Technical Project Manager - Defence, Public Safety & Security (12-Month Term)

Invest Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A government-supported technology development center in Ottawa is seeking an experienced Technical Project Manager to oversee the delivery of innovative government projects. The role requires a strong track record in leading complex, technical projects with federal departments. Ideal candidates will have 10+ years of experience, familiarity with security-sensitive environments, and Canadian Secret Security Clearance. The position demands excellent project management and stakeholder skills while offering a competitive salary in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex projects for the Government of Canada.
• Experience working with federal departments such as DND, Transport Canada, or similar.
• Strong technical project management background in emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of government projects delivered through Standing Offer.
• Serve as a liaison between federal clients and internal teams.
• Lead development and execution of project plans in collaboration with federal users.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Technical Execution

Bilingual (English/French)

Education

Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification

Canadian Secret Security Clearance (or eligibility)

Job description

Area X.O, the R&D complex for emerging technologies founded and operated by Invest Ottawa, is seeking an experienced Technical Project Manager to support a growing portfolio of Government of Canada projects delivered under a federal Standing Offer.

This position will be required to work onsite at Bayview Yards and Area X.O, minimum 3-5 days per week. A personal vehicle is required for commuting, as there is no access to public transit.

• Corporate Pay Band E: $88,000- $132,000
• Hiring Salary Range: $88,000-$110,000
• Reason for opening: A brand-new position due to new funding agreements

*Please Note: Applicants will be reviewed in January 2026.

WHY THIS ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Operations, Area X.O, this role is central to managing an increasing volume of defence, public safety, and security projects for federal departments including DND, Transport Canada, and others. The successful candidate will lead end-to-end project execution, from call-up initiation and project scoping through delivery, reporting, and close-out. Working directly with federal clients, innovators, engineers, and internal teams, this role ensures projects are properly specified, costed, risk-managed, governed, and delivered, on time, on budget, and to required quality and security standards.

This is a hands‑on delivery role requiring deep experience in complex, technical government projects, comfort operating in regulated and security‑sensitive environments, and the ability to do the work, not just oversee it. Core responsibilities include developing detailed project plans, managing risk, coordinating procurement with corporate services, and ensuring disciplined execution.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Manage the full lifecycle of projects delivered through Invest Ottawa’s Government of Canada Standing Offer, including call-ups, amendments, and close‑out.
• Serve as a primary liaison between federal clients, Area X.O technical and operational teams, corporate services, and participating companies.
• Ensure projects align with Standing Offer terms, client requirements, and internal governance, working closely with Finance and Corporate Services on vetting, approvals, and compliance.
• Lead the hands‑on development and execution of detailed project plans, schedules, work breakdown structures, and milestones in collaboration with federal end‑users and firms.
• Coordinate delivery across engineering, field operations, data management, testing, validation, and reporting.
• Ensure all deliverables meet defined technical specifications, quality standards, safety requirements, and client expectations.
• Proactively identify, document, and manage technical, operational, financial, and delivery risks, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, change management, and decision tracking across all projects.
• Ensure alignment with Government of Canada project governance standards, including reporting, audit readiness, and accountability.
• Coordinate capital procurement, system integration, and subcontracted services with internal teams and external vendors.
• Act as a key connector across engineering, operations, finance, and leadership, ensuring coordinated execution as a single team.
• Support collaboration between government departments, innovators, SMEs, and industry partners delivering pilots, demonstrations, and deployments.

• Any other duties as assigned by the manager.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER

• Canadian Secret Security Clearance (or eligibility)
• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex projects for the Government of Canada, including direct experience with Standing Offers, Supply Arrangements, or similar federal procurement mechanisms.
• Experience working with federal departments such as DND, DRDC, Public Safety, Transport Canada, or similar.
• Strong technical project management background in one or more of the following: defence systems, autonomy, robotics, drones, telecom, cybersecurity, sensing, data platforms, or emerging technologies.
• Experience operating in security‑sensitive or controlled environments (e.g., Controlled Goods, Protected B, classified work).
• Experience coordinating procurement and vendor management in technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute project plans, not simply oversee them.
• Deep familiarity with federal governance, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Bilingualism (English/French) as considered an asset
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification considered an asset
  

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.