Airworthiness Engineer - Systems/Avionics

The role

We are looking for an Airworthiness Engineer - Systems/Avionics to join our Aerospace Research Centre and support aircraft modifications and research integrations across the Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) fleet, including newly introduced platforms such as the Global 6500. You would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) operates a small fleet of highly specialized research aircraft to meet the flight research needs of partners and clients in the Canadian aerospace sector.  Engineering modifications to these aircraft are performed in-house, by highly-qualified teams of designers, engineers, and fabrication specialists. Maintenance is carried out by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and research projects are flown by qualified test pilots and supporting crewmembers. 

You will be responsible for the engineering design, integration, airworthiness assessment, and approval of avionics/electrical installations on board NRC (and non-NRC) aircraft, and for managing design interfaces between research equipment, mission systems, experimental test articles, and the aircraft power, monitoring, display, navigation and communication systems, as well as other affected aircraft systems. 

The primary focus of the role is to support aircraft integrations and aircraft modifications across the FRL fleet, while helping researchers and project teams identify and address airworthiness, certification, and system-integration challenges early in project development.  The role may also support the safe integration and evaluation of emerging airborne technologies, including advanced mission systems, novel electrical/power architectures, multi-sensor systems, and other research configurations. 

You will support system safety assessments for aircraft modifications and research integrations, including the development and review of Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Fault Tree Analyses (FTA), Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), and other safety assessment activities as appropriate to the project. 

You will use your technical expertise to identify, assess, manage, and communicate project and airworthiness risks to other members of the design team, researchers, and operational stakeholders, to ensure that aircraft avionics/electrical installations meet the relevant design specifications, operational needs, and Transport Canada airworthiness requirements, or other agreed airworthiness and safety objectives appropriate to the project context. 

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor Degree from a recognized university specializing in Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering. 

Master’s Degree from a recognized university specializing in Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering may be considered an asset. 

Qualifications equivalent to a Transport Canada Design Approval Representative (Avionics & Electrical) may be considered an asset.

Successful completion of the Transport Canada Aircraft Certification Specialty Course, or equivalent may be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of avionics engineering experience supporting aircraft modification, experimental installation, special-mission, or research-integration programs;
• Hands-on experience in the design, integration, and airworthiness substantiation of aircraft avionics and electrical systems, including system testing and verification to ensure safe and compliant operation;
• Proven experience in avionics and aircraft system safety assessment (FHA, FTA, FMEA), failure classification, and safety-driven design recommendations;
• Experience preparing airworthiness certification and substantiation documentation, including test plans, compliance reports, electrical load analyses, and installation approval documents;
• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams through all phases of aircraft modification or integration projects, including collaboration with researchers, flight operations, maintenance personnel, and external partners; and
• Experience using CAD-based software to support avionics design and assessment of aircraft-system interfaces, electrical loads, grounding and bonding, and electromagnetic compatibility/interference (EMC/EMI) testing.

Assets:

• Experience managing projects;
• Experience identifying and advising on airworthiness or certification challenges for new or non-standard technologies;
• Industrial or government experience in providing airworthiness oversight for a fleet of aircraft.

Condition of employment

•  Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) from the Ottawa Airport Pass Control Office;
• Working conditions: This position requires work to be performed on and around aircraft, and candidates must be physically able to perform the duties of this position. These duties include: working from elevated platforms, lifting moderate weights, and wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator and safety goggles. The candidate is expected to work with chemicals and materials commonly found in the aircraft industry;
• Eligibility for membership as a Professional Engineer in Ontario (PEO); and
• Ability to fly as a member of FRL aircraft crew.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge in the specification, design, integration, testing, and airworthiness assessment of avionics and electrical systems, including communication, navigation, monitoring, power distribution, flight control, instrumentation, data buses, and special-mission or research systems;
• Strong understanding of aircraft and system safety assessment principles and methods (FHA, FTA, FMEA) and safety requirement development, including familiarity with SAE ARP4754 and ARP4761 standards;
• Demonstrated ability to apply Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) principles and accepted industry practices to the design, installation, inspection, and modification of aircraft wiring systems, including for research and experimental aircraft configurations;
• In-depth knowledge of electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) principles, source-victim analysis, test methods, and mitigation techniques, complemented by sound understanding of antenna installation, RF shielding, grounding, and bonding practices;
• Knowledge of RTCA standards DO-160 (Environmental Testing), DO-178 (Software Certification), and DO-254 (Electronic Hardware Assurance);
• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian Aviation regulatory system, including Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and design standards (AWM); familiarity with airworthiness approaches for flight-test and experimental aircraft configurations;
• Advanced ability to interpret and create avionics wiring diagrams, schematics, and interface control documents using CAD-based software; ability to use AutoCAD would be considered an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to perform engineering work to a high standard of quality, identify and manage technical and airworthiness risks, and provide leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary project teams; and
• Familiarity with autonomy, advanced mission systems, or novel electrical/power architectures would be considered an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles:Research; Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

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).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 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 fosters 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.
• 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.