Research Engineer

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in the screening questionnaire how they meet the education and experience criteria listed in the Essential Qualifications. You must use each of the factors and demonstrate in clear and precise detail how they meet the qualifications required and citing concrete examples. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the qualification is met or to provide a list of current or past responsibilities. Résumés may be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described; comments such as "refer to my attached résumé" will not be accepted and may result in your application being rejected.

Duties

The required individual will provide engineering and technical expertise to plan, prepare, conduct, and analyze human-in-the-loop experiments in laboratory, simulator or field settings. Key responsibilities include testing methodologies, calibrating, developing, maintaining and validating instrumentation and equipment, collecting data, writing reports, and supporting the development or application of human models and simulations.

Work environment

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is the national leader in defence and security science and technology. As an agency of Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND), DRDC provides DND, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and other government departments as well as public safety and national security communities the knowledge and technological advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad. DRDC is comprised of eight research centres across Canada. The agency comprises 1400 employees.

DRDC Toronto Research Centre (TRC) is DND’s center of expertise for S&T conducted to understand, sustain, and enhance the well-being and effectiveness of military personnel, whether they are working at home or in operational environments, which can be austere or hostile. The scientific work carried out by the Toronto laboratory treats austerity and hostility in the operational environment as arising from environmental, socio-cultural, occupational and technological sources.

The CAF requires high performance from its people under conditions that impose multiple interactive stressors that challenge their performance and threaten their well-being. The Operational Health and Performance section provides scientific research, analysis, and advice to optimize the operational performance and well-being of CAF members. To generate this knowledge and advice, OHP employs a spectrum of human sciences, including physical ergonomics, physiological, psychological, biomolecular, biomedical, biomechanical, and bioinformatics sciences. Recipients of the research include project management offices, commanders and the Surgeon General in particular.

Intent of the process

This process will be used to staff a one (1) year term position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established from this process and may be used to staff similar positions where tenure, language requirements and security requirements may vary according to the position to be staffed.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience installing, using and programming data acquisition software to calibrate scientific instruments and sensors and to collect data and signals from human participants.

Experience with specifying, developing, calibrating, maintaining and operating scientific instrumentation including instrumentation used in the measurement of human physical performance or physiological responses.

Experience in scientific data collection including using human participants, with focus on data acquisition hardware and software associated with human experimentation, signal processing, and data storage.

Experience in analyzing and interpreting data including reporting data in figure and table format using commonly-used software (e.g., Matlab).

Experience in writing technical reports and documentation.

Experience with using a hands-on approach to problem solving and troubleshooting.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge about computer-aided design/modelling software tools to prototype or analyze mechanical or electrical systems.

Knowledge about human research ethics and the Tri-Council Policy Statement about ethical conduct for research involving humans.

Knowledge of electrical systems, and circuit or electronic components for medical, military, or scientific applications.

ABILITIES

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

Thinking things through
Integrity
Respect
Showing initiative and being action-oriented.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS

Must be willing and able to engaged in professional development.

Employment equity may be used to address the under representation of designated groups.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

EDUCATION

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in biomechanics/biomedical engineering, human factors, or ergonomics.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience with human factors and physical ergonomics.

Experience designing, developing, or documenting prototype equipment, mock-ups, tools or procedures.

Experience in bio-signal processing and simulation, modeling and analyzing mechanical systems.

Experience with using computer modeling and/or simulation for human performance applications (e.g., sleep efficiency, injury criteria, biomedical modeling, and biochemical analysis).

Familiarity with National Instruments’ TestStand programming.

Experience with object-oriented programming or mobile app development.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of engineering and safety standards.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Must be willing and able to travel to various locations within and outside of Canada, including in support of field trials;

Must be willing and able to work overtime, as required.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Please note that asset qualifications might be assessed at a later time.

In assessing candidates, assessment boards may use a variety of tools and methods including, but not limited to written tests, interviews, PSC tests and reference checks. In addition, all information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Proof of education will be required. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at: http://www.cicic.ca.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.