Electronic Engineer / Detector Specialist, Research Officer

National Research Council Canada; Victoria; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading research institution as part of the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, where you will contribute to cutting-edge research in astronomical instrumentation. This role involves designing high-performance imaging systems and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance astronomical science at prominent observatories.

Benefits

Robust pension plan

Comprehensive health coverage

Additional supports for well-being

Qualifications

• Experience in design and development of electronic systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages like C, Python.
• Experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research and development of astronomical instrumentation.
• Design and build instruments for large international observatories.
• Collaborate with engineers on electronic tasks for scientific imaging systems.

Skills

Data archiving

Digital signal processing

Electrical engineering

Instrumentation science

Mechanical engineering

Project management

Software, controls and machine learning

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

The Role

As a team member of the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA), you will participate in the research, development, testing and evaluation of astronomical instrumentation. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, you will design and build new instruments for large international observatories, provide support for existing facilities, and perform research into new technologies for possible incorporation in future instrumentation projects.

You will work with a small group of electronic engineers who together cover a wide variety of electronic tasks, including low-noise analog circuits, high-speed digital systems, precision electro-mechanical systems, sensors and control systems, optoelectronics and radio-frequency circuitry, and you will be expected to contribute to a wide range of electronics-based tasks. For this position we are looking for someone to work in particular on developing high-performance scientific imaging systems, based on the latest sensor technology, for the next generation of astronomical imagers, spectrographs and adaptive optics systems, as well as possibly equivalent detector systems at longer wavelengths. You will collaborate closely with a large team of scientists, engineers and technicians across a range of fields that together can conceptualize, design and deliver forefront astronomical instrumentation to world-leading observatories that deliver cutting-edge science to their user communities.

About the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre

We are Canada's gateway to the stars. At the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, we maintain and operate Canada's largest and most powerful observatories and represent the country in some of the world's leading astronomy initiatives. We are astronomy and astrophysics experts, conducting cutting-edge research, operating Canada's national observatories, providing extensive data management and analysis tools through our Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, supporting activities at international observatories and developing advanced astronomical instruments with industrial partners. More..

Why Work With Us

The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre is committed to creating an inclusive environment for research, learning and service. We value the merit of a diverse community of staff, students and collaborators. We can offer technical and advisory services in optical and radio astronomy, advanced instrumentation and data science.

Technological expertise

• Adaptive optics
• Data archiving and science platforms
• Digital signal processing
• Electrical engineering
• Instrumentation science
• Manufacturing and machining
• Mechanical engineering
• Millimetre-wave technology
• Optical engineering
• Project management
• Software, controls and machine learning

Scientific expertise

• Exoplanets
• History of Canadian astronomy
• Milky Way and neighbouring galaxies
• Protostars and proto-planetary disks
• Star and galaxy clusters
• Variable and transient astronomical sources

About Victoria

Anchored by the spectacular Inner Harbour, historic downtown Victoria, the Capital City of British Columbia, is the economic heart of the region and Vancouver Island. Our downtown is safe to enjoy day and night. Welcome to a place you can call home for you and your family.

Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. This, combined with spectacular ocean views and mountain vistas, encourage year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, golfing, cycling, gardening and kayaking.

Victoria is home to a vibrant and eclectic arts and culture community, from world class performing arts, museums and festivals to local authors and artisans. Old-world ambiance meets modern urban living where niche businesses and eclectic restaurants abound.

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 Master’s degree in an Engineering field with relevant experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in the design, development, testing and integration of high-performance electronic systems.
• Experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, spectrum analysers or network analysers.
• Experience programming in C, Python or similar languages.
• Experience with electronic assembly practices.

Condition of Employment

• Reliability Status
• Ability to attend international project meetings virtually or in person, possibly outside of regular business hours.

Language Requirements

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

1. Significant knowledge of solid state device physics.

2. Ability to design and test analog and digital electronics, including programmable logic devices, especially as applied to low-noise and high-speed sampled systems.

Assets

3. Knowledge of the theory of operation of imaging detectors may be considered an asset for this position.

4. Knowledge of electronic hardware design and laboratory techniques for detector testing may be considered an asset for this position.

5. Knowledge of astronomy or astronomical instrumentation may be considered an asset for this position.

• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 1)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 1)
• Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 1)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile : Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AsRO or AcRO level, which are early to mid-career level positions with a salary range of $82,338 to 136,871 .

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 salary scale ( or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range ofcompetitive 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 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.

How to Apply

• Candidates are required to answer screening questions explaining how they meet the Education and Experience requirements in the poster.
• A list of publications. Highlight up to 3 of the publications with a brief paragraph describing their relevance to this position.