Application Development and Systems Specialist

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council (NRC) seeks an Application Development and Systems Specialist to support the Metrology Research Centre (NRC-METRO). The successful candidate will contribute to the development of automated systems and services for time measurement and dissemination, aligning with NRC's core values of integrity, excellence, respect and creativity.

The role focuses on designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining software and IT systems to support time measurements, analysis, and

Qualifications

• BSc in CS, SE or CE.
• Experience with Linux OS: setup, troubleshooting, scripting.
• Experience with Python and C, OO programming, OSS tools, revision control, web development, Linux shell scripting.
• Experience with TCP/IP networking.
• Java or C++ is a useful asset.
• Embedded systems firmware programming is an asset.
• Knowledge of NTP/PTP time synchronization is an asset.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Team collaboration

Planning and analysis

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Python

C

Linux

Java

C++

TCP/IP

NTP/PTP

Job description

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Application Development and Systems Specialist

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.

OrganizationalUnit:Metrology Research Centre

Classification:CS-3

Duration: 2 years

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. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

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

• 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 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

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

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

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 RegionTop Employerand 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