Sensor Engineer

RBR Ltd.; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental technology company in Ottawa is seeking a Sensor Engineer to develop innovative ocean measurement sensors. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary R&D team and solving complex technical challenges. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or science, 5-10 years of experience, and strong teamwork skills. This position offers competitive benefits including vacation days, flexible work arrangements, and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

20 days of vacation

Work from wherever Wednesdays

Benefits from day 1

Bonus program

Annual fitness reimbursement

Greener commuting incentive program

EV reimbursement program

Charitable donation matching

Monthly Friday lunches

Team events and social activities

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience is required.
• Strong technical competence and awareness of lab equipment is critical.
• Proficient in oral and written English.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments to evaluate sensor performance.
• Provide first-line support to Production/Assembly Team for sensor-related issues.
• Collaborate with R&D team on multiple projects.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Python

Matlab

Job description

About RBR: Making waves since 1973

At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting‑edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role

As a Sensor Engineer at RBR, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic group of R&D professionals in the areas of firmware, electronics, mechanical, software, systems, and oceanography. You will be given the opportunity to be a hands‑on problem solver working with our R&D team on our sensor technology while developing your knowledge and understanding of the overall system.

What you’ll do

As part of the Sensor Team at RBR, you will be focused on specifying and bringing to life the designs needed for measuring the ocean environment.

• Work with RBR production and in‑development underwater optical sensors, including but not limited to turbidity, fluorometers, radiometers, PAR, transmissometers, nitrate, pH and dissolved oxygen sensors
• Research and define next‑generation RBR sensors
• Design and perform experiments to evaluate sensor performance and to select the most appropriate path forward to a great oceanography device
• Analysis of problems to determine root causes, including hardware and software troubleshooting
• Interface with other design team members, as well as our calibration lab team
• Provide first‑line support to our Production/Assembly Team for sensor‑related issues and to provide second‑line support in the resolution of RBR customer issues
• Work within a multidisciplinary R&D team, balancing multiple projects and product design needs
• Create detailed multi‑discipline project schedules, technical specifications, and prototype verification plans
• Maintain and expand technical knowledge and skills
• Other related tasks, as required

What you bring

You’re an inherently curious person who generates creative solutions to technical problems. Driven to find new and better ways of doing things and question the status quo, you confront challenges with enthusiasm and tenacity. You’re a self‑starter who is organized and accountable. Tracking your progress and reporting on your findings clearly and concisely is second nature. You like to have an impact, and you’re looking for an opportunity to see how the fruits of your labour can make a tangible difference in the world.

• Bachelors degree in engineering or science
• 5-10 years of experience
• Strong technical competence
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable operating lab equipment
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Python and Matlab
• Excellent teamwork skills and a strong desire to take on new challenges
• Proficiency in oral and written English

The RBR mindset

• Passion for environmental impact and climate science
• Thrives in fast‑paced, mission‑driven environments
• Loves solving unique technical challenges
• Collaborative spirit with interrupt‑driven adaptability
• Creative and resourceful approach to problem‑solving
• Enjoys unique design challenges and innovative solutions
• Interest in precision instrumentation and scientific accuracy
• Embraces new technologies and modern development approaches

Why you'll love working at RBR

• 🌴 20 days of vacation, plus a company‑wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days
• ⏰ Work from wherever Wednesdays (most roles eligible)
• 🩺 Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching
• 💰 Bonus program
• 🏋🏽 Annual fitness reimbursement program
• 🚴 Greener commuting incentive program (bike‑to‑work, carpool, or transit passes)
• 🚗 EV reimbursement program + on‑site charging stations
• 💝 Charitable donation matching
• 🌮 Monthly Friday lunches (on us)!
• 🎉 Team events and social activities
• 🤝 Collaborative, supportive work environment
• 🧠 Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines
• 🌊 Direct impact on climate science and ocean research