Avionics, Maintenance and Instrumentation Technologist

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.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for an Avionics, Maintenance and Instrumentation Technologist to support advanced research and development and join the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) team within the Centre for Drone Innovation (CDI) in Mirabel. The new CDI is part of the Aerospace Research Centre’s new Drone and Flight Autonomy Laboratory (DFAL). It will strengthen Canada’s ability to research, develop, test and validate advanced drone technologies.

The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

Working closely with engineers, researchers and flight test personnel, the technologist will support aircraft system integration, ground testing, and flight test campaigns involving advanced aircraft technologies. This includes avionics integration, sensor payload integration, electrical system troubleshooting, instrumentation installation, and verification of aircraft system performance during development and testing activities.

The role will contribute to the preparation of aircraft systems for experimental flight operations and will support ongoing research programs in advanced autonomy, sensor systems, and unmanned aircraft technologies.

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

College Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Avionics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, Mechatronics or related discipline.

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

Certification

Transport Canada AME-E (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is essential for the position.

Electronics/Avionics licence would be considered a strong asset.

Experience

1. Significant hands‑on experience installing, troubleshooting and maintaining avionics systems and aircraft electrical systems;
2. Specific experience working with wiring harnesses, avionics components, sensors, motors, autopilot computer, and telemetry system onboard uncrewed aircraft systems (UAVs) is highly desirable;
3. Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and technical drawings;
4. Experience performing diagnostics and troubleshooting of avionics or instrumentation systems;
5. Experience supporting aircraft maintenance or experimental aircraft development activities.

Experience listed below would be considered an asset, but not mandatory to the position:

1. Experience working with flight‑test instrumentation systems including sensors, data‑acquisition systems or telemetry equipment;
2. Experience working on remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or autonomous aircraft platforms
3. Experience supporting flight-test engineering activities. 

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. 

Language requirements

English or French 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

1. Knowledge of avionics and aircraft electrical systems;
2. Knowledge of aircraft flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems for experimental data gathering;
3. Ability to install, configure and troubleshoot avionics, electrical wiring harness, and flight computers aboard aircraft platforms;
4. Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, schematics and aircraft technical documentation;
5. Ability to support integration and testing of instrumentation and novel payload systems for experimental RPAS programs.
6. Ability to fabricate and repair custom mounts and payload bays made of metal, wood plastic and/or composite materials, using appropriate prototyping techniques (e.g. machine tools, 3D printing, laser cutter, etc.) to support integration of novel experimental sensor suites would be an asset.
7. Ability to design, populate and integrate custom Printed Cicruit Boards (PCBs) would be an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $83,435 to $107,838 per annum. 

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.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Captial Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• 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.