F-35/5th Generation Fighter Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME)

CAE; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Travel within Canada

Pension plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Health and wellness programs

Career growth in international org

Job summary

CAE is seeking an experienced F-35 / 5th Generation Fighter Pilot SME to support Canada’s Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT) program. This non-flying role focuses on training development, operational design, and program implementation.

As the program's subject matter expert, you will define concepts, develop courseware, validate training devices, and collaborate with CAE teams and RCAF stakeholders to advance milestones. A security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Operational experience as an F-35 or 5th Gen fighter pilot and instructor in the RCAF or a comparable military organization.
• 10-15 years of military flight operations experience.
• 10+ years of leadership or instructional experience.
• Experience with simulator-based and synthetic training environments.
• Experience developing curriculum or program management.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate training curricula for FFLIT.
• Advise on operations concepts and training policies.
• Collaborate with CAE, RCAF stakeholders, and leadership to reach milestones.
• Provide input on Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS), simulators, and future training capabilities.

Skills

F-35 experience

Instructional leadership

Curriculum development

Stakeholder engagement

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Flight simulators

GBTS systems

Courseware tools

Job description

Our instructor pilots strengthen safety and readiness by preparing military aviators for critical missions. Your experience helps new recruits perform at their best when the stakes are highest. Join a team powered by cutting-edge technology and a shared commitment to empowering defence forces worldwide.

Description

Shape the Future of Fighter Pilot Training in Canada

CAE is seeking an experienced F-35 / 5th Generation Fighter Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the design and delivery of Canada’s Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT) program.

This opportunity allows you to leverage your operational and instructional experience to influence how the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter pilots are prepared for the F-35. Working alongside military stakeholders, training developers, and aviation experts, you will help define training concepts, develop courseware, and shape a fighter training ecosystem built around the Leonardo M-346 platform.

This is a non-flying role focused on training development, operational design, and program implementation.

As the program’s F-35 / 5th Generation fighter expert, you will serve as a key advisor supporting the design, development, validation, and implementation of the FFLIT training system.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Training Development

• Provide operational expertise to support the design and development of classroom, simulator, and flying training curricula
• Review and validate courseware to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with RCAF training objectives
• Support acceptance testing of courseware and training devices
• Contribute to training policies, procedures, and instructional standards
• Identify training risks and support validation and verification activities

Operational and Program Advisory

• Advise on the integration of F-35 operational concepts into the FFLIT curriculum and training ecosystem.
• Support the development of concepts of operations, training centre procedures, and operational policies.
• Collaborate with CAE teams, RCAF stakeholders, and program leadership to achieve key program milestones.
• Provide expert input on Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS), simulator utilization, and future training capability development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Operational experience as an F-35 or other 5th Generation fighter pilot and instructor pilot within the RCAF or a comparable military organization.
• 10-15 years of military flight operations experience.
• 10+ years of leadership or instructional experience.
• Experience with simulator-based and synthetic training environments.
• Experience supporting curriculum development, instructional systems design, or military training program management.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Postsecondary education in a relevant discipline.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level II Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former F-35 Instructor Pilot or Instructor Pilot on another 5th Generation platform.
• Experience within RCAF fighter training and training development organizations.
• M-346, FLIT, or advanced jet training experience.
• Experience supporting simulator, training device, or GBTS development and acceptance testing.
• Experience developing operational policies and procedures.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Benefits

We’ve designed flexible policies to promote well-being and growth, based on role-specific eligibility and requirements:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement from anywhere in Canada.
• Occasional travel within Canada, including Ottawa and Cold Lake, with limited international travel as required
• Opportunity to contribute directly to one of Canada’s significant military aviation training initiatives
• Opportunity to work with experts in simulation, training, and mission readiness while helping shape how future RCAF fighter pilots are prepared for operational service in the F-35 era.
• Company benefits plan
• Pension plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• A collaborative, supportive, and dynamic team environment
• Opportunities for career growth within an international organization

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type

Regular

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement | CAE

As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.