Test and Design 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 intermediate-career Test and Design 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.

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.

This role focuses on the design, integration, and testing Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) and systems; the planning, preparation, and execution of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) tests; and the management, maintenance, and modification of test equipment and facilities. You will contribute to the design, prototyping, and installation of UAV modifications; the safety of flight qualification for UAVs and modifications; the ground and flight testing of custom payloads, autonomous systems, and UAVs; and the management of test equipment, test facilities, and research laboratories.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the mechanical design, prototyping, and installation of drone and autonomous system components, assemblies, and installations to support ground and flight testing and research activities;
• Analyze the mechanical design of UAV modifications to support the Safety of Flight qualification;
• Lead and support development, management, and maintenance of test equipment, laboratory spaces, test facilities, and prototyping equipment to ensure the equipment and facilities support research needs;
• Support planning, preparation, set-up, and execution of laboratory and 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

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

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

Experience

• Proven experience in mechanical design and fabrication;
• Hands-on experience installing and integrating modifications on commercial-off-the-shelf components;
• Experience coordinating large, multi-faceted projects;
• Experience performing stress, vibration, and installation analysis;
• Experience with test instrumentation installation and integration; and
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, 3D printing, and/or fabricating with machine tools.

Assets:

• Experience operating test equipment and managing maintenance schedules;
• Experience with certification, airworthiness and/or safety of flight qualification;
• Experience managing equipment and/or facilities;
• Experience working with UAVs.

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

• Knowledge of test engineering processes and principles;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multi-faceted test facility, laboratory, and test equipment schedules, maintenance, and configurations;
• Ability to generate test plans, test matrices, and test procedures;
• Ability to perform stress analysis;
• Ability to assess UAV modifications for Safety of Flight qualification;
• Ability to write technical reports/memos to support Safety of Flight qualification;
• Ability to extract stakeholder needs to develop test facility and testing requirements; and
• Ability to fabricate components and assemblies using 3D printers, machine tools, and/or CNC machines is 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

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 $82,985 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 2026 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.