Senior AI Developer

About the role

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Senior AI Developer to join our Information Systems Unit. In this role, the incumbent will contribute to the design, deployment and enhancement of AI solutions that contribute to digital capabilities of the Canadian construction sector, including digitalized construction codes, specifications and product data, as well as a common data framework. The Senior AI Developer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As an experienced AI developer, you will apply your expertise in data science, generative AI, machine learning and Natural Language Process to help the NRC Construction Research Centre to digitalize, integrate and unify structured and semi-structured data as part of the development and implementation of modernized applications and platforms.

You will work closely with research and regulatory teams, project teams and external digital construction domain experts to create data, cloud platform and AI solutions as part of IT modernization and construction sector digitalization initiatives.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is someone who can be counted on to:

• Analyse requirements and translate them into AI-based solutions; document findings and recommend approaches in collaboration with NRC and external AI, digitalization and construction sector experts.
• Design, develop, test, implement, and maintain AI tools and agents.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical documentation, including data models, architecture patterns, Concept of Operations, and user guides.
• Participate in the selection, installation, configuration, testing, and modification of AI development tools and frameworks; ensure compliance with programming and ethical AI standards.
• Work with NRC and external AI specialists to design and adapt AI solutions to advance digital construction capabilities, such as the digitalization of construction codes.
• Participate in project teams and working groups composed of Information Systems Unit team members, management and subject matter experts to define use cases, requirements, target-state designs and implementation plans for emerging digital construction capabilities.
• Support knowledge transfer and capacity building by documenting best practices, developing training materials, and mentoring team members on data architecture principles and digital construction technologies.

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

Bachelor degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from a recognized University or a Technical College diploma in Computer Science or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and direct experience may be considered.

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

Experience

• Significant and recent experience in designing, developing and deploying AI solutions using Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.
• Significant and recent experience in designing, developing and implementing data and Retrieval Augmented Generation solutions.
• Experience in developing AI software solutions, using modern programming languages, frameworks, and software development tools.

Assets

• Experience designing and implementing AI Agent solutions.
• Experience applying or integrating knowledge graph–driven data into AI workflows.
• Experience with Azure DevOps Repos and Pipelines (or similar version control and CI/CD tools).

Significant is defined as experience associated with having performed a broad range of related activities considering the complexity, depth and scope of the work handled, as well as the level of responsibility and autonomy demonstrated which would normally be acquired over a period of six (6) years.

Recent is defined as experience acquired within the last two (2) years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models technologies.
• Advance knowledge of modern programming languages, and software development principles and practices for designing and implementing AI solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of data and Retrieval Augmented Generation pipelines, vector databases and embeddings.
• Knowledge of agentic AI and related AI tools and techniques such as Model Context Protocol and harness.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps/MLOps and software deployment practices.
• Knowledge of API development and solution integration.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis based on AI use cases or problem statements, and to recommend solutions.
• Ability to produce, edit and present high quality technical documentation and diagrams of AI solutions for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Technology support - Initiative (Level 2)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 3)

Position details

Location: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Construction

Classification: CS-3

Tenure: Term

Duration: 3 Years

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

At 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 hiring team using the contact information below.

Compensation

Salary: From $103,911 to $130,061 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits includi…

Employment Equity

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.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.