Thermal Imaging Specialist
About The Position
The National Research Council (NRC) is seeking a Thermal Imaging Specialist to join its Aerospace Research Centre in Ottawa. This role will support innovative research in thermal imaging aboard NRC aircraft, including drones, and contribute to the expansion of full-scale aircraft autonomy. The successful candidate will play a leading role in evaluating data from sensor payloads, collaborating with specialists in Earth observation/Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to extract meaningful information from thermal imaging. Responsibilities include conducting applied research, interpreting thermal data, documenting methods and results, and contributing to scientific publications and technical reports. A key focus is assessing thermal sensor quality and extracting data to advance mission system capabilities for dual defence/civilian applications. This involves thermal imager selection, calibration, performance validation, operation, configuration, georeferencing, data extraction, and correction based on optical and atmospheric principles. The role also supports the integration of thermal imagers with other electro-optical systems, guiding facility establishment, and fostering Canadian commercialization opportunities. The candidate will coordinate with the team to ensure effective resource sharing, maximize impact, and identify/address gaps to align with client requirements and support technology readiness for operational deployment.
Requirements
- A Master’s Degree from a recognized university specializing in Engineering, Applied Physics or Geophysics with a strong relationship to Thermal Imaging. A bachelor’s degree in the same fields may also be considered.
- Hands-on experience configuring thermal imagers
- Practical experience with thermal data collected as part of an airborne campaign (piloted or drone platforms)
- Experience evaluating calibrations of thermal imaging sensors
- Experience developing data processing pipelines for thermal imaging output
- Experience developing optical and/or atmospheric correction processes
- Experience developing signal analysis methods to extract high quality thermal imaging data
- Experience participating in applied research, including contributing to technical reports and scientific publications
- Knowledge of thermal imaging requirements including radiance, emissivity, and atmospheric dependencies
- Knowledge of airborne data acquisition parameters (flight and environmental) for acquiring thermal imaging
- Knowledge of thermal sensors, including short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and/or long-wave infrared (LWIR) imagers
- Ability to develop a data processing pipeline for thermal imagery analysis
- Knowledge of geo-rectification of imagery based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) input – e.g. as derived from an on-board Inertial Navigation System (INS)
Nice To Haves
- Experience with hyperspectral thermal imaging
- Experience with autonomous or semi autonomous aircraft platforms
Responsibilities
- Thermal imager selection, calibration, performance and validation
- Thermal imager operation and configuration
- Georeferencing of thermal imagery from airborne platforms
- Extraction of meaningful information from thermal imagery
- Correction of thermal imagery based upon well-developed material, optical and atmospheric principles
- Supporting the integration of thermal imagers with other electro optical systems
- Interpreting thermal data
- Documenting methods and results
- Contributing to scientific publications, technical reports, and client deliverables
- Assessing the quality of thermal sensors
- Guiding the establishment and optimization of facilities and competencies to advance autonomous flight innovation
- Fostering Canadian commercialization opportunities
- Coordinating closely with the team to ensure effective resource sharing
- Maximizing the impact of new activities
- Achieving a “force multiplication” effect through collaboration
- Identifying and addressing gaps
- Ensuring alignment with client requirements
- Supporting technology readiness for operational deployment
Benefits
- A robust pension plan
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage
- Disability and life insurance
- Office closure at the end of December
- Additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
