Airworthiness Engineer - Structures

The role

We are looking for an Airworthiness Engineer - Structures 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 research aircraft under experimental flight permits. These aircraft are heavily-modified in-house to meet the flight research needs of partners and clients in the Canadian aerospace sector. Ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft is ensured through an internally-driven compliance process.  The incumbent will be expected to use their engineering expertise to provide advice on the structural analysis, design, development, and installation of equipment and any associated aircraft modifications required for flight research projects. They will serve as an in-house resource during project development to identify and communicate airworthiness issues to other support personnel, and ensure that proposed aircraft installations meet NRC/FRL and Transport Canada airworthiness requirements. The incumbent will be expected to interact with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, test pilots, engineers, designers, fabrication and aircraft maintenance personnel. 

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

A Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering.

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

A Master’s degree in a related field would be considered an asset. 

Any of the above degrees with an aircraft structures specialization would be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of structures-related engineering experience supporting aircraft modification, experimental installation, special-mission, or research-integration programs;
• Extensive structural analysis experience with an aircraft manufacturer, or aircraft repair and overhaul facility, or an organization that performs and documents major aircraft structural modifications;
• Significant experience in the certification of aeronautical products or structural modifications to aeronautical products in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations or another regulatory system; and
• Basic experience in conducting Finite Element Analysis of aircraft structures using a commercial software package and preparing structural analysis reports.

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; and
• Qualifications equivalent to a Transport Canada Design Approval Representative (Structures).

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); 
• Ability to fly as a member of FRL aircraft crew; and
• International travel will be required.

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

• Solid knowledge of aerospace structures and related design and analysis techniques;
• Ability to analyze structures with computer-based tools (e.g., finite element analysis, etc.);
• 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;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams through all phases of aircraft modification or integration projects; and
• Knowledge of project management concepts and principles.

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.