Airworthiness Engineer

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance (as applicable)

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in Ottawa is seeking a mid-career aeronautical engineer to lead aircraft modification and integration projects, guiding certification efforts and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires extensive experience in CARs-compliant certification, technical advisory, and eligibility for Ontario PE licensure, with a position that may involve limited hybrid work and significant travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering.
• Successful completion of the Transport Canada Aircraft Certification Specialty Course, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 15 years of aircraft modification-related engineering experience.
• Experience providing technical advice to management/clients on engineering issues.
• Significant experience in certification of aeronautical products under CARs.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
• Eligibility for Professional Engineer in Ontario (PEO).
• Experience identifying airworthiness or certification challenges for new technologies (asset).

Responsibilities

• Lead complex aircraft modification/integration projects from design to certification.
• Provide engineering guidance to management and clients.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across stages of development and certification.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Technical advisory

Flight/test program experience

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering

Master’s degree asset

PEO eligibility (Ontario)

Tools

Transport Canada Aircraft Certification Specialty Course

Job description

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Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, 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.

OrganizationalUnit:Aerospace

Classification:RCO

Tenure: Continuing

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

The role

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering; and
• Successful completion of the Transport Canada Aircraft Certification Specialty Course, or equivalent.
  

A Master’s degree in a related field would be considered an asset.

• Minimum of 15 years of aircraft modification-related engineering experience supporting major modification design for experimental installations, special-mission, or research-integration programs;
• Experience providing technical advice and recommendations to management and/or clients on engineering-related issues;
• Significant experience in the certification of aeronautical products or modifications to aeronautical products in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, or another regulatory system; and
• Experience managing complex technical projects involving multi-disciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
  

Assets :

• Experience identifying and advising on airworthiness or certification challenges for new or non-standard technologies;
• Experience working with transport category (FAR 25/CAR 525) aircraft;
• Qualifications equivalent to a Transport Canada Design Approval Representative.

Condition of employment

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.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) from the Ottawa Airport Pass Control Office;
• Working conditions: This position requires work to be performed on and around aircraft, and candidates must be physically able to perform the duties of this position. These duties include: working from elevated platforms, lifting moderate weights, and wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator and safety goggles. The candidate is expected to work with chemicals and materials commonly found in the aircraft industry;
• Eligibility for membership as a Professional Engineer in Ontario (PEO);
• Ability to fly as a member of FRL aircraft crew; and
• Domestic and international travel will be required, with the possibility of extended stays.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Knowledge in one or more of aerospace structures/stress/loads, powerplant & emissions, hydro-mechanical systems, occupant safety & environmental systems, and/or aircraft integration & safety assessment;
• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian Aviation regulatory system, including Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and design standards (AWM); familiarity with airworthiness approaches for flight-test and experimental aircraft configurations;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams through all phases of aircraft modification or integration projects; and
• Knowledge of project management concepts and principles.
• Technology extension - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Research - Continuous professional learning (Level 2)

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3/RCO-4 level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $119,688 to $168,192.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

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.

Notes

• 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.
• 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 therequisition number (25024) to:

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time