Research Engineer Test Pilot (Fixed Wing)

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 Research Engineer Test Pilot (Fixed Wing) to support the Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) with the Aerospace Research Centre. The Test Pilot would be someone who shares our 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. Flight test and evaluation duties in support of research needs are performed by research engineer test pilots who, in addition, fulfill duties as project managers and research engineers.

In addition to serving as a fixed-wing research engineer test pilot for a wide variety of projects, the incumbent will conceive, manage, perform, and report on his/her own flight research projects with partners in Canadian and foreign aerospace industries, government agencies, and aerospace research establishments. There may be an opportunity for the incumbent to develop and apply skills related to rotary-wing aircraft as well. 

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);
• Act as pilot project lead, providing piloting and flight test expertise, for airborne research, flight mechanics, and aeronautical technology development projects, including the design and development of research experiments, analysis and reporting of results in technical reports, journals, and at national and international research meetings.  There may be an opportunity for the incumbent to lead projects as well;
• Providing piloting and flight test expertise for the management and project engineering for collaborative flight research projects. There may be an opportunity for the incumbent to manage projects as well; 
• Managing the technical development and project application of research aircraft.

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

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.

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

Experience

• 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; and
• Rotary-wing pilot in command experience an asset.

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. 

• Licencing - Must hold and maintain a valid Airline Transport Pilot License – aeroplane;
• Medical Suitability – 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; and
• Must be able to occasionally work in demanding environments, such as the Arctic or hot/dry locations.

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

• 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, the likely scientific or engineering merit of the project, and the general safety of an experimental plan;
• Ability to formulate logical conclusions from flight testing and decide whether the acquired data are sufficient to respond to a client need or prove or disprove theoretical models and whether further testing is required;
• Ability to understand industry needs and match that with appropriate scientific/technical solutions; and
• Ability to guide the clients in flight test or research experiments to ensure that flight safety, operational restrictions and regulations, and experimental objectives are harmonized to achieve the best possible results in an efficient and safe manner.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-4 level, which is a senior to intermediate-career level position with a salary range of $143,127 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).

Pilots will received up to $8,427 for pilot responsibility allowance.

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

• 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. 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.