Cybersecurity Research Scientist

Are you looking for a role that will truly challenge you at the intersection of cyber security and industrial systems, where your work can have real-world safety and infrastructure impacts? Do you enjoy developing policies, conducting assessments, building innovative technical solutions, and clearly communicating research to diverse stakeholders while working with operational technology rather than traditional IT? Would you like to make a difference protecting Canada’s critical infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research environment in Fredericton, New Brunswick? If you answered yes, then this may be the job for you — apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Proposing, developing, and evaluating cyber security solutions for Instrumentation & Control (I&C) systems using electrical, I&C, and computer engineering expertise.
• Identifying potential cyber security issues affecting I&C systems.
• Investigating cyber security issues through documentation review and hands‑on testing.
• Determining, implementing, and documenting appropriate cyber security solutions.
• Supporting the product development of cyber security solutions and services for critical infrastructure.
• Working with lead researchers and/or customers to determine functional and technical requirements.
• Designing, documenting, and implementing cyber security solutions aligned with requirements.
• Performing verification activities and documenting test results.
• Conducting cyber security assessments of I&C equipment using recognized standards and guidelines.
• Performing planning and preparation activities for security assessments and audits.
• Conducting on‑site security assessment and audit activities.
• Reporting assessment results and supporting the approval and follow‑up of corrective actions.
• 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.
• Experience
  • Minimum of 2-5+ years of experience and interest in learning and working in three or more of the areas listed below:
    • Industrial process control systems (DCS, PLC and SCADA-based systems):
      • I&C standards such as IEC 61508
      • I&C communication protocols 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.
    • Cyber security standards, processes & technologies:
      • Cyber security standards such as NIST CSF, IEC 62443,
      • Security monitoring, SOC/SIEM,
      • Firewalls, Data diodes
      • Vulnerability assessments.
    • Engineering lifecycle & associated tools:
      • Requirements, design, implementation, integration, test, deployment, revision control, configuration management, and change control.
  • Specialized knowledge/expertise in a particular area of cyber security would be an asset (e.g., machine learning, secure system design, wireless security, intrusion detection systems, forensic analysis tools, next-generation firewalls, application control, whitelisting, AV, encryption, malware attack vectors, threat intelligence, automated auditing, analytics).
  • Preference will also be given to candidates with 4+ years of experience in computer systems and networks:
    • Modern computing technologies (e.g., VMWare and Hyper-V HyperVisors, switch and firewall configurations, Web Servers),
    • Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Windows Server, Linux),
    • Communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SSL).
  • Apply cyber security solutions within I&C systems, leveraging expertise in either cyber security or I&C while actively developing capability in the complementary domain; demonstrate strong motivation, rapid learning ability, attention to detail, and effective organizational skills.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong technical problem-solving skills, ability to make recommendations on technical issues, and prepare work plans with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to think abstractly and deal well with ambiguous/undefined problems and various types of clients and customers.
  • Ability to independently handle software and hardware problems: devise new approaches, apply existing criteria in new manners, and make reasoned conclusions.
  • Can effectively articulate novel ideas, concepts, and proposals for new projects and ongoing work.
  • Initiative and ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Security Clearance Eligibility Required

  • Reliability Status which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the 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.”

Working Conditions:

• Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
• This position is part of the SPEA Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL.

Location: Onsite
Our Fredericton site is located in New Brunswick’s vibrant capital city, known for its welcoming community, lively arts scene, and abundant green spaces. With the Saint John River winding through town and easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy quality of life.

Please note: This is a fully onsite position based at our Fredericton location, New Brunswick.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [email protected]. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

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.