components for testing and protection of aircraft engines and combustion systems;
  • Advanced knowledge in reading and preparing P&IDs (Process and Instrumentation Diagram) using CAD tools;
  • Solid knowledge in designing and implementing standardized processes, procedures and best practices for quality assurance (ISO 9001-2015), data integrity and protection; and
  • Solid knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety regulations and legislation required to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment, as well as safety techniques and methods used in industrial facilities.
Behavioural Competencies
  • Technology support - Client focus (Level 2)
  • Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
  • Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
  • Technology support - Results orientation (Level 3)
  • Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)
  • Technology support - Initiative (Level 2)
Competency Profile(s)For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile:CompensationFrom $83,435 to $107,838 per annum.NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of 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 has been chosen as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region's Top Employers and Forbes Canada's Best Employers.
  • 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.
  • Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. Candidates must use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience. 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.
  • The working conditions are those found in an industrial laboratory with the presence of hazardous materials and situations, including elevated sound levels, varying temperatures and high-pressure process gas piping, Class IV continuous lasers, high power pulsed lasers, combustible liquid fuels and gases, as well poisonous or toxic gases. The incumbents are expected to independently work in such environments in a safe manner, with a working-level tolerance to a typical test environment with enhanced noise levels, heat and reduced air quality.
  • A flexible schedule and overtime will be required from time to time.
  • Willingness to work shifts during special projects.
  • Some travelling is required.
  • 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.
Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (22928) to:E-mail:Telephone: 4506454208Closing Date: 10 September 2025 - 23:59 Eastern TimeFor more information on career tools and other resources, check out*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.

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