AD-ASTRA Program Lead

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 a Program Lead to provide strategic leadership for AD ASTRA — the Advanced Defence Airborne Science and Technology Research Accelerator — the NRC’s newest defence research aircraft and a state-of-the-art flying laboratory for advanced airborne research and technology demonstration. 

Based on a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, AD ASTRA will enable the testing, validation and demonstration of advanced defence and security technologies in realistic airborne environments. The platform will support research in areas such as intelligence, secure communications, electronic warfare, advanced sensing, mission systems integration, and related technologies of strategic importance to Canada. 

Reporting to the Director of Research and Development for the Flight Research Laboratory, the Program Lead will be responsible for defining, building and operationalizing the AD ASTRA Program in consultation with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will lead the development of the Program’s strategic direction, governance, partnerships, research priorities, operational model, performance metrics and delivery approach.

As Program Lead, you will convene and lead multidisciplinary teams of research, technical, engineering, flight operations, business development and program management professionals from across the NRC. You will work closely with federal partners, industry, academia, defence and security stakeholders, and other research organizations to ensure the aircraft is used effectively as a national platform for high-impact research, experimentation and technology acceleration. 

Under your leadership, the AD ASTRA Program will leverage the NRC’s established aerospace capabilities, specialized facilities, technical expertise and national and international networks.

The Program will help advance Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem by connecting emerging technologies, operational needs, scientific expertise and airborne test capability to accelerate solutions that matter to Canada and its allies.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative and results-oriented leader who can operate in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and who shares the NRC’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. This is an opportunity to shape a nationally significant research program and enable the next generation of airborne defence science and technology for Canada.

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

Master's degree in science, engineering or business from a recognized university.

A PhD in science, engineering or business from a recognized university may be considered an asset.

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

Experience

1. Significant experience developing strategic program plans and the associated metrics for innovation oriented work;
2. In depth experience working with the RCAF, understanding their priorities and mandate especially with respect to RCAF requirements, Program specific technologies: industries, forums, trends, the issues and dynamics that impact them and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current;
3. Extensive and recent experience in providing strategic advice and counsel to senior level executives including Presidents, Vice Presidents and/or other equivalent positions in the public, private or military sectors, on complex initiatives;
4. Significant business experience within the Aerospace  scientific and technological domains gained through experience with industry, government or other partnerships;
5. Significant experience in establishing and managing partnerships, specifically with the aerospace industry including contributions, terms of engagement, reporting and IP ownership; and
6. Experience in leading, planning, monitoring and re-aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.

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

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

1. Expert knowledge of Research and Technology management, including strategic planning, in the context of a highly interdisciplinary; and multi-partner participation in mission-critical roles;
2. Expert knowledge of the relevant field and its applications in a broad range of sectors, including current and emerging trends globally;
3. Expert knowledge of RCAF and Defence industry stakeholders including structuring collaborative agreements, governance models, shared investment strategies, risk-sharing frameworks;
4. Proven ability to create large collaboration, consortiums or engagements between  government and Defence industry including executive communication, negotiation and coalition building;
5. Knowledge of policies and sound practices related to contract management, financial management, human resources, and procurement management;
6. Knowledge of strategic marketing, and the practices and principles of negotiating and securing business and partnership relationships;
7. Demonstrated ability to autonomously evaluate, manage and assume risks for large scale R&D projects; and
8. Strong ability in designing and delivering strong impact presentations to various audiences.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-4 to RCO-5 level, which is a mid to end-career level position with a salary range of $143,127 to $183,010. 

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.