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 Aerospace Experimentation Coordinator to support our Aerospace Research Center. The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

The incumbent provides senior technical and operational leadership for the planning and execution of Aurora Shield aerospace experimentation activities conducted by the NRC Aerospace Research Centre at the Drone and Flight Autonomy Laboratory (DFAL).

Working in collaboration with the Aurora Shield Program Director, the incumbent contributes to the definition of experimentation objectives and ensures that demonstration activities align with the broader strategic priorities of the program, the National Research Council, and the Department of National Defence. The role assesses NRC aerospace technologies and capabilities as well as products from Canadian industry to determine their suitability for operational demonstration and validation in realistic operational environments.

The Experiment Coordinator leads the planning and execution of complex, multi-partner aerospace experimentation campaigns and operational demonstrations conducted at test ranges throughout Canada. These activities involve collaboration with federal departments, the Canadian Armed Forces, industry partners, public safety organizations, and allied collaborators, and support the continued development of national and international aerospace experimentation initiatives.

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 aerospace engineering, engineering, operations management, logistics, defence studies, or a related field.

Project management certification such as PMP or formal training in project or operations management would be an asset.

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

Experience

1. Significant experience planning and executing large scale aerospace demonstrations, operational exercises, or field experimentation activities involving multiple organizations.
2. Experience assessing technical capabilities and contributing to the development of operational experimentation objectives for demonstrations or field trials.
3. Experience coordinating complex operational deployments including logistics, equipment transport, travel coordination, and site operations.
4. Experience working in environments involving government, military, public safety, or aerospace operational organizations.
5. Experience coordinating multi partner activities involving government departments, industry partners, and research organizations.
6. Experience supporting or leading aerospace experimentation, operational trials, or defense experimentation activities.

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

1. Experience supporting national or international defense experimentation programs.
2. Experience supporting aerospace flight operations, test range operations, or aviation-based demonstrations.
3. Experience coordinating wildfire air operations, emergency response aviation exercises, or similar large scale aviation operations.
4. Experience managing security processes including participant access, facility access, and coordination of security clearances.

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.

• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.
• Must be able to work in operational environments including airfields, remote test locations, and field deployments.
• Must be able to occasionally work outside normal business hours during operational demonstrations.

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

1. Knowledge of the development of technical objectives, operational scenarios, and success criteria for demonstrations.
2. Ability to plan and execute large scale operational exercises or demonstrations involving multiple organizations, complex logistics, and deployment of specialized technical equipment.
3. Knowledge of flight operations, airspace coordination, range operations, or aviation safety considerations.
4. Ability to coordinate multi partner activities including stakeholder engagement, operational planning, and management of participant access and security processes.
5. Ability to assess the suitability of emerging technologies for operational demonstration or experimentation in realistic environments.
6. Knowledge of defence and public safety collaboration environments, including working with organizations such as the Canadian Armed Forces, federal departments, industry partners, or emergency response agencies.

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2, 3 or 4 level, which is an intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $119,688 to $168,192

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 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.