Senior Software Engineer

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,611 - 145,622; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

National Research Council Canada seeks a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development of AI-enabled agents, tools, and applications leveraging generative AI. The role is in the Chief Information Officer Branch, guiding a small team of developers on projects across NRC teams.

Applicants should have a university degree in computer science, 8+ years in software development, and strong experience with LLMs, SDLC, and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• University degree in computer science or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Advanced degree is considered an asset.
• 8+ years experience developing and maintaining software with HTML, CSS, Python, C#.
• 3+ years experience with large language models and orchestration frameworks.
• Experience with SDLC methodologies and documenting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of AI-enabled agents and applications.
• Guide testing, debugging, and quality assurance activities.
• Define and document client requirements and project scope.
• Mentor developers and coordinate work across a team to meet deadlines.
• Engage stakeholders to refine proposals and ensure alignment with needs.

Skills

HTML

CSS

Python

C#

Large language models

SDLC

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

University degree in computer science

Advanced degree asset

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: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Chief Information Officer Branch

Classification: CS-4

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English and Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

COLLECTIVE STAFFING: A pool of qualified candidates will be established for a one-year period and will be used to staff additional positions as needed.

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 2025 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 foster 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 currently looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development of agents, tools, and applications that leverage generative AI and other approaches to help NRC employees work more effectively. This role is in the Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB). The Senior Software Engineer should be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will lead a small team of developers and engineers in the production of AI enabled agents, tools, and applications based on requests from teams across the NRC. You will prioritize projects with the greatest impact, assign developers to projects and support them as they work, and engage with stakeholders to understand requirements and refine proposals.

The key activities are:

• Lead in the design, development, implementation, integration, and maintenance of AI applications;
• Lead in testing, debugging, and quality assurance activities;
• Define and document client requirements;
• Advise developers and engineers on the best approach to problems, ensuring quality documentation, project specifications, reports;
• Train and upskill colleagues, contribute to overall team leadership by advising on strategic direction and other technical objectives.

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 university degree in computer science or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

An advanced degree is considered an asset.

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

Experience

• 8+ years experience developing and maintaining software applications using modern programming languages and frameworks, including HTML, CSS, Python, and C#;
• 3+ years experience with large language models and related orchestrations frameworks and agents;
• Significant* experience with System Development Life Cycles (SDLC) methodologies;
• Significant* experience conducting, testing, debugging, and documentation for application systems;
• Experience in managing other developers and guiding workflows across a team;
• Experience in stakeholder relations and project scoping.
• Significant experience is defined as having the depth and breadth of experience that would normally have been gained performing the duties over a period of five (5) years or more.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English and Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of current and emerging trends and technologies in generative AI, LLM orchestration, machine learning, natural language processing, and responsible AI practices;
• Knowledge of software design, development, testing and integration;
• Ability to research and analyze complex IT issues as well as provide sound advice and expertise to clients, other team members, and management;
• Ability to write technical documents.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Client focus (Level 3)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Technology support - Initiative (Level 3)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $120,611 to $145,622 per annum.

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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 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 (25843) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date

21 August 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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