Senior Project Manager - Autonomy Systems Integration

The role

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager in Autonomy Systems Integration to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The Senior Project Manager would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. 

The Senior Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for coordinating the creation of new autonomous flight systems capabilities including advanced autonomy, teaming, and mission system capabilities, building on existing expertise in full scale crewed aircraft autonomy and extending them. 

Key responsibilities will include providing professional project management support to a diverse team of engineers, technicians, scientists, business development, etc. in the coordinated creation and progression of new initiatives in autonomous flight systems, multiplatform teaming, air launch and communications relay, as well as enabling capabilities such as networking, telemetry, and secure communications.

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 in engineering management or systems engineering or related discipline.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in working with multi-disciplinary engineering teams;
• Significant engineering experience in the field of aerospace systems or technology development;
• Significant experience in managing complex or large projects;
• Significant experience in the civil or military aviation operations or technology development sector;
• Experience with project management principles, with some exposure to supporting multi-disciplinary teams through projects, from initiation to closure; and
• Experience working on autonomous aircraft or uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAV) 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 understand complex autonomous aircraft systems and sub-systems, their interaction and identify gaps and opportunities for upgrades;
• Ability to manage complex communication of technical information amongst different teams, divisions, organisations, stakeholders, with varying familiarity with the domain;
• 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.