Flight Test Pilot
Location: [Specify Location, e.g., Ottawa, Ontario]
Job Summary
NAV CANADA is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Flight Test Pilot to ensure the safety and efficiency of Canada's Air Navigation System (ANS). The successful candidate will be instrumental in flight testing, ground validating, and investigating issues related to aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, as well as instrument and visual flight procedures. This pivotal role is critical for determining air navigation system requirements and includes providing executive transport.
The incumbent will serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the CRJ200, with a planned transition to the King Air 360ER in 2027. The anticipated start date for this position is December 2025.
What NAV CANADA Offers
NAV CANADA is committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment. This position offers:
- A challenging, team-oriented work environment
- Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package
- A robust defined benefit pension plan
- Significant opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
- A diverse and inclusive workforce culture
Key Accountabilities
The Flight Test Pilot's key accountabilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting in-depth analysis of aircraft systems data to ensure the operational suitability of instrument procedures for various aircraft types and to validate aeronautical information.
- Performing comprehensive technical assessments of certified and experimental aircraft communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.
- Executing rigorous testing of communications, satellite-based navigation, and surveillance systems to analyze, promote, and implement cutting-edge aviation technology.
- Leading and managing test flights of fixed-wing aircraft to verify compliance with stringent airworthiness standards for aircraft communication and navigation systems.
- Conducting essential aerial surveys for the certification of obstacle data within the Canadian Air Navigation System (ANS).
- Investigating aviation occurrences specifically related to Communication, Navigation, or Surveillance issues.
- Providing expert quality assurance analysis and assessment of radar, satellite, and conventional navigation procedures.
- Undertaking flight inspection and precise calibration of communication, navigation, and surveillance ground equipment.
- Strategically managing and identifying mission objectives, estimating resource requirements, assigning tasks, recommending and approving tactical flight plans, and overseeing aircraft crews across diverse union groups. This also involves appraising and reporting on crew performance while meticulously managing daily aircraft operating budgets.
- Serving as Pilot-in-Command, executing all assigned flight duties with the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Job Requirements
Education
Candidates must possess and continuously maintain a current Canadian Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), a Class 1 Instrument Rating (IR), and a valid Radiotelephone License.
Experience
- A minimum of 5,000 hours of total flight time in aeroplanes, including at least 1,500 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in multi-crew large aeroplanes.
- Demonstrated experience in flight operations procedure development, safety management systems (SMS), and Crew Resource Management (CRM) facilitation and training.
- Proven experience in leading or conducting complex projects and/or programs.
Knowledge
- Expert-level knowledge of aviation regulations and standards across Canada, the United States, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), encompassing aircraft operations, specialty aircraft, and flight inspection activities.
- A comprehensive understanding of airspace and air navigation systems, including complex airspace structures, navigation aids, instrument procedures, and Air Traffic Services (ATS) specialty procedures.
- Profound expertise in flight inspection and testing methodologies, including the precise calibration of navigational systems, execution of post-maintenance test flights, and certification of visual and electronic aids to navigation.
- Robust knowledge of diverse aircraft systems and operations, including advanced avionics, flight management systems (FMS), simulators, and the distinct operational characteristics of civil and military aircraft.
- Demonstrated ability to assess and effectively manage operational risks, coupled with the capacity to make independent, critical decisions, including the authority to revoke procedures or remove systems from service while acutely aware of safety and financial implications.
- Experience representing NAV CANADA nationally and internationally, providing authoritative expert input on airspace, aircraft operations, and procedure development within collaborative aviation forums.
Abilities
- Ability to develop and author comprehensive standards, specifications, procedures, and manuals pertinent to instrument procedure validation, aircraft operations, and flight testing.
- Proficiency in instructing peers and subordinates on newly introduced specialized systems, procedures, and advanced operational techniques.
- Capacity to execute precision flight profiles for technical flight inspections, adeptly managing air traffic, weather conditions, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) coordination.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills for a multi-person aircraft crew over duty periods extending up to six days, ensuring paramount safety, security, and optimal resource utilization in high-risk operational environments.
- Skill in identifying and mitigating operational deficiencies within airline procedures, aircraft operations, and airspace structures to proactively prevent safety risks and potential financial losses.
- A proven track record of making critical decisions and recommendations with national implications for civil aviation safety, consistently maintaining superior situational awareness in complex and high-risk flight environments.
Personal Suitability
- Exceptional leadership qualities, with the ability to lead a diverse team and coordinate effectively with external agencies and personnel to accomplish high-precision tasks within high-risk and complex matrix environments.
- A strong capacity for initiative and sound judgment in critical matters, including the approval, rejection, or recommendation of changes to instrument approach procedures, airspace reorganization initiatives, and airport arrival and departure procedures—all vital for the proper functioning of the Air Navigation System.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal and behavioral skills, characterized by a consistently positive attitude, unwavering commitment to service and achievement, and a respectful, team-oriented approach, particularly crucial when working closely with the same crew on extended missions.
- Exhibits adaptable leadership, confidently transitioning between leading and supporting roles based on operational context and crew dynamics.
- Actively values and contributes to a collaborative team environment, understanding the critical importance of shared responsibility and mutual support for mission success.
Working Conditions
This role involves a blend of operational and administrative responsibilities, with approximately 50% of the time dedicated to office-based duties.
Flexible Work Arrangements
This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days per week on-site.