Application Development and Systems Specialist

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada in Ottawa seeks an Application Development and Systems Specialist to support the Metrology Research Centre (NRC-METRO). The successful candidate will design, deploy and maintain in-house software and IT systems for time dissemination and measurement services.

You will work with the Frequency and Time group to advance time-keeping capabilities, contribute to software tools, document analysis results and collaborate across NRC services.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, building and documenting complex systems from start to finish.
• Extensive Linux experience including setup, configuration, troubleshooting and development.
• Strong Python and C programming skills, OOP, open-source tools, version control, web development and shell scripting.
• Experience with XML/HTML/JSON/JavaScript, GUIs, client/server architectures, data acquisition and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and IT infrastructure design and troubleshooting.
• Java or C++ experience is an asset.
• FPGA/embedded systems and firmware experience are assets.
• Knowledge of NTP/PTP network time synchronization is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and maintain in-house software and IT systems.
• Deploy, maintain and support F&T time dissemination services.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports and visualization of measurement results

Skills

Linux

Python

C

Web programming

SQL

TCP/IP

NTP/PTP

Java/C++

FPGA

Shell scripting

Education

BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

Open-source tools

Job description

Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, 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

Ottawa

Organizational Unit

Metrology Research Centre

Classification

CS-3

Tenure

Term

Duration

2 years

Language Requirements

English

Work arrangements

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required.

Corporate culture

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.

The role

We are looking for a Application Development and Systems Specialist to support our Metrology Research Centre (NRC-METRO). The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

We, at the NRC Frequency and Time (F&T) group, are responsible for realising the second, the SI unit of time, and maintaining and disseminating the Official Time for Canada. In support of this work, the F&T team conducts research and development of primary and secondary frequency standards, and frequency comparison and dissemination methods.

The majority of F&T R&D and Services are computerised and automated and involve significant IT infrastructure and software base. The primary role will be to contribute to the support and development of F&T automated systems and services.

The challenge will be to work collaboratively with F&T team and NRC services to develop software tools and IT systems to support NRC Time measurements, analysis and dissemination and contribute to F&T capabilities development at one of the leading metrology institutes in the world. The activities will include:

• Design, development, implementation and maintenance of in-house software and IT systems;
• Deploy, maintain and support F&T network-based time dissemination services; and
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, analysis and visualisation of measurement results

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

BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computer Engineering

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

Experience

• Significant experience working independently and within a team on joint projects and achieving recognized and quantifiable results including planning, design, setup, documentation, data collection, troubleshooting, and analysis of complex systems;
• Significant experience working in Linux operating system, including system setup, configuration, troubleshooting, customization and software development;
• Significant experience with software design and development using Python and C, object-oriented programming (OOP), open-source software development tools, revision control systems, web development, and Linux shell scripting;
• Experience with web programming (XML, HTML, JSON, and JavaScript), graphical user interfaces programming, client/server architectures development, data acquisition programming, database programming (SQL, relational and non-relational DBs);
• Experience in IT networks design and technologies (i.e., TCP/IP), implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting;
• Experience with Java or C++ would be considered an asset;
• Experience with analog and digital electronics, FPGA programming, including writing firmware and software for microcontrollers and embedded systems would be considered an asset;
• Experience with network time synchronization concepts and technologies (e.g., NTP, PTP), including knowledge of underlying principles and hands‑on experience with setup, configuration and troubleshooting would be considered 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

Technical competencies

• Expert knowledge of Linux operating system including system setup and administration, optimization, troubleshooting, automation and shell scripting;
• Expert knowledge of Python and C computer programming languages;
• Knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles;
• Knowledge of database programming, open-source software development tools and web development;
• Knowledge of TCP/IP model and general networking concepts.
• Knowledge of microcontroller (MCU) programming and its applications is an asset.
• Knowledge of underlying principles of network time synchronization (NTP, PTP) is an asset.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology support - Initiative (Level 2)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles: Research Technician/Technologist ; Technology Support

Compensation

From $103,911 to $130,061 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.
• Only the applications that include a detailed cover letter clearly outlining how each of the experience requirements are met will be considered.

Closing Date

28 August 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.