FIELD SUPPORT ENGINEER

INVEST OTTAWA – AREA X.O

Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, Defence and Advanced Robotics at Area X.O, the Field Support Engineer – Innovation Farm and Advanced Robotics will play a key role in supporting testing, project delivery, and prototyping activities across multiple verticals, with a strong current focus on agriculture technology (agri-tech) and agricultural robotics, alongside defence and advanced robotics.

This hands-on role focuses on deploying, operating, and validating robotic, autonomous, and intelligent technologies in real-world environments — from the Area X.O Innovation Farm to defence and multi-vertical test sites. Working in an agile setting, the Field Support Engineer will contribute to process development, field data collection and analysis, sensor and systems integration, and technology validation. The successful candidate will help ensure the progress and execution of multiple projects within the Innovation Farm and Advanced Robotics domains at Area X.O.

• Engineering Pay Band C: $59,600- $88,800
• Hiring Salary Range: $59,600-75,000
  
• 4-5 Days per week in Office (Area X.O)

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Agile Development Support: Contribute to the deployment and continuous improvement of processes, tools, and data management systems in an agile environment.
• Field Data Collection & Analysis: Operate, deploy, and maintain advanced field equipment (e.g., assorted agriculture technologies, land and aerial robotic systems, and sensor suites including GPS/GNSS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR, and machine vision platforms) to collect, validate, and analyze live operational data. Support field data pipelines from edge devices to analysis platforms, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Testing & Validation: Support execution of trials and long-term projects for agricultural robotics, precision agriculture, and defence-related technologies, ensuring performance validation, calibration, safety, and troubleshooting in collaboration with engineering and research teams. Support field validation of AI/ML-enabled systems such as computer vision, object detection, and crop monitoring applications.
• Systems Integration: Assist in deploying, integrating, and supporting advanced robotics platforms (ground and aerial), precision agriculture tools (e.g., autonomous equipment, soil and crop sensors, uncrewed aerial systems), and defence technologies, including hardware/software integration of sensors and edge devices.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate logs, reports, and technical documentation of field results, workflows, system configurations, and performance to support decision-making and continuous improvement. Maintain testing records and version control of documentation and integration procedures.
• Safety & Operational Readiness: Follow and help refine operational safety procedures for robotic and autonomous systems in field environments. Support equipment readiness, inventory tracking, and seasonal planning for Innovation Farm trials.
• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with R&D, operations, vendors, researchers, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless technology integration across multiple verticals. Support demonstrations, tours, and client engagement activities.
• Other Duties: Carry out additional tasks as assigned by the manager, aligned with strategic initiatives and client needs.
  

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Mechatronics), or a related field (or equivalent 2-3 years of work experience).
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting in field environments.
• Experience or familiarity with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS, ground robotics, sensors (e.g., GPS/GNSS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR), IoT devices, or similar technical equipment.
• Knowledge of agriculture technology, agricultural robotics, precision agriculture, or uncrewed systems related to defence is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing field conditions, including weather, terrain, and crop cycles.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Experience writing concise and professional technical reports and outgoing documentation.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in diverse field and agricultural conditions, sometimes requiring travel.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of basic agricultural operations or willingness to learn.
• Hands-on experience with development, deployment, or field operation of robotics (ground or aerial), including precision agriculture applications.
• Basic literacy in at least one programming language (Python, etc.).
• Familiarity with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2), sensor integration, or embedded systems is considered an asset.
• Exposure to AI/ML-enabled applications such as computer vision or object detection is considered an asset.
• Experience with Git/version control and structured documentation practices is considered an asset.
• Ability to perform productive, self-guided work.
• Experience managing long-term, multi-stakeholder projects with clear outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in an agile, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to function in a client-facing environment.

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact hr@investottawa.ca to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.