Research Engineer Test Pilot (Fixed Wing)

Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons. Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Organizational Unit: Aerospace

Classification: RCO

Tenure: Continuing

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

The role involves supporting the Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) with the Aerospace Research Centre. The Test Pilot would share core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. The Flight Research Laboratory operates a small fleet of highly specialized research aircraft to meet the flight research needs of partners and clients in the aerospace sector.

Key Activities:

• Flying as pilot-in-command for research flight activities relating to airborne research, airborne sensing, and flight mechanics projects.
• Performing test and evaluation flying for research projects on multiple aircraft platforms (Approx 5 platforms concurrently).
• Acting as pilot project lead, providing piloting and flight test expertise for airborne research, flight mechanics, and aeronautical technology development projects.
• Providing piloting and flight test expertise for the management and project engineering for collaborative flight research projects.
• Managing the technical development and project application of research aircraft.

Screening criteria:

• Education: Canadian Forces fixed-wing pilot flight training or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering, science or math program. Candidates with a relevant Master’s degree will be given preference.
• Completion of formal fixed-wing test pilot school training course (minimum course length 10 months) from a Society of Experimental Test Pilot (SETP) recognized test pilot school, or equivalent training.
• Extensive experience as a fixed-wing pilot (minimum of 2500 hours pilot time).
• Significant experience working as a test pilot in an aircraft test or development environment.
• Hold a valid airline transport pilot license – aeroplane.
• Rotary-wing pilot in command experience an asset.

Conditions of employment:

• A thorough security clearance process will be applied.
• Must hold and maintain a valid Airline Transport Pilot License – aeroplane.
• A Transport Canada Category 1 aviation medical must be obtained and maintained.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) from the Ottawa Airport Pass Control Office.
• Must be able to occasionally work in demanding environments, such as the Arctic or hot/dry locations.

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

• Ability to prepare and deliver high level presentations and reports.
• Ability to analyze flight test data using computer software to resolve technical and/or scientific challenges and provide appropriate recommendations.
• Advanced knowledge of flight mechanics principles and flight test and evaluation techniques.
• Ability to make an initial assessment of the suitability of a project for study.
• Ability to formulate logical conclusions from flight testing.
• Ability to understand industry needs and match that with appropriate scientific/technical solutions.
• Ability to guide clients in flight test or research experiments.

Notes:

• Overtime will sometimes be required.
• Occasional national and international travel may be required.
• Irregular hours and weekend work will sometimes be required.
• 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.

We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Closing Date: 9 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time.