Position Details: The Mobile Digital Commons Network (MDCN)
The MDCN connects researchers, the arts and industry focused on mobile, wireless, digital technologies in Canada. Funded by Canadian Heritage, the goal of the network is to facilitate interdisciplinary research and innovative industry development; foster cultural production and public participation; and develop forward-thinking policy on wireless technologies.
Department
The Mobile Digital Commons Network at OCAD
Position Summary
The Mobile Digital Commons Network requires a Mobile Applications Engineer to facilitate the work of an interdisciplinary group of six Research Faculty at OCAD, and their team of research assistants, within the scope of the MDCN initiative. This role will develop software applications for a variety of mobile devices using GPS positioning and sensor input to drive the playback of rich-media content. The applications are being developed as part of a content-research project, and so technically challenging capability will be created along with new methodologies of interaction between artists and engineers. Nevertheless, final applications will be deployed in public spaces and will be expected to run robustly. Such a development environment would suit experienced developers looking to work on advanced next-generation mobile content, while nevertheless delivering functional product. The role will involve working with the MDCN Mobile Experience Engine, a software framework enabling the production of locative media applications, and will involve software development in C++, Symbian, Java and XML. The role will help evolve the Mobile Experience Engine and as such it will involve production of both toolsets and completed application. The candidate will be required to self-manage the process of working with artists and designers on the development of the application with limited input from other engineers.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Translate application designs from artists and designers and into XML;
- Develop XML schema and XSL stylesheets for converting designer-friendly specifications in XML into XML meeting the Mobile Experience Engine schema;
- Develop XSL stylesheets for generating SVG-based visualisations of applications for review by designers;
- Code library facade elements in Java, C++ (for PocketPC and Symbian);
- Design and develop code libraries in Java, C++ (for PocketPC and Symbian);
- Manage ongoing unit-testing, bug-tracking, feature-tracking and build system;
- Self-manage design interactions with artists and designers;
- Prepare applications for large-scale beta tests with members of the public in the Banff National park, including installation, documentation and training of users.
Hours of Work
The Engineer will work 35 hours per week. We offer a twelve-month contract, with the possibility of renewal until March 2007. Position to begin immediately.
Qualifications
- Competence with XML, XSL and XML Schema is required. The target candidate will be able to convert application designs to an XML document with a given schema, extend a schema to include new capabilities, and create XSL stylesheets to process this XML, generating C++, Java, VG and XML.
- Competence with C++ is required. The target candidate will be able to develop and test platform-neutral facades into platform-specific APIs.
- Competence with Java is required. The target candidate will be able to develop and test code libraries.
- Life-cycle development experience on a substantial application is required, ideally within a rapid-iteration development environment, using modern development and testing methodologies.
- Experience with mobile device development is beneficial, particularly the creation of J2ME, MIDP2.0, Symbian or PocketPC applications. However, such experience is not essential.
- The ideal candidate will be comfortable working as the primary engineer in a mixed-discipline team, facilitating the specification process, and responding to workflow methodologies from other disciplines.
- The ideal candidate is likely to have an engineering or science degree to Masters level and some commercial application development experience.
- Candidates with an artistic bias are encouraged to apply. This project extends work performed over the last year. Please visit http://www.mdcn.ca for further information.
Salary
- $25 per hour, plus 10% (in lieu of benefits and vacation pay)
Application Deadline
Review of applications will being immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Application Information
Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume, with a cover letter indicating your availability and job reference #551 to:
Human Resources
Ontario College of Art & Design
100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1W1
Fax: (416) 977-3034
E-mail: [email protected]
As an employment equity employer, we encourage applications from women, First Nations People, visible minorities, and people with disabilities. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.