Thermal Imaging Specialist

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canadas Defence Industrial Strategy accelerating research and innovation and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation quantum science medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRCs contributions to defence priorities.

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 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.

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:

A Masters Degree from a recognized university specializing in Engineering Applied Physics or Geophysics with a strong relationship to Thermal Imaging. A bachelors degree in the same fields may also be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please seeDegree equivalency

1. Hands-on experience configuring thermal imagers
2. Practical experience with thermal data collected as part of an airborne campaign (piloted or drone platforms).
3. Experience evaluating calibrations of thermal imaging sensors
4. Experience developing data processing pipelines for thermal imaging output.
5. Experience developing optical and/or atmospheric correction processes.
6. Experience developing signal analysis methods to extract high quality thermal imaging data.
7. 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.

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.

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

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)

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

View all competency profiles

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theRCO-12 or 3 level which is a junior to intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $64739 to $139608.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidates expertise outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the 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.

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.

• 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.