MAPLE Systems Engineer

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Year-end office closure

Well-being supports

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) is seeking a MAPLE Systems Engineer in Ottawa to support the MAPLE project: modifications, integration, certification, and operation of the aircraft platform for environmental research. You will work with researchers, engineers and regulatory staff in a multidisciplinary setting.

The role emphasizes technical integrity, independent review of analyses and contractor deliverables, and collaboration across flight operations, maintenance and regulatory

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems engineering or related field.
• PhD in aircraft systems, modifications, or airborne instrumentation is a plus.
• Professional Engineer in Canada is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support MAPLE project design, integration, certification, and operation of airborne platforms.
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, flight ops, contractors and regulators.
• Provide independent review of analyses, designs, and contractor deliverables.
• Contribute to technical integrity and safety of airborne research capabilities.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, risk tracking and multidisciplinary work packages.

Skills

Aircraft systems

Systems integration

Engineering analysis

Independent review

Regulatory engagement

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in aerospace/mechanical/electrical/systems engineering

PhD asset

Professional Engineer in Canada asset

Degree equivalency note

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: RCO

Tenure: Term

Duration: 4 years

Language Requirements: English

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

We are looking for a MAPLE Systems Engineer to join the Aerospace Research Centre and support the development, modification, integration, certification, and operation of the NRC’s MAPLE — Medium-long Range Aircraft Platform for Environmental Research Aircraft Development Project. The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Reporting to the MAPLE Development Project Technical Lead, the successful candidate will contribute to technically complex projects involving aircraft modifications, scientific instrumentation integration, airborne measurement systems, and research capability development. The position combines hands‑on technical work with independent technical review, systems integration, and stakeholder coordination responsibilities.

The incumbent will support the MAPLE Project Team in ensuring the technical integrity of project deliverables and may be assigned responsibility for specific technical work packages, studies, integration activities, or engineering investigations. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, the MAPLE Systems Engineer will collaborate with researchers, engineers, flight operations personnel, maintenance specialists, contractors, aircraft original equipment manufacturers, and regulatory authorities to develop and implement safe, effective, and scientifically robust airborne research capabilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute directly to technical work while also providing critical assessment and independent review of engineering analyses, designs, certification documentation, and contractor deliverables.

Screening criteria

Education

• A Master’s degree from a recognized university in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems engineering, or another discipline relevant to research aircraft systems, airborne science infrastructure design and certification, or aircraft modification programs.
• A PhD in a field directly related to aircraft systems, aircraft modifications, airborne instrumentation, computational modelling, aerospace engineering, atmospheric measurements, flight sciences, or a related discipline would be considered an asset.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Canada would be an asset.
• For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience supporting aircraft modifications, aircraft systems integration, or aerospace engineering projects;
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, airborne measurement systems, or research infrastructure development;
• Experience conducting engineering analysis, modelling, simulation, or technical substantiation activities;
• Experience conducting independent review of engineering designs, technical analyses, or contractor deliverables;
• Experience interacting with contractors, aircraft manufacturers, research organizations, or regulatory authorities; and
• Experience supporting airworthiness, certification, safety assessment, or regulatory compliance activities.

Experience assets

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamic modelling, flow-field characterization, or sensor placement studies;
• Experience working with Transport Canada, FAA, EASA, military airworthiness authorities, or equivalent regulatory organizations.

Condition of employment

• Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

• Candidates will be required to work on and around aircraft, scientific instrumentation, test facilities, laboratories, and aircraft hangars;
• Candidates will be required to wear personal protective equipment and participate in integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities in operational environments;
• Must be able to travel across Canada and/or internationally;
• Must be able to fly as aircrew on-board experimental aircraft and be able to access system locations (i.e., confined and/or high places) on aircraft; and
• Must be able to possess and retain the physical capabilities to perform the position which include but may not be limited to: crouching, bending, twisting, walking, climbing stairs & ladders, ability to hear to diagnose technical and operational problems.

Language requirements

English

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Solid knowledge of aircraft systems, aircraft modification processes, systems integration, or aerospace engineering principles;
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering principles and their application in project environments;
• Ability to develop, review, and assess engineering requirements, specifications, technical reports, design documentation, certification documentation, and contractor deliverables;
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot technical issues and support integration, verification, validation, and testing activities;
• Basic understanding of scientific instrumentation, airborne measurement systems, data acquisition systems, and research infrastructure;
• Familiarity with project planning, scheduling, risk tracking, coordination processes, and multidisciplinary technical work packages;
• Ability to translate technical objectives into actionable tasks and deliverables aligned with project scope, schedule, and project goals;
• Knowledge of airworthiness, certification, safety assessment, or regulatory compliance processes would be considered an asset; and
• Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamic modelling, flow-field characterization, or sensor placement studies would be considered an asset.

Behavioural competencies

• Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2/RCO-3 level, which is an intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608.

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).

• a robust pension plan
• comprehensive health and dental coverage
• disability and life insurance
• office closure at the end of December
• additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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 foster 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.
• Overtime may sometimes be required.
• 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.

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