Research Officer, BVLOS Technologies

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.

The role

We are looking for a Research Officer (RO) specializing in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) technologies to 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, part of the Aerospace Research Centre’s Drone and Flight Autonomy Lab, strengthens Canada’s capacity to research, develop, test and validate advanced drone technologies.  As a national hub for drone innovation, the Centre supports every stage of R&D — from concept design and simulation to prototype development, flight testing, and qualification.

We are seeking a Research Officer who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity, and who is passionate about advancing safe and scalable BVLOS operations for Canada’s next generation of autonomous aircraft.
 

The Research Officer in BVLOS Technologies will contribute to the development of advanced autopilot algorithms, automated navigation systems, collision avoidance technologies, and mission planning software for small to large-scale RPAS platforms. The role will support RPAS flight experiments and research and technology development (R&TD) activities, ensuring robust and adaptive BVLOS technologies for complex mission profiles.
 

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and test advanced flight control and navigation algorithms enabling safe BVLOS operations;
• Design adaptive guidance and collision avoidance technologies for RPAS operating in dynamic, contested, or mixed airspace environments;
• Integrate traffic deconfliction and situational awareness capabilities into navigation solutions;
• Work with industry, government, and academic partners to develop, integrate, and demonstrate innovative technical solutions; contribute to joint research proposals and collaborative projects;
• Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and milestone tracking to ensure timely, on-scope, and on-budget delivery;
• Develop simulation tools and mission planning software for autonomous flight control;
• Author, review, and present research plans, technical reports, and peer-reviewed papers; share findings through conferences, seminars, and working groups.

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

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
 

A Master's degree in the same fields may also be considered.

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

Experience

• Significant experience developing and testing flight control systems, autopilot algorithms, or navigation software for RPAS, UAVs or conventional aircraft.

• Experience using software development and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C, C++) for control, guidance and navigation systems.

• Experience developing collision avoidance, path planning, sensor fusion, or situational awareness algorithms for autonomous vehicles.

• Experience conducting flight testing, data acquisition, and post-flight analysis for autonomous or remotely piloted systems.

• Experience integrating avionics, sensors, and communication systems for flight control, guidance, or navigation application

• Experience leading research and development projects, including defining technical requirements, preparing proposals, managing resources, analysing data, and preparing technical documentation or publications; and

• Experience collaborating with industry, government, and academic partners to support research, development, and innovation activities.

Assets:

• Experience with real-time embedded systems or onboard computing for autonomous flight control;
• Experience applying machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques to autonomous navigation or sensor fusion; and
• Experience with Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), FAA, or ICAO standards related to RPAS operations or BVLOS flight

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

• Strong knowledge of flight control, guidance, and navigation principles for autonomous aircraft.
• Ability to design, implement, and validate autopilot algorithms and mission planning software.
• Proficiency in software development using languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB/Simulink for control, navigation, and data analysis applications.
• Knowledge of software architectures for real-time and distributed systems, including version control, debugging, and integration testing methods.
• Knowledge of sensor fusion, collision avoidance, and dynamic traffic deconfliction techniques for autonomous operations.
• Ability to use simulation tools and perform data analysis for RPAS and BVLOS system performance.
• Understanding of communication, surveillance, and situational awareness systems supporting BVLOS operations.
• Knowledge of aviation safety, airspace integration, and certification considerations for RPAS BVLOS missions.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), 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.

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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.