Research Scientist

NDI (Northern Digital Inc.); Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in tracking technology seeks a Research Scientist to innovate in metrology and measurement system performance. This role focuses on enhancing system accuracy, developing prototypes, and applying analytical skills to drive product discovery and improve patient outcomes.

Benefits

Company-wide bonus program

Employee stock purchase plan

3 weeks vacation plus holiday shutdown

Subsidized professional development

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience, including internships and research.
• Strong hands-on skills in experimental design and prototyping.
• Familiar with linear algebra and computer vision concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to characterize system accuracy.
• Develop prototypes and applications for medical navigation.
• Communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Experimental Design

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Communication

Prototyping

Geometry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field

Master’s degree (asset)

Tools

Python

Excel

Job description

At NDI, our mission is built around using our measurement technologies to improve medical procedures and patients’ lives. This requires product innovation that is achieved through fostering collaboration, trust, and strong relationships. At NDI, you will work with talented people who are ready and willing to push their limits in an environment where learning and exploring new ways of doing things is valued as much or more than experience. We are proud of our heritage, culture and international growth over the past 44 years and are honoured to be a valued partner with the world’s leading medical companies.

There's never been a better time to join NDI - The world leader in tracking technology – Join Us!

Role Summary :

NDI’s Research team is at the forefront of innovation in spatial measurement technologies for medical applications. We are looking for a research scientist to grow a focus in metrology and measurement system performance. As a Research Scientist, you will be responsible for understanding, enhancing, and communicating our system measurement accuracy, creating measurement pipelines, and driving the development of new medical navigation concepts and features. You push the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial measurement and medical navigation.

We are seeking a creative, multidisciplinary technical contributor with a strong foundation in experimental design, communication, prototyping, and geometry. You will be a key scientific voice within the company, applying rigor to data interpretation and experimental outcomes. Familiarity with Polaris workflows and medical navigation use cases is a plus.

Our research team members come from diverse backgrounds and take on a wide variety of challenges. If you’re passionate about improving patient lives with groundbreaking navigation and measurement technologies, this is the place to be.

Scope of Responsibilities :

Focus Area : Measurement and System Accuracy

• Design, evaluate and execute experiments to determine and characterize key performance parameters for system accuracy and characterization. Simulations and hands-on experiments inform design choices, new system understandings, as well as external communication. Analyze data and drive actionable insights that lead to meaningful feature enhancements and communication.
• Develop and apply your knowledge of measurement and surgical navigation workflows to innovate and unlock new applications. Contribute to both fundamental and applied research initiatives. Advance product discovery with high-impact ideas.

Develop Concepts and Prototypes

• Develop and test prototypes and protocols that explore new concepts, use cases, or validate technical approaches. Translate experimental outcomes into actionable insights that inform product development and research direction.

Deliver Spatial Measurement Pipelines and Data Analyses

• Apply cross-disciplinary skills to improve measurement accuracy. Use scripting and spreadsheet tools (e.g., Python, Excel, etc.) to apply statistics, measurement and geometry principles to analyze experimental results. Consult on advanced troubleshooting issues relating to system performance behavior from projects, production, and customers.

Communicate Findings

• Communicate findings clearly to internal and external stakeholders relating to experimental findings, system behaviour, and technologies in the form of whitepapers, technical reports, draft specifications, and presentations.

Lead Technology Foresight

• Monitor trends, generate insights, and contribute to the evolution of our technology roadmap. Remain current on research in relevant fields (e.g., metrology, surgical navigation, computer vision, AI). Interface with customer-facing teams and attend technical conferences to gather insights. Cultivate hands-on experiences with cutting edge technologies.
• Contribute to the improvement and maintenance of internal research tools, libraries, and lab spaces. Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers, product managers, and other developers. Review team-member’s work and participate in ideation and scoping conversations.

Education and Professional Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an asset.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, including internships, co-op placements, academic research, or industry work.
• Strong hands-on skills in experimental design, and prototyping.
• Analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making and practical statistics.
• Familiarity with linear algebra, computational geometry, and foundational computer vision concepts.

Desired Characteristics / Additional Assets :

• Technologically agile, with the ability to quickly adapt to new tools and workflows.
• Self-motivated and curious, with a passion for continuous learning and problem solving.
• Clear and candid communicator with strong organizational skills.
• Collaborative team player who builds consensus and contributes to a positive team dynamic.

Why Choose NDI :

• Company-wide bonus program and annual salary reviews.
• Competitive salary with a Registered Retirement Savings Plan match of up to 4%.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• It is common in many positions to work in a hybrid model, where flexibility and autonomy are supported by a combination of remote and in-office work.
• Starting at 3 weeks’ vacation plus a company-wide Holiday shut-down in December.
• Employee social and engagement events throughout the year.
• Subsidized professional development and training opportunities.
• A Waterloo Region 2025 Top Employer.
• Growing global company with offices in Waterloo, Vermont, Germany, and Hong Kong.
• Close to GRT and ION stops with free on-site parking.

Being a Part of our Team :

When you walk through our doors, you will find an open-concept office that promotes collaborative teamwork and fresh ideas. We enjoy tackling new challenges and developing new pathways to serve our customers. We are looking for innovative, hard-working individuals who don’t see this as just a job, but as a career choice. If this sounds like you, our HR team would love to hear from you.

We thank all candidates for their interest in joining NDI; however, only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Agency calls will not be accepted. For more information about NDI and this position, please visit our website : www.ndigital.com.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Other

Medical Equipment Manufacturing

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Research Scientist • Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, Canada