Job Description

SAIT's

Applied Research and Innovation Services

department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada's top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.

The Opportunity

One of ARIS's research centers is the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS). CIRUS is committed to enhancing the role of remotely piloted systems in data collection, processing, management, analytics, and dissemination, while also creating organizational efficiencies across different sectors and regulatory environments. The center aims to tackle significant industry challenges, including the innovative use of remotely piloted systems and sensors, as well as the customization, validation, analysis, and integration of data products derived from these systems. Reporting to the Research Chair of the CIRUS group, the Operational Lead will be responsible for the operations of the research group. This includes assisting with the preparation of high-quality proposals and reports, maintaining and improving business processes, implementing effective project management practices, and tracking internal project capacity and industry portfolios. In collaboration with the entire team, this position will work closely with the Research Chair to prepare funding proposals, oversee staffing and budgets, and enhance productivity through the development and refinement of management tools. The Operational Lead will also support day-to-day project management, deliverables, and productivity. Strategic responsibilities for this role include executing major facilities grants aimed at expanding the research group and collaborating with operational leads from other ARIS research groups. Additionally, this position will involve tracking and reporting metrics and financials for the institution and major funding partners.

Note: This is a 1 year temporary position.

###

The Role

+

Project/Operations Management

+ Consult with a highly trained and motivated research team regarding strategies to assist in meeting project deliverables successfully.
+ Assist the write up of high-quality scientific/engineering proposals and reports to increase external funding with a strong industry relevant focus.
+ Develop, oversee and communicate business and project management process and procedures internally.
+ Work collaboratively with team to aid them in coordinating day to day tasks, project deliverables and reporting activities.
+ Identify internal control weaknesses and assist with implementation of best practices for accountability, productivity and process improvements.
+ Track and report on all project financials - time allocations, invoicing, budgets, expenses and revenue.
+ Work with ARIS's Business Operations Manager and finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
+ Coordinate agreements, POs, NDAs, invoices, purchases, and research infrastructure inventory on behalf of team with business operations.
+ Assist in development of service offerings to meet industry R&D and technical service as recommended by stakeholders, and the ARIS leadership team.
+ Assist in the trial of new service offerings to improve service response, workplans and scientific and engineering proposals that maintain quality assurance.
+ Consult with the Research Chair, to hire, onboard, support and mentor staff, students and HQPs needed for the operations team.
+ Identify team competencies to better contribute to project work, professional development, leadership, growth and maintenance of professional designations in good standing.
+

Technical writing and reporting

+ Working with Research Chair to prepare reports for internal, advisory council and funders, including full financial and metrics accounting.
+ Working with the team to aid in the discovery of new funding opportunities, identify application needs and participate in the execution of industry-based capital, infrastructure, R&D and technical grant applications as they arise.
+ Lead research and write early-stage business development reports including literature reviews and market assessment reports. Product research to include determining viable market size for new products, competing technology and costs, unique selling proposition, market segment identification, market potential, product strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), price point; strategic initiatives and metrics for initial product success.
+

Education and Networking

+ Participates in seminars and other organized scientific and technology discussions.
+ Pursues other activities that maintain and advance professional growth. These activities may include conference presentations, contributing to educational programs, serving on committees, attending workshops, participating in the development of multi-party proposals, peer review publications, association membership etc.
+ Networking including tours, presentations and associated preparation, media interviews and support, and membership in associated industry organizations.

###

Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or technical institute in a relevant field, such as geomatics, geographic information systems, remote sensing, geomatics engineering, geography, natural resource management or disaster management is required; Master's preferred + 10+ years of direct industry experience, including approximately 5 years in roles that required operational and project-management responsibilities

Job Classification

: Supervisor- P5932

Salary Range:

$83,066.55 - $104,022.45

Hours per week:

37.5

Posting End Date

: Nov 18, 2025

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta's Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose -- preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we're looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.



At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We're dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we're looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.