RPAS Pilot, Flight Operations and Aviation Regulations Specialist

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for an RPAS Pilot, Flight Operations and Aviation Regulations Specialist to support advanced research and development and join the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) team within the Centre for Drone Innovation (CDI) in Mirabel. The new CDI is part of the Aerospace Research Centre’s Drone and Flight Autonomy Lab. It will strengthen Canada’s ability to research, develop, test and validate advanced drone technologies.

The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

Working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians and researchers, the RPAS Pilot will support experimental aircraft integration, flight‑test campaigns and operational demonstrations. The role includes responsibility for operational planning, flight safety, regulatory compliance and coordination of flight activities supporting research and technology development.

The role will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of experimental RPAS platforms while supporting research activities in autonomy, sensor integration, communications and mission systems.

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 aviation, aeronautical/aerospace technologies, engineering or a related discipline.

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

Certifications

• Valid Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate is essential for the position.
• A Private Pilot License (PPL) or Glider Pilot License (GPL) and/or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) would be considered an asset.

Experience

1. Significant experience operating remotely piloted aircraft systems in operational, research or testing environments
2. Experience planning and executing aviation or RPAS flight operations including mission planning and operational risk management
3. Experience coordinating aviation operations with engineering or research teams in multidisciplinary technical environments
4. Experience developing operational procedures, flight test plans or aviation safety documentation

Experience listed below would be considered an asset, but not mandatory for the position:

1. Experience supporting experimental aircraft development or technology demonstrations
2. Experience conducting operations in controlled airspace and/or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
3. Experience supporting flight test engineering activities
4. Experience operating military RPAS
5. Battlefield 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 or French 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

1. Ability to remotely pilot accurately, follow flight test plans and operate various types of RPAS, including fixed-wing, helicopter and multi-copter platforms to gather experimental flight data for validation and demonstrate novel applications. 
2. Must be able to adapt to unpredictable circumstances and complete the mission safely. 
3. Knowledge of RPAS flight operations, aviation safety practices and operational risk management 
4. Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and regulatory frameworks governing RPAS operations
5. Ability to plan and execute safe flight operations in experimental aircraft environments 
6. Ability to coordinate complex operational activities involving multidisciplinary engineering teams
7. Ability to support aircraft integration and flight-test activities of experimental RPAS platforms 
8. Understanding of aviation operational procedures, including hybrid airspace coordination with RPAS and civilian and/or military aircrafts, mission planning and safety documentation.
9. Knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and/or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or other international governing bodies regulations governing RPAS operation would be an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO). The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2 or 3 level, which is an early to intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608. 

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 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.