Senior Navigation Specialist

BMT; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Training and development

Job summary

BMT is seeking a Senior Navigation Specialist to provide expert navigation and ship handling guidance for simulation-based activities across the North American region. The role demands deep operational experience with large seagoing vessels and extensive use of ECDIS, ARPA, AIS, GPS, and integrated bridge systems.

Responsibilities include translating real-world maritime operations into credible simulation inputs, acting as a Bridge Watchkeeper, and contributing to simulations, trials, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years practical experience in ship handling, maritime navigation and/or pilotage of large seagoing vessels.
• Valid Bridge Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency (STCW compliant).
• Extensive experience with Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, AIS, GPS, integrated bridge systems).
• Ability to translate real-world operational practices into credible simulation inputs, constraints, and performance measures.
• Understanding of bridge team dynamics within simulated and real-world operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise and technical advice in support of navigation and ship handling simulations, including scenario development, execution, and analysis.
• Support client activities by translating real-world maritime operations into credible simulation inputs, behaviours, and constraints.
• Perform duties as a qualified Bridge Watchkeeper, ensuring simulation outputs reflect current best practices and regulatory compliance (COLREGs, STCW).
• Operate and provide guidance on Electronic Navigation Systems within simulation and real-world contexts (ECDIS, Radar, ARPA, GPS, AIS).
• Support the development and conduct of simulations, trials, and studies, including post-simulation analysis and reporting.

Skills

Ship handling

Maritime navigation

STCW Cert

ECDIS expertise

Bridge team leadership

Analytical skills

Education

STCW Certificate

Tools

ECDIS

ARPA

AIS

GPS

Job description

Senior Navigation Specialist

Department: Technical Capability

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: North America

Reporting To: Rick Fifield

Compensation: CA$130,000 - CA$150,000 / year

Description

Job Title: Senior Navigation Specialist

Location: Halifax, NS, Ottawa, ON

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Annual Salary: $130,000-150,000

About BMT

BMT is dedicated to tackling the most crucial engineering challenges of our era, fostering an environment where individuals with exceptional technical expertise provide meaningful, practical solutions. Committed to creating a safer, more efficient, effective, and sustainable future, BMT values diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving our business purpose. Learn more about BMT at www.bmt.org.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Navigator is responsible for providing professional technical advice in support of simulation-based activities related to navigation, bridge operations, and ship handling. The role supports the effective design, delivery, and execution of our simulation services by bringing advanced operational expertise to our simulation environments, ensuring realistic, safe, and operationally credible outcomes.

• Provide subject matter expertise and technical advice in support of navigation and ship handling simulations, including scenario development, execution, and analysis.
• Support client activities by translating real-world maritime operations into credible simulation inputs, behaviours, and constraints.
• Perform duties as a qualified Bridge Watchkeeper, ensuring that simulation outputs reflect current operational best practices and regulatory compliance (e.g. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Apply advanced ship handling knowledge to validate and inform simulation scenarios across a range of operating conditions (open ocean, coastal, confined waters, port approaches).
• Operate and provide expert guidance on Electronic Navigation Systems within simulation and real-world contexts, including:
  • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
  • Radar / ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
  • GPS (Global Positioning System) and integrated bridge systems
  • AIS (Automatic Identification System) and voyage planning tools
• Support the development and conduct of simulations, trials, and studies, including post-simulation analysis and reporting.
• Contribute operational expertise to engineering studies, concept development, and capability assessments, particularly where navigation and maneuvering are key factors.
• Provide insight into human factors and bridge team behaviors as they relate to simulated operations.
• Train, mentor, and support team members in understanding practical navigation considerations within simulation environments.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through ongoing certification, training, and awareness of evolving navigation technologies and simulation practices.
• Conduct reviews and provide assurance that simulation outputs and navigation-related deliverables meet client expectations and operational realism.
• Contribute to internal innovation and business development activities where simulation and operational navigation expertise is required.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential:

• Minimum of 10 years practical experience in ship handling, maritime navigation and/or pilotage of large seagoing vessels (e.g., cruise ships, tankers, naval platforms).
• Valid Bridge Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency (STCW compliant)
• Extensive experience with Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, AIS, GPS, integrated bridge systems), including their representation and use in simulated environments
• Ability to translate real-world operational practices into credible simulation inputs, constraints, and performance measures
• Understanding of bridge team dynamics within simulated and real-world operations
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting simulation results and providing actionable insights to clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in explaining complex operational behaviours within technical studies
• Strong leadership, teamwork and stakeholder engagement skills across multidisciplinary project teams

Desirable:

• Experience with bridge simulators (full mission or part-task trainers) or maritime modelling/simulation tools
• Experience in complex ship towing operations
• Familiarity with how vessel design characteristics influence maneuvering performance and simulation fidelity
• Experience contributing to marine assurance, safety cases, or operational risk assessments
• Eligible for Canadian or US security clearance (depending on the region of employment)

Why Work For Us?

At BMT we believe in hiring the best talent, from diverse backgrounds, as this introduces new ideas to the team and our customers. We believe in a cooperative and collaborative work environment and support and encourage career growth. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary commensurate with skill, ability and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, dental and vision plan (including a Health Care Spending Account)
• Employee and Family Assistance program
• Parental/Maternity leave top-up program
• RRSP or TFSA matching program
• Flexible work hours and hybrid work arrangement
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee recognition program
• Employee referral program

BMT is committed to employment equity, to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst its workforce. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.