Senior Software Engineer
Job Summary
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
OrganizationalUnit: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 Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!
As Canadas 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 Canadas future and the world.
At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats 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 oncertificates 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 $120611 to $145622 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 Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employerand Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs 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:
Telephone:
Closing Date: 21 August 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other resources check outCareer tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is one of Canada’s key security and intelligence organizations. We work tirelessly to protect Canada and Canadians against threats by providing valuable foreign signals intelligence. We also develop and provide sophisticated and advance ... View more