Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's 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 NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Officer, Quantum Integrated Devices, to support the development of advanced silicon photonics technologies for quantum communications, sensing, and integrated photonic systems at the Quantum Nanotechnology Research Centre. The Research Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of low-loss silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor fabrication processes, and optical device characterization while working within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and technical staff. Working with clients and partners, the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research, innovation support, scientific, and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canada's current and future industrial and societal needs. The ATF offers our clients and partners access to cutting-edge semiconductor research and fabrication capabilities providing simulation, design, fabrication, testing, characterization, and prototyping.

The key activities of the Research Officer, Quantum Integrated Devices, are:

• Developing and optimizing fabrication processes for silicon nitride photonic devices.
• Designing, fabricating, and characterizing integrated photonic components for classical and quantum applications.
• Conducting optical and materials characterization to evaluate device performance.
• Generating detailed technical reports for internal stakeholders, writing application notes, and publishing findings in scientific publications.
• Collaborate effectively with researchers across government, academia, and industry.

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

Master’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences, Photonics, Optics, or equivalent Engineering disciplines.

A PhD in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Significant recent** hands-on experience in a semiconductor nanofabrication in a cleanroom environment.
• Significant experience in the design, fabrication, or characterization of integrated photonic or optoelectronic devices.
• Significant and recent ** hands-on experience in thin-film deposition, lithography, plasma etching, or related semiconductor processing techniques.
• Experience in optical testing and characterization of photonic devices.
• Hands on experience in two or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: KLayout, MATLAB, Python and COMSOL.

** Significant experience is defined as two (2) to five (5) years of experience.
*** Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last five (5) years.

Condition of employment

Travel for extended periods is required.

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

• Demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and characterize LPCVD thin-film deposition processes, particularly silicon nitride (SiN), for integrated photonic applications, including optimization of film properties.
• Demonstrated ability to design, fabricate, and experimentally characterize integrated photonic devices and structures.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze optical and materials characterization data, identify process-performance relationships, troubleshoot fabrication challenges, and solve complex technical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute research projects, manage multiple priorities, and communicate technical results effectively through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

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

• 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.
• Research activities will be conducted across multiple collaborating institutions. A significant portion of the research activities will be carried out at the Institut interdisciplinaire d'innovation technologique (3IT), Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, Quebec), requiring regular travel and extended periods of work in Sherbrooke to support fabrication, characterization, collaborative experiments, and project meetings
• 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.