Aircraft Crew Chief

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 83,435 - 107,838; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada in Ottawa is seeking an Aircraft Crew Chief to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The role emphasizes planning maintenance schedules, supervising AMEs and technicians, and coordinating aircraft modifications for research projects.

The successful candidate will hold a Transport Canada AME M1 licence, have extensive experience in heavy maintenance and flight operations, and be ready to deploy on field projects across

Qualifications

• Graduation from a Transport Canada approved AME training program.
• Must hold an AME M1 licence issued by Transport Canada.
• Significant experience as a licensed AME in heavy maintenance and/or major modifications.
• Significant experience as a licensed AME in flight operations.
• Experience as Aircraft Crew Chief managing multiple projects with changing priorities.
• Experience in a military or civil flight test environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate aircraft maintenance schedules.
• Inspect, maintain, and certify aircraft.
• Supervise Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and technicians.
• Coordinate aircraft modifications and research project installations.
• Ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
• Manage aircraft technical records.
• Plan logistics for field deployments.
• Liaise with manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in field deployments across Canada and internationally.

Skills

Aircraft maintenance

Airworthiness directives

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Weight and balance

Safety Management System

Education

Transport Canada AME training program

Tools

DASH

WinAir

Job description

Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Aerospace

Classification: TO-4

Tenure: Term

Duration: Until 31 March 2028

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for an Aircraft Crew Chief to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The Aircraft Crew Chief would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and coordinating aircraft maintenance schedules.
• Inspecting, maintaining, and certifying aircraft.
• Supervising Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and technicians.
• Coordinating aircraft modifications and research project installations.
• Ensuring regulatory and safety compliance.
• Managing aircraft technical records.
• Planning logistics for field deployments.
• Liaising with manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, and project stakeholders.

The Aircraft Crew Chief may also participate in field deployments across Canada and internationally, supporting airborne research projects in collaboration with government, academic, and industry partners.

Screening criteria

Education

Graduation from a program of study at an accredited college approved by Transport Canada in accordance with Division II of Subpart 403 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training or equivalent.

Must hold an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) “M1” licence issued by Transport Canada.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Significant experience as a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in an organization that conducts heavy maintenance and/or extensive major modifications to civil or military aircraft.
• Significant experience as a licensed AME in an organization that conducts flight operations.
• Basic experience as an aircraft Crew Chief managing multiple concurrent aircraft maintenance and/or modification projects on assigned aircrafts in an environment of frequently changing priorities.

Assets

• Experience in a military or civil flight test environment.
• Experience performing maintenance on aircrafts similar to those operated by FRL (Note: current fleet includes Convair 580, Dassault Falcon 20, Twin Otter, Harvard Mk IV, Cessna 337, Bell 205, Bell 206, Bell 412, Global 6500).

Condition of employment

Secret clearance.

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language requirements

English.

Information on language requirements and self‑assessment tests.

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Solid knowledge in performing and ensuring proper completion of scheduled and unscheduled inspections, including inspections after abnormal occurrences.
• Ability to research, evaluate and complete airworthiness directive and service bulletin requirements.
• Solid knowledge of troubleshooting and rectification of defects of applicable aircraft systems.
• Solid knowledge regarding aircraft logbook entries and technical documentation.
• Solid knowledge of how to carry out applicable installations in accordance with drawings.
• Solid knowledge of weight and balance control procedures.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices associated with the implementation of a Safety Management System as defined by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Ability to use technical and regulatory literature sources, search engines and specialized Aircraft Maintenance Tracking and Planning software such as DASH or WinAir, as well as general office software products.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Client focus (Level 3)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 2)Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Technology support - Initiative (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Technology Support.

Compensation

From $83,435 to $107,838 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide‑range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre‑qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one‑year period.
• Work environment will be a combination of hangar, outdoors and office areas. Willingness to work in an environment that may include exposure to chemicals, dirt, noise, noxious odours, hazardous equipment, extreme temperatures and/or working in awkward positions.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25632) to:

E‑mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date

29 July 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time.

Career tools and resources

• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.