Autonomous Systems Integrator

The role

We are looking for an Autonomous Systems Integrator to support our Aerospace Research Centre in the integration of novel technologies to existing aircraft. You would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. 

The Aerospace Research Centre is looking to expand its capability in full scale aircraft autonomy based on extensive experience with rotorcraft-based flight autonomy. The successful candidate will be responsible for adopting and integrating portions of the existing autonomy stack into a new fixed wing platform. The candidate will work closely with rotorcraft experts as well as fixed wing flight controls expert and researchers developing the full stack of an autonomy system.

The Autonomous Systems Integrator will conduct R&D to further advance fixed wing autonomy technologies including advance teaming mission capabilities, air launch, and communications relay, as well as enabling capabilities such as networking, telemetry, and secure communications.

The candidate will also be responsible for contributing and managing the development of advanced autonomy, teaming, and mission system capabilities, building on existing expertise in full scale crewed aircraft autonomy and extending them to support both crewed and large uncrewed platforms.

The role will guide the establishment and optimization of facilities and competencies to advance autonomous flight innovation and foster Canadian commercialization opportunities.

The candidate will coordinate closely with the team to ensure effective resource sharing, maximize the impact of new activities, and achieve a “force multiplication” effect through collaboration. This role will also be critical to identify and address gaps, ensuring alignment with client requirements and supporting technology readiness for operational deployment. 

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 or Master’s Degree from a recognized university specializing in Electrical, Electronics, Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, Software or Aerospace Engineering.

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

Experience

• Significant practical experience in designing, integrating and troubleshooting avionics, flight test instrumentation and subscale or full-scale autonomous systems aboard aircraft;
• Significant hands-on experience in software development, particularly in MATLAB, Python, C and C++;
• Experience with project management principles, with some exposure to supporting multi-disciplinary teams through projects, from initiation to closure;
• Experience preparing airworthiness certification documentation including wiring drawing, test plans, substantiation reports, etc. would be considered an asset;
• Experience working on autonomous or uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAV) would be considered an asset; and
• Experience with fixed wing control systems would be considered an asset.

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

• Ability to specify, design, integrate, test, and certify of avionics, instrumentation for autonomous flight systems including communication, navigation, surveillance, flight control (autopilots), instruments, displays, collision avoidance, radar, or data networks;
• Knowledge of autonomy stack and autonomous systems integration;
• Ability to create systems block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents;
• Ability to design, implement and optimize complex algorithms;
• Advanced knowledge of networking fundamentals such as TCP/IP, UDP, routing, sockets and distributed systems;
• Developing test plans, procedures, certification documentation, technical specifications, and requirements documents;
• Ability to apply standards from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) or the Federal  Aviation Administration (FAA) in engineering tasks;
• Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and civil airworthiness certification procedures; and
• Ability to perform high-quality engineering work balancing safety, reliability, and efficiency in experimental and research aircraft systems.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: 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 leading research and technology 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.