Cyber Security Research Scientist/engineer

Are you looking for a role that will challenge you? Our Fredericton office location is looking for a Cyber Security Research Scientist/Engineer who has experience in the design and deployment of instrumentation and control systems, as well as a keen interest, and possibly some experience, in securing these systems from cyber- attacks. The Applied Physics Branch is a multidisciplinary organization which is called upon to perform assessments of novel nuclear systems from a holistic perspective, evaluating all aspects of systems simultaneously to assemble overall assessments in order to provide sound, valuable advice to stakeholders, decision makers, and other customers. In order to inform government and capitalize on commercial opportunities, CNL recognizes the need to have a cyber security capability in nuclear industrial control systems. This is evidenced by nuclear cyber security being identified as a priority in CNL’s 10-year plans. Challenges in this area are driven by regulation and which cannot be addressed by simply applying information technology (IT) solutions due to real-time operational requirements and importance to safety of these systems. As a result, specialists in instrumentation & control (I&C) systems and ideally with cyber security expertise are required.

What you will be doing

• Serving as a core member of the cyber security research group, with particular emphasis on instrumentation and control (I&C) systems.
• Proposing, developing, and evaluating cyber security solutions for I&C systems using a combination of electrical, I&C, and computer engineering.
• Supporting product development of cyber security products and services for critical infrastructure.
• Conducting security assessments of I&C equipment using recognized standards and guidelines.
• Developing methodologies to mitigate vulnerabilities in I&C equipment and applications (e.g., penetration testing, change management, vendor management) and responsible for software development and systems engineering in support of basic and applied cyber security research in the real-time I&C system domain.
• Guiding the work of junior scientists/engineers or technicians assigned to a common project and supervision of other scientists/engineers, on occasion.
• Providing presentations to stakeholders and contributing to internal reports, presentations, and technical refereed journal publications.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Applied Mathematics from a university of recognized standing, or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
  • Higher education (MSc, and/or PhD) is an asset.
• Experience
  • Have two (2) or more years of experience in process instrumentation: industrial process control systems including DCS, PLC and SCADA-based systems.
  • Hands-on experience and extensive practical knowledge of I&C domain protocols and standards such as MODBUS and OPC, design and implementation of control system network architectures, programming PLCs, HMI SCADA systems such as Siemens, Allen Bradley and Triconex, specifying field instrumentation, PLC and SCADA hardware, and wiring design and recognized industry standards and guidelines.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong technical problem solving skills, ability to make recommendations on technical issues, and prepare work plans with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with cyber security technologies an asset (e.g., intrusion detection systems, forensic analysis tools, next generation firewalls, application control, whitelisting, AV, encryption, automated auditing, analytics), and advanced persistence threats, zero day exploits, malware attack vectors and threat intelligence. Since it is recognized that applying cyber security solutions to I&C systems is experience that candidates may lack, a demonstrated interest in the area combined with an ability to learn quickly, have strong self-motivation and enthusiasm for the work, and an ability to pay attention to detail and have good organization skills, will be considered.
  • Ability to think abstractly and deal well with ambiguous/undefined problems and various types of clients and customers.
  • Ability to handle software and hardware problems; devise new approaches, apply existing criteria in new manners, and draw complex conclusions.
  • Can effectively articulate novel ideas, concepts, and proposals for new projects and ongoing work.
  • Experience and willingness to mentor junior developers and engineers.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Level 2 Secret which has a minimum requirement of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States and/or the United Kingdom . CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.” 

Why CNL?

Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We're reinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer a complete total rewards package:

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
• Benefits effective day one, that’s right, no waiting period;
• Tuition support
• and a pension

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location :

CNL’s Fredericton office, sits right in the capital city of Fredericton, New Brunswick. It’s a quaint city that is rich in culture and history and combines the comfort of a small town with world-class facilities.

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Read here further on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture that is built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

CNL recognizes and respects that the territory on which our Fredericton office is based is the unceded and unsurrendered traditional territory of the Wabanaki peoples – predominantly the lands of the Miꞌkmaq, Wolastoqey (Maliseet) and Peskotomahkati (Passamaquoddy). We express our gratitude and appreciation to those Indigenous people who have been living and working on these lands since time immemorial.

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