Industrial Technology Advisor - Defence or Food Production

National Research Council of Canada; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 143,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada is seeking an Industrial Technology Advisor for Defence or Food Production in Markham, Ontario. The role focuses on advising SMEs to navigate technical and business challenges, accelerating commercialization, and supporting growth with a strong emphasis on defense and food sectors.

The position is at the RCO-4 senior level, with a salary range of $143,127 to $168,192. A limited hybrid work arrangement is available, and Travel may be required locally,

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Science or Engineering in a discipline related to the position from a recognized university.
• A combination of a post-secondary degree in another field with significant work experience relevant to the position will be considered.
• Preference may be given to candidates with a complementary degree or diploma in business, management, administration, finance or marketing.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted advisors and mentors to SMEs, helping them navigate technical or business hurdles.
• Provide important linkages and identify new opportunities to accelerate growth and commercialization.
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues to drive value and support the growth of Canadian companies.

Education

Post-secondary degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

Industrial Technology Advisor - Defence or Food Production

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: Markham, Ontario

OrganizationalUnit:Industrial Research Assistance Program

Classification:RCO

Tenure:Continuing

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.

The role

Why work with us?

ITAs are self-directed and work in teams with company leaders helping their firms grow through the commercialization of innovation. They find the work very rewarding with a wide range of benefits , professional development and learn from clients and colleagues every day in a well-balanced work-life environment.

ITAs serve as trusted advisors and mentors to these SMEs, helping them navigate technical or business hurdles, providing important linkages and identifying new opportunities and thereby playing a part in their evolution, growth and success. This is what truly sets NRC IRAP apart – it is part of what we call the ITA advantage. It’s a winning model we have been using to accelerate business growth and thereby creating wealth for Canadians.

In addition, we offer:

• Flexibility: work/life balance.
• A collaborative environment: at NRC IRAP, your ideas are listened to, respected and important.
• A rewarding career: we offer the opportunity to provide value to Canadian companies and have a positive impact on the Canadian economy at large.

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

Post-secondary degree in Science or Engineering in a discipline related to the position from a recognized university.

A combination of a post-secondary degree in another field with significant work experience relevant to the position will be considered.

Preference may be given to candidates with a complementary degree or diploma in business, management, administration, finance or marketing.

• Recent and extensive industrial business experience as an entrepreneur or senior manager inone or more ofthe following technological domains: Direct defence industry experience in any advanced technology. These could include Advanced Materials, Avionics, Autonomous Systems, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Digitalization, Simulation and Modeling, Digital Twins, ICT or Artificial Intelligence.

Or

• Food manufacturing, food packaging, food processing, food science
• Recent and extensive private sector experience in developing and commercializing innovative products or services, with demonstrable outcomes.
• Experience in international business development and/or intellectual property management would be considered an asset.
• Recent and extensive industrial business experience as an entrepreneur or senior manager in an SMEs would be considered an asset.

*Recent is defined as within the last 3 years.

Condition of employment

• Reliability Status
  For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
• Must be able to travel locally, nationally and/or internationally.
• A valid driver's license and access to the use of a vehicle are required.

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

• Basic knowledge of NRC-IRAP's mandate, mission and business model.
• Solid knowledge of SME business management, marketing of technology and productivity increase.
• Solid knowledge of developing, adopting and adapting technologies.
• Solid knowledge of project management.
• Advanced knowledge of technology, innovation and commercialization issues and trends within the sector/or region relating to the position.
• Management services - Communication (Level 3)
• Management services - Initiative (Level 3)
• Management services - Networking (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Results orientation (Level 3)

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-4 level, which is a senior-career level position with a salary range of $143,127 to $168,192. As a guide, our Industrial Technology Advisors are often placed between the increments of $143,127 to $157,184on that salary range.

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 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.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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.

Please direct your questions, with therequisition number (25934) to:

Closing Date: 13 December 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time