Avionics Design Engineer

Heli-One; Richmond; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CHC in Richmond, BC is seeking an Avionics Design Engineer to lead airworthiness and certification for rotorcraft avionics, aligning with TCCA frameworks and international standards.

You will work with engineering, flight test, safety, and regulatory teams to develop compliance strategies, prepare documentation, and support system verification for rotary‑wing platforms. Travel is occasional as projects require.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or related field.
• 4+ years of aircraft certification experience focused on TCCA requirements and avionics systems.
• Strong understanding of rotorcraft certification under AWM 527/529 or equivalent.
• Experience with avionics development processes under DO‑178C and DO‑254.
• Excellent technical writing skills for certification and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and regulatory authorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute TCCA-aligned certification plans, compliance strategies, and documentation for rotorcraft avionics systems.
• Apply regulatory frameworks such as CARs, TCCA AWM 527/529, and relevant policies and guidance.
• Prepare certification artifacts, including Test Plans, Test Reports, and Conformity Packages; create compliance checklists and airworthiness documentation.
• Support design, integration, and verification activities in line with DO‑178C, DO‑254, DO‑160, ARP4754A, ARP4761 and related standards.
• Coordinate with TCCA and partner agencies (e.g., FAA, EASA) as required.
• Participate in technical reviews, design discussions, and investigations involving avionics systems and certification challenges.
• Support ground and flight test planning, instrumentation readiness, and certification-related documentation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

DO‑178C/DO‑254

Regulatory frameworks

Job description

Reach Beyond!

CHC provides unmatched helicopter services that enable our customers to reach beyond – to work in remote and challenging destinations that limit others – and come home safely. We are dedicated to our purpose of getting our customers where they need to be, when they need to be there, anywhere in the world – safely and reliably. All you have to do is get on board!

At CHC, we pride ourselves on our values and culture: Accountability: Take pride and ownership of our actions and results. Collaboration: Working together with transparency and trust to drive continuous improvement. Care: Creating a safe and sustainable environment for all. Integrity: Doing what's right and fostering a culture of respect. Excellence: Prioritizing quality services and setting industry standards.

Role Summary

Avionics Design Engineer

Location: Richmond, BC, Canada

Department: Design Group

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Onsite

Travel: Occasional (less than 10%)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Engineer specializing in avionics with a strong foundation in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) regulatory frameworks for rotorcraft. In this role, you will lead and support airworthiness and certification activities across multiple avionics systems, ensuring compliance with TCCA and applicable international standards.

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams – engineering, flight test, safety, and regulatory stakeholders – to develop compliance strategies, prepare certification documentation, and support system verification and validation for rotary‑wing platforms.

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting‑edge rotorcraft technologies shaping the future of aviation.
• Play a key role in avionics airworthiness and certification for next‑generation platforms.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled, multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Benefit from opportunities for professional development, certification exposure, and career growth.
• Develop your knowledge of Canadian certification pathways and potentially progress toward TCCA delegation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute TCCA‑aligned certification plans, compliance strategies, and documentation for rotorcraft avionics systems.
• Apply regulatory frameworks such as CARs, TCCA AWM 527/529, and relevant policies and guidance.
• Prepare certification artifacts, including:
  • Test Plans, Test Reports, Conformity Packages
  • Compliance Checklists and airworthiness documentation
• Support design, integration, and verification activities in accordance with DO‑178C, DO‑254, DO‑160, ARP4754A, ARP4761, and associated industry standards.
• Coordinate with TCCA and partner agencies (e.g., FAA, EASA) as required.
• Participate in technical reviews, design discussions, and investigations involving avionics systems and certification challenges.
• Support ground and flight test planning, instrumentation readiness, and certification‑related test documentation.

Qualifications, Skills & Attributes

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in aircraft certification with a focus on TCCA requirements and avionics systems.
• Strong understanding of rotorcraft certification under AWM 527/529 or equivalent standards.
• Experience with avionics development processes under DO‑178C (software) and DO‑254 (hardware).
• Excellent technical writing skills for certification and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and regulatory authorities.

Preferred

• Direct experience engaging with TCCA or participating in Canadian Type Certification or Supplemental Type Certification programs.
• Familiarity with other regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA Part 27/29, EASA CS‑27/29).
• Experience in avionics hardware/software integration labs or flight test settings.
• Knowledge of system safety processes, including functional hazard assessments.
• Experience supporting an ODA‑like environment or working with delegated engineers.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng) in Canada or eligible to register.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Canada and meet any clearance requirements relevant to the role.

Travel Requirements

• Travel is minimal (less than 10%) and may include:
  • Meetings or technical reviews with TCCA or partner regulatory bodies
  • Visits to suppliers, integration labs, or engineering partners
  • Support for ground or flight test events requiring onsite presence
  • Collaboration sessions at other company sites or partner facilities
• Travel frequency will vary depending on project phase.

Recruitment Process

We may commence interviews or close applications prior to the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are identified. We therefore encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us following the closing date, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We thank you for your interest and wish you every success in your future career endeavours.

Recruitment Agencies

We manage this vacancy directly and do not engage recruitment agencies for this role.

We kindly request that agencies do not contact us in relation to this position or submit unsolicited candidate CVs. Any CVs submitted without prior written agreement will be treated as direct applications, and no agency fees will be payable. Thank you for your understanding.