Scrum Master

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Penticton; Hybrid; CAD 87,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) is seeking a Scrum Master for the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre in Penticton. You will guide Agile practices in a software development team, collaborating with product owners and developers to deliver data-driven astronomy tools and infrastructure for world-class science.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering with 2 years in Agile and SDLC, knowledge of Jira, Gitlab, Trello, Git, Github, Jenkins, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, with 2 years of relevant experience on a software development team.

Responsibilities

• Guide and evolve Agile Development practices to deliver software and infrastructure for astronomical research.
• Collaborate with product owners and developers to manage SDLC activities (requirements, design, development, testing, deployment).
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, standups, reviews) and project management responsibilities.
• Contribute to building software tools for scientific data handling and processing.

Skills

Agile development

SDLC

Scrum Master

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Jira

Gitlab

Trello

Git

Github

GitHub Actions

Jenkins

Job description

Priority may 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: Penticton

Organizational Unit: Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics

Classification: CS-2

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

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.

The role

We are looking for a Scrum Master with experience in the software development industry and with a keen interest and aptitude for managing software development practices to support our Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre. The Scrum Master would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Join the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC) development team, and help build and guide the development processes for our software and infrastructure that enables worldwide scientific discovery. The CADC is a world leader in providing access to astronomical data and catalogues, including ALMA, JWST, Hubble, CFHT, and Gemini, and for the development and operation of the Canadian Advanced Network for Astronomical Research (CANFAR)--a cloud computing platform for astronomy research. The CADC is looking ahead to two major international telescope collaborations that will bring new and exciting technical challenges: the Rubin Observatory and, in particular, the SKA Observatory (SKAO).

The successful candidate will become part of a diverse team of twenty CADC computer scientists and astronomers, working closely with the product owners and developers. You will guide and help evolve the Agile Development practices to deliver solutions to support world class science on data from the world's largest telescopes. As a member of the CADC software development team, the Scrum Master will be part of a dynamic team enabling next-generation data-driven astronomical discovery.

Screening criteria

Education

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Computer Science, Engineering , or a related discipline, with 2 years of relevant experience on a software development team.

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

Experience

• 2 years working within an Agile development methodology on a software development team.
• 2 years working within a full software development life cycle (SDLC), including activities such a requirements gathering, analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

Experience in the following areas may be considered as assets

• Working in a scrum master role, facilitating Agile ceremonies, (for example, sprint planning), or performing project management responsibilities on a software development team.
• Working in the context of building software tools for scientific data handling and processing.

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

• Knowledge of software development methodologies, including Agile Software Development.
• Knowledge of software development management tools, such as Jira, Gitlab, and Trello.
• Knowledge of source control and versioning tools, such as Git, Github, and Gitlab.
• Knowledge of automation systems, such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology extension - Client focus (Level 2)
• Technology extension - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology extension - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Technology extension - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology extension - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

Compensation

From $86,503 to $108,068 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.

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.

About DRAO

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is a major research facility operated by the NRC’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA). It’s located near Penticton, British Columbia, and is one of Canada’s key centres for radio astronomy and related technologies.

DRAO focusses on both scientific research and technical innovation. Main areas include:

• Radio telescope observations: studying galaxies, nebulae, supernova remnants, and cosmic magnetic fields.
• Instrumentation development: designing and building advanced receivers, correlators, and electronics for radio telescopes.
• Interferometry: using multiple antennas to create high-resolution images of the radio sky.
• Signal processing and calibration: developing software and hardware to process astronomical data.

DRAO houses several key instruments:

• Synthesis Telescope: a seven-element interferometer that maps large areas of the sky in radio frequencies, particularly in the hydrogen line at 1420MHz.
• 26-m Telescope: a large single‑dish radio telescope used for studies of galactic and extragalactic radio sources.
• Solar Radio Monitoring Array: used to monitor solar radio emissions and space weather.
• Engineering and test facilities: support prototype development for national and international radio observatories.

DRAO contributes engineering expertise and technology to major international efforts, such as SKA, ALMA, and Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio‑transient Detector (CHORD).

About Penticton

Nestled between two lakes, Penticton enjoys long, hot summers, dry winters and more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year. We’re located in the southern Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, which is easily accessed by major highways and airports.

We're known for our beaches, wine and orchards, not to mention a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Hop on your bike to discover award‑winning wineries and trails with stellar views. Shop at the bustling outdoor market, peruse art galleries or go skating at the modern community centre. Ski champagne powder slopes or take in a hockey game or concert at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Penticton is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people. Its name, from the Interior Salish word snpintktn, is commonly translated as "a place to stay forever," or more accurately, “a place where people live year‑round.” It’s the kind of place where people come to visit for the holidays – and never want to leave.

Notes

• In 2026, 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.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (26148) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

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

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