Director, Research and Development (OCRE)

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: Ottawa 

Organizational Unit: Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering 

Classification: MGT-2 

Tenure: Continuing 

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC 

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.
  
  At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

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.

The role

Canada is an ocean nation; bounded by three oceans and one of the largest lake and river systems in the world, and with the longest coastline of any nation. Oceans and coastlines present challenges such as security, climate change adaptation and environmental stewardship, as well as economic development opportunities related to trade and natural resource development. These systems are under increasing stress because they operate in harsh environments characterized by ice, wind, waves, and river and ocean currents. The effects of climate change are also bearing new implications on the stability and productivity of these systems.

The NRC’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE) research centre delivers innovative technologies and support to improve Canada’s competitiveness by reducing risks and costs of marine operations while ensuring the safe and responsible development of marine-based resources. We provide the expertise and tools to improve the performance and safety of marine operations, meet the challenges of a changing climate, and protect people, property and infrastructure from severe weather events and other environmental risks. Our suite of offerings include physical and numerical modelling, engineering analysis, technology development as well as full scale experiments and field work conducted with the support of world-class test facilities capable of reproducing a wide range of ice, wave, current and wind conditions.

The Director, Research and Development manages the capability embodied in assigned research centre resources, ensuring relevance, focus and utility by working with program leaders and external stakeholders, including clients. The Director supervises Team Leaders to achieve effective execution of project management and continuous professional development of staff. Through discharging these responsibilities, and through the provision of timely strategic advice, the Director, Research and Development provides the Director General with vital assurance of long-term research centre sustainability and risk management.

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

Graduate degree in science or engineering. A bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from a recognized university, complemented by relevant professional experience related to the position will also be considered.

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

Experience

• In depth experience working in the Canadian and international context around NRC’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering research centre technologies: industries, forums, trends, the issues and dynamics that impact them and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current;
• Business experience within the relevant scientific and technological domains gained through experience with industry, government or other partnerships;
• Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a matrix environment of projects and programs;
• Significant and recently demonstrated experience in applying the principles, tools and practices of administrative, financial, and human resource management.

Condition of employment

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.

Must be able to travel.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated broad understanding of relevant business and industry issues, and of internal and external factors that impact research centre operations;
• Significant knowledge of program and project management to fulfill research centre objectives;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information, assess risks and opportunities, and make recommendations on potential courses of action;
• Ability to direct and engage core capabilities to effectively lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team in a revenue driven environment;
• Ability to lead and influence change while applying best practices in the management of human resources, finances and projects, and strategic planning;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, to work cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of employees, colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG);

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $153,444 to $184,059 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.

Notes

• In 2026, 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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.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.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (26151) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 3439906649

Closing Date: 6 November 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.