Digital Electronics Specialist Technical Officer TO-2

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 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.

The role

If you would describe yourself as someone who is hands-on, a problem solver and a real team player then we are looking for you.

We are looking for a Digital Electronics Specialist Technical Officer to support our Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA) Research Centre at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. The Digital Electronics Specialist would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

Join the Astronomy Technology Directorate (ATD) at the HAA Research Centre, and help build leading-edge instrumentation for some of the world’s largest observatories, including the SKA-Mid Correlator and Beamformer system for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Advanced Technology ALMA Correlator system for the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), as well as local instrumentation for the DRAO telescopes.

The Digital Electronics Specialist will be responsible for supporting project, operational, and laboratory activities. The successful candidate will be part of the Digital Systems team, contributing to the development and maintenance of radio telescope technologies with focus on electronic and software systems. The Digital Electronics Specialist will develop, test, and repair high-performance signal processing systems, including both custom-built and commercial off-the-shelf hardware.

This position offers a balanced workload that includes engaging design, fabrication, and testing activities, complemented by administrative responsibilities such as inventory management, system documentation, and laboratory oversight. The Digital Electronics Specialist will be entrusted with assisting in managing specific labs or work areas and supporting project tasks, providing opportunities for skill development and professional growth. Under guidance the successful candidate can expect to perform the following duties:

• Assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex electronic systems.
• Performing measurements using lab equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Supporting Printed Circuit Board (PCB) build and assembly such as generating manufacturing data package, selecting PCB venders, supporting PCB fabrication/assembly, and soldering components.
• Fabricating mounting plates, enclosures, test jigs and harnesses for various projects.
• Software scripting and development for hardware bring-up and test automation.
• Cooling and thermal management for electronic components and systems.
• Lab or area management, including responsibilities for inventory management, procurement, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) compliance.
• Assisting in design activities such as component sourcing, digital/analog circuit design, and cooling/thermal design.
• Documenting test results, test procedures, and writing user manuals.
• Procurement activities for lab and projects such as creating procurement documentation, sourcing, acquiring and inspecting goods/services.

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 diploma from a post-secondary education in Electronic Engineering Technology program, or applied science technology program in electronics, instrumentation or another related field would also be considered.

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

Experience

1. Experience* in assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic systems, including digital circuits and analog circuits.

2. Experience* in performing measurements using lab equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.

3. Experience* in soldering electronic components.

4. Experience* in building and modifying test jigs and harnesses.

5. Basic experience** in software scripting and development in C/C++, Python, or similar programming languages.

*Experience is defined as 2-3 years of relevant practice.
**Basic experience is defined as 1 year of relevant practice.

Condition of employment

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

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

1. Ability to assemble, test, troubleshoot, and repair digital circuits such as logic gates, combinational/sequential circuits, microprocessors, and memory devices.

2. Ability to assemble, test, troubleshoot, and repair analog circuits such as amplifiers, filters, power supplies, PLLs, oscillators, and sensors.

3. Ability to test and troubleshoot bus protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, and USB.

4. Ability to perform measurements with lab equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators.

5. Ability to solder electronic components such as Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) components and Through-Hole (TH) components.

6. Ability to build and modify test jigs and harnesses.

7. Ability in software scripting and development with C/C++ and Python or similar programming languages.

8. Ability to write technical documentation such as test reports, test procedures, and user manuals.

   
   The following technical competencies are considered an asset, but not required:

9. Knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) components such as RF amplifiers, filters, mixers, combiners/splitters, and attenuators.

10. Knowledge of cooling and thermal management for electronic components and systems.

11. Ability to perform rework of Ball Grid Array (BGA) devices.

12. Ability to perform measurements with spectrum analyzers and network analyzers.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $55,777 to $78,873 per annum.

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.

About DRAO

DRAO is a major research facility operated by NRC’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Center (HAA). It’s located near Penticton, British Columbia, and is one of Canada’s key centers for radio astronomy and related technologies.

DRAO focuses on both scientific research and technical innovation. Main areas include:

• Radio telescope observations: Studying galaxies, nebulae, supernova remnants, and cosmic magnetic fields.
• Instrumentation development: Designing and building advanced receivers, correlators, and electronics for radio telescopes.
• Interferometry: Using multiple antennas to create high-resolution images of the radio sky.
• Signal processing and calibration: Developing software and hardware to process astronomical data.

DRAO houses several key instruments:

• Synthesis Telescope: A seven-element interferometer that maps large areas of the sky in radio frequencies, particularly in the hydrogen line at 1420MHz.
• 26-m Telescope: A large single-dish radio telescope used for studies of galactic and extragalactic radio sources.
• Solar Radio Monitoring Array: Used to monitor solar radio emissions and space weather.
• Engineering and test facilities: Support prototype development for national and international radio observatories.

DRAO contributes engineering expertise and technology to major international efforts, such as SKA, ALMA, and Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD).

About Penticton

Penticton is a beautiful city in the South Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada, known for its stunning natural scenery, vineyards, outdoor recreation, and scientific significance (including the nearby Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, operated by the National Research Council of Canada).

Penticton lies between Okanagan Lake (to the north) and Skaha Lake (to the south). It’s surrounded by hills, orchards, and vineyards, creating a unique microclimate ideal for agriculture and tourism. It offers a high quality of life, with opportunities for boating, hiking, cycling, skiing, and wine tasting, as well as a strong arts and culture scene. Its combination of natural beauty, community spirit, and scientific significance makes Penticton one of Canada’s most unique and attractive cities.

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.