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 a Software & Simulation 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 Centre will be a national research and technology development hub that supports every stage of drone innovation—from design and simulation to prototype building, testing and qualification.

The new facility will include, but not limited to:

• a new drone hangar and operations centre with direct runway access;
• specialized laboratories;
• indoor and outdoor flight test arenas;
• secure research spaces for specialized projects.to support our Aerospace Research Centre.

We are seeking a Software & Simulation Specialist who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced modelling and simulation capabilities supporting autonomous aircraft technologies and unmanned aerial systems. Working within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers, the candidate will design and implement simulation environments used to evaluate aircraft autonomy, airspace integration concepts, and mission planning systems.

The candidate will also contribute to the development of digital twin environments enabling the testing and validation of advanced aircraft systems prior to flight testing.

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

Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

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

Experience

1. Experience developing physics-based modelling and simulation environments for aeronautical, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems;
2. Significant hands on experience in software development, particularly using languages such as C++, Python and MATLAB/Symulink for modelling, simulation, and data analysis applications;
3. Experience developing or integrating aircraft flight dynamics models, sensor and actuator models, computing models, communication models, guidance, navigation and control (GNC) algorithms, and mission system components into simulation environments;
4. Experience validating models using experimental datasets;
5. Experience using simulation tools to evaluate aircraft systems, autonomy algorithms or operational scenarios;
6. Experience performing Software in the Loop (SITL) and/or Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testing for validation of autonomous or flight control systems;

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

1. Experience working with autonomous systems, robotics platforms, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV);
2. Experience supporting flight test engineering activities, including the use of simulation to support experimental aircraft testing;
3. Experience generating and maintaining hybrid synthetic and experimental data sets and databases;
4. Experience with multi-thread parallel and distributed computing systems, and/or mesh radio communication networks.

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. Demonstrated ability in modelling and simulation techniques used for aeronautical/aerospace systems, including aircraft flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, sensors and actuators, estimation and control systems and mission level simulations.
2. Strong ability in software development using programming languages commonly used in aerospace simulation environments such as C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink or similar scientific computing tools.
3. Ability to design and implement software architectures for complex simulation environments, including modular simulation. frameworks and distributed simulation systems.
4. Ability to integrate sensor models and avionics systems into simulation platforms to emulate real aircraft behaviours.
5. Ability to analyze simulation results and flight test data to validate models and improve system performance.
6. Knowledge of software in the loop (SITL) and hardware in the loop (HITL) testing methodologies used for validation of flight systems would be considered an asset.
7. Knowledge of real time simulation systems and data processing pipelines used in testing environments such as aerospace would be considered an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RO-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.

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.