Aircraft Structural Technician, Structural Integrity

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.

The role

This position supports applied research in structural full-scale testing, component testing, and material testing related to air vehicle development, certification, and life extension. Testing is conducted on a wide range of articles, from simple coupons and components to rotorcraft and full-scale aircraft.

As an Aircraft Structural Technician in the SMPL Structural Integrity Test Facility, you will play a hands-on role in all practical phases of physical testing, from test setup through to teardown. Working independently and as part of a team, you will support the installation and assembly of test articles and rigs, setup and calibration of control and data acquisition systems, test operations, inspections, and data collection. 

Following required training and competency verification, you will be responsible for confirming and certifying that test articles, aircraft components, and test setups are correctly configured, assembled, and functioning as required at key stages of testing, including test start, inspection pauses, restarts, and test completion. You will work from engineering orders, drawings, procedures, and specifications, and contribute to the preparation of technical instructions, parts breakdowns, and illustration packages that support safe, high-quality testing. 

NRC Aerospace provides technical and research services, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities, to help Canadian businesses grow and to support other government departments in priority areas such as Royal Canadian Air Force fleet airworthiness and research and technology development. 

This position will support applied research in the areas of structural full-scale testing, component testing and material testing as it applies to air vehicle development, certification and life extension. Tests are carried out on a wide range of test articles ranging from simple coupons to rotorcraft to multimillion dollar aircraft. 

In this role, you be participating in all practical phases of structural and other physical testing, from test set up to test dear-down in the SMPL Structural Integrity Test Facility. After verifications of competency and relevant training, you will work independently and in teams on assigned testing tasks such as installation, assembly, control and data acquisition system calibration and setup, test operations and data collection. Part of your responsibilities is to certify to the Project Manager through signature that test rig and article assembly have been performed properly and that functionality has been confirmed at test start, inspection pauses and test completion.

We are looking for an Aircraft Structural Technician to to support our NRC Aerospace Structures, Materials and Performance Labortoary (SMPL) Structural Integrity Team.

This position will support applied research in the areas of structural full scale testing, component testing and material testing as it applies to air vehicle development, certification and life extension. Tests are carried out on a wide range of test articles ranging from simple coupons to rotorcraft to multimillion dollar aircraft.

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

Certification and extensive experience (7+ years) as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) or Canadian Forces Aviation Systems Technician with expertise in aircraft metallic and composite structures, control surface removal and installation and metal working.

AME-M or AME-S licenses would be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Extensive* experience working on airframe structures, aircraft flight control surface removal, installation and rigging. Preference will be given to those with Royal Canadian Air Force experience;
• Extensive experience working with pertinent specifications, civilian technical maintenance manuals and / or Canadian Forces Technical Orders; 
• Experience with machine shop equipment, practices and quality control techniques;
• Significant experience of visual, close visual and borescope inspections;
• Significant experience in calibration techniques;
• Experience working accurately from mechanical drawings, with an understanding of precision alignment and fitting of components; and
• Experience operating overhead cranes, safe hoisting and materiel movement and aircraft maintenance stands.

The following may be considered as an asset:

• Experience working with composites;
• Demonstrated experience of the operation and calibration of MTS servo hydraulic load frames;
• Hands on experience in test control principles, full-scale structural test techniques and in the operation of a direct digital full-scale control and data acquisition systems including the maintenance of mechanical and servo hydraulic sub-systems.

*Extensive refers to a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience.

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

• Knowledge of mechanical testing and test data collection for both static and fatigue testing;
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems including actuators, servo valves, and pumps;
• Ability to work with machine shop equipment and other fabrication equipment used in  fabrication and assembly processes;
• Knowledge of technical orders, service manuals and pertinent specifications;
• Knowledge of NDT techniques including eddy current and Ultrasonic inspection specific to aero applications; and
• Advanced knowledge of aircraft fasteners, their applications and installation requirements.

Assets:

• Knowledge of the operation and calibration of MTS servo hydraulic load frames;
• Knowledge of test control principles, full-scale structural test techniques and in the operation of a direct digital full-scale control and data acquisition systems including the maintenance of mechanical and servo hydraulic sub-systems;
• Knowledge of structural repair, hole cold working techniques used in aero applications;
• AME-M or AME-S license ratings.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $83,435 to $107,838 per annum. 

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.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• 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.
• Ability to work at heights is a requirement.
• Occasional national and international travel may be required.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Ability to work in conditions found in an ordinary laboratory environment with some (minimal) exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals such as adhesives and cleaning agents. Independently work in such environments in a safe manner, with a working-level tolerance to a typical test environment with enhanced noise levels, heat and reduced air quality.
• 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.