Junior Avionics Engineer

The Role

We are looking for a junior-career Avionics Engineer to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The Junior Avionics Engineer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) operates a small fleet of highly specialized research aircraft to meet the flight research needs of partners and clients in the Canadian aerospace sector.  Engineering modifications to these aircraft are performed in-house, by highly-qualified teams of designers, engineers and fabrication specialists. Maintenance is carried out by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and research projects are flown by qualified test pilots and supporting crewmembers. 

The Junior Avionics Engineer will be responsible for the engineering design of avionics and electrical installations aboard NRC (and non-NRC) aircraft, assisting in the approval of modifications, and managing design interfaces between research equipment and the aircraft electrical power, navigation, communication and surveillance systems.  

The Junior Avionics Engineer will use his/her technical expertise to identify, manage and communicate project risks to other members of the design team to ensure that aircraft avionics and electrical installations meet the relevant design specifications and Transport Canada airworthiness requirements.

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 or Aerospace Engineering.

Eligibility for membership as a Professional Engineer in Ontario (PEO).

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

Experience

• Significant engineering experience in the field of avionics, working with an aircraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM), aircraft operator, design approval organization (DAO), or aircraft maintenance engineering;
• Significant practical experience in designing, integrating and troubleshooting avionics and electrical systems aboard aircraft;  
• Significant experience preparing civil (or military) airworthiness certification documentation including wiring drawings, test plans, substantiation reports, etc;
• Experience with project management principles, with some exposure to supporting multi-disciplinary teams through projects, from initiation to closure;
• Experience preparing and performing electromagnetic compatibility and interference (EMC/EMI) testing and functional testing of aircraft systems;
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or an equivalent electrical wiring design software; and
• Experience working on electrified aircraft or uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAV) would be considered an asset.

Condition of Employment

 Secret (II)

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

• Specification , design, integration, testing, and certification of avionics and electrical systems, including communication, navigation, surveillance, power distribution, flight control (autopilots), instruments, displays, collision avoidance, radar, and data networks;
• Creating block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents using Computer-Aided  Design (CAD) software (AutoCAD preferred);
• Developing test plans, procedures, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA), substantiation  reports, technical specifications, and requirements documents;
• Applying industry standards from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the Federal  Aviation Administration (FAA) in engineering tasks;
• Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and civil airworthiness certification procedures;
• Familiarity with Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) standards: DO-160 Environmental  Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, DO-178 Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, and DO-254 Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware;
• Understanding of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) principles, including antenna design, Radio Frequency  (RF) shielding, grounding, bonding, High-Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) protection, lightning protection, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) mitigation;
• Knowledge of SAE Aerospace Recommended Practices (ARP) 4754 and 4761 principles for system safety assessment; 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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-1-2 level, which is a junior-career level position with a salary range of $63,470 to $114,354. 

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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Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). 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.