Thermal Imaging Specialist

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) Aerospace Research Centre seeks a Thermal Imaging Specialist to lead evaluation of sensor data from NRC aircraft and drones. You will interpret thermal information, document methods, and contribute to publications and client deliverables.

You will calibrate, validate and process thermal imagery, collaborate with ISR specialists, and support autonomous flight capabilities while ensuring alignment with project requirements and security clearances.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Applied Physics or Geophysics with a focus on Thermal Imaging.
• Hands-on experience configuring thermal imagers.
• Experience with thermal data from airborne campaigns (piloted or drone).
• Experience evaluating calibrations of thermal sensing.
• Experience developing data processing pipelines for thermal imagery.
• Knowledge of optical and atmospheric correction processes.
• Experience contributing to technical reports or publications.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate data from sensor payloads on NRC aircrafts and extract meaningful information.
• Lead work on interpreting thermal data and documenting methods and results.
• Develop and validate calibration, correction, and data processing methods.
• Collaborate with Earth observation/ISR specialists to support research.
• Support integration of thermal imagers with EO systems and contribute to client deliverables.

Skills

Thermal imaging

Data processing pipelines

Georeferencing

GNSS/INS alignment

Calibration assessment

Airborne sensor evaluation

Education

Master’s in Engineering/Applied Physics/Geophysics with Thermal Imaging focus

Bachelor’s in related field (considered)

Tools

Hyperspectral thermal imaging

Autonomous aircraft platforms

Job description

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Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: 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.

OrganizationalUnit:Aerospace

Classification:RCO

Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The role

We are looking for a Thermal Imaging Specialist to join our Aerospace Research Centre and support the on-going innovative research in thermal imaging aboard NRC aircrafts, including drones. You would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.
The Aerospace Research Centre is looking to expand its capability in full scale aircraft autonomy. As part of this growth, the successful candidate will take a leading role in evaluating data from sensor payloads on NRC aircrafts. In this role, the candidate will collaborate closely with specialists in Earth observation / Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, (ISR), to extract meaningful information from thermal imaging. The successful candidate will conduct applied research and technical investigations under the direction of Research Officers, including interpreting thermal data, documenting methods and results, and contributing to scientific publications, technical reports, and client deliverables.
A key focus of this role is the need to assess the quality of thermal sensors and extract meaningful data that will be used to advanced mission system capabilities including dual defence/civilian applications. This includes:

• Thermal imager selection, calibration, performance and validation;
• Thermal imager operation and configuration.
• Georeferencing of thermal imagery from airborne platforms;
• Extraction of meaningful information from thermal imagery
• Correction of thermal imagery based upon well-developed material, optical and atmospheric principles
• Supporting the integration of thermal imagers with other electro optical systems;
  

The role will support both relative detection tasks and quantitative thermal measurement applications, with an emphasis on determining the level of calibration, correction, and validation required for each mission. The role will also guide the establishment and optimization of facilities and competencies to advance autonomous flight innovation and foster Canadian commercialization opportunities.
The candidate will coordinate closely with the team to ensure effective resource sharing, maximize the impact of new activities, and achieve a “force multiplication” effect through collaboration. This role will also be critical to identify and address gaps, ensuring alignment with client requirements and supporting technology readiness for operational deployment.

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 Master’s Degree from a recognized university specializing in Engineering, Applied Physics or Geophysics with a strong relationship to Thermal Imaging. A bachelor’s degree in the same fields may also be considered.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please seeDegree equivalency

• Hands‑on experience configuring thermal imagers
• Practical experience with thermal data collected as part of an airborne campaign (piloted or drone platforms).
• Experience evaluating calibrations of thermal imaging sensors
• Experience developing data processing pipelines for thermal imaging output.
• Experience developing optical and/or atmospheric correction processes.
• Experience developing signal analysis methods to extract high quality thermal imaging data.
• Experience participating in applied research, including contributing to technical reports and scientific publications.

Assets

• Experience with hyperspectral thermal imaging;
• Experience with autonomous or semi autonomous aircraft platforms.

Condition of employment

Secret Clearance
A thorough security clearance process will be applied.
For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

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

• Knowledge of thermal imaging requirements including radiance, emissivity, and atmospheric dependencies.
• Knowledge of airborne data acquisition parameters (flight and environmental) for acquiring thermal imaging.
• Knowledge of thermal sensors, including short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and/or long-wave infrared (LWIR) imagers.
• Ability to develop a data processing pipeline for thermal imagery analysis.
• Knowledge of geo-rectification of imagery based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) input – e.g. as derived from an on-board Inertial Navigation System (INS)
• Technology extension - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology extension - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theRCO-1,2 or 3 level, which is a junior to intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $64,739 to $139,608.
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 RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range ofcompetitive 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 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 fibr 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 (25875) to:

Closing Date: 2 September 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time