Mechatronics Technologist Technical Officer TO-2

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: Penticton 

Organizational Unit: Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics 

Classification: TO-2 

Tenure: Term 

Duration: 3 year term 

Language Requirements: English

 

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

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 Mechatronics Technical Officer to support our Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA) Research Centre at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. The Mechatronics Technical Officer 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 Kilometer 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 Mechatronics Technical Officer will be responsible for supporting project, operational, and laboratory activities. Working under the guidance of senior technologists and researchers, the successful candidate will contribute to the development and maintenance of radio telescope technologies ranging from legacy systems from the 1960s to modern, state-of-the-art equipment. The work will involve multiple systems, including radio receivers, motion control, and monitoring and control systems.  

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 Mechatronics Technical Officer 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:

• Installing, removing, and maintaining telescope instrumentation and equipment at DRAO (working at heights required).
• Troubleshooting and repairing radio telescope systems and complex electronic circuits using appropriate test equipment.
• Designing circuits for communication, monitoring and control, power conditioning, and signal conditioning applications.
• Testing electronic assemblies in the laboratory using instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power meters, and signal generators.
• Designing and implementing data acquisition systems and experimental setups.
• Conducting Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) testing on new and existing devices.
• Building, modifying, and testing shielded enclosures to mitigate RFI leakage.
• Fabricating mounting plates, enclosures, and related components in the metal shop for various projects.
• Assembling electronic co