Business Development Officer - Aerospace

The role

The NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre (AERO) is seeking a results-driven Business Development Officer (BDO) to help transform cutting-edge aerospace research into real-world impact. The incumbent will play a role in building partnerships, securing funding, and advancing innovation, with a strong focus on intellectual property (IP) strategy, negotiations, and commercialization to maximize benefits for Canada. The BDO would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

This position directly supports NRC’s revenue generation, industry engagement, and leadership in aerospace innovation. The BDO’s work will ensure continuity in critical initiatives, strengthen relationships with Canada’s aerospace and technology companies, and contribute to advancing NRC’s strategic objectives in the sector.

AERO’s world-class facilities and expert teams make us a partner of choice for developing technologies and accelerating their adoption by industry, government, and academia. The successful candidate will bring business development expertise together with an understanding of aerospace, aviation, defence, advanced technology, engineering, or research environments, and the ability to translate technical capabilities and industry needs into strategic business opportunities.

As a Business Development Officer, you will:

• Work closely with program leaders, researchers, technical teams, and the business development team to create impactful partnerships, secure external revenue, and ensure client satisfaction;
• Develop and execute strategies to engage industry, government, and academic partners in collaborative research, technology development, and commercialization projects;
• Identify and develop business opportunities in aerospace technologies, balancing client needs with NRC’s value proposition;
• Provide market intelligence and strategic advice to NRC leadership, contributing to business and strategic plans;
• Lead complex strategic initiatives, coordinating with internal research teams and external stakeholders;
• Lead complex negotiations for collaborative R&D agreements, technical services, and intellectual property commercialization outreach and licensing;
• Collaborate with researchers and NRC’s IP committee to assess commercialization potential, structure deals, and secure agreements that deliver economic and societal benefits;
• Represent NRC at aerospace industry events, promoting our expertise and capabilities.

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’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business. A combination of a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field with exceptional relevant experience may also be considered.

Master’s degree in Business Administration or other relevant graduate qualifications is an asset.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in business development, client relationship management, strategic partnerships, commercialization, or related activities within an aerospace, aviation, defence, advanced technology, engineering, research, or other closely related technical environment;
• Experience identifying, developing, and advancing business opportunities for research and development, engineering services, technology development, or other technical solutions;
• Experience leading and negotiating complex collaborative research and development (R&D) agreements, including those involving intellectual property (IP) considerations;
• Experience developing and implementing commercialization strategies, including IP management, technology transfer, licensing, or related activities with industrial partners; and
• Experience building and maintaining strategic relationships with industry, government, academic, or research stakeholders and advancing collaborative initiatives.

Condition of employment

 Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian aerospace sector’s, key industry players, market dynamics, emerging trends, and the research and innovation landscape, with the ability to identify opportunities and position NRC capabilities accordingly;
• Understanding of aerospace, aviation, defence, advanced technology, or related technical domains, including relevant research trends and emerging opportunities in Canada and globally;
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate technical capabilities, research outcomes, and client needs into viable business and partnership opportunities;
• Proven ability to identify, develop, and advance business development opportunities and achieve business, revenue, or partnership objectives;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate market intelligence, technology trends, and stakeholder needs into actionable business opportunities;
• Strong knowledge of contract review and negotiation processes related to research, development, technical services, and commercialization initiatives;
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and influence stakeholders across industry, government, academia, and research organizations; and
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to prepare persuasive proposals, presentations, and partnership materials.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2 to RCO-4 level, which is an intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $168,192. 

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).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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 2026 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.