Flight Test Pilot & Air Navigation System Specialist
Job Summary
NAV CANADA is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Flight Test Pilot and Air Navigation System Specialist. This pivotal role ensures the ongoing safety and efficiency of Canada's Air Navigation System (ANS) by conducting flight tests, ground validations, and comprehensive investigations into aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, including instrument and visual flight procedures. The incumbent's primary responsibility is to determine air navigation system requirements and to provide essential executive transport services.
The successful candidate will serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) of the CRJ200 aircraft and is expected to transition to the King Air 360ER in 2027.
Anticipated Start Date: December 2025.
Why Join NAV CANADA?
NAV CANADA offers a dynamic and rewarding career environment where employees are valued and empowered. As part of our dedicated team, the Flight Test Pilot & Air Navigation System Specialist will benefit from:
- A challenging, team-oriented work environment committed to aviation excellence.
- Competitive compensation coupled with a comprehensive benefits package.
- A robust defined benefit pension plan, providing long-term financial security.
- Significant opportunities for continuous professional growth and development.
- Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.
- A diverse and inclusive workforce that fosters innovation and collaboration.
Key Accountabilities
The Flight Test Pilot & Air Navigation System Specialist will be responsible for a broad range of critical activities, including:
- Analyzing data from various aircraft systems to validate aeronautical information and ensure instrument procedures are operationally suitable for the type of aircraft flown.
- Completing thorough technical assessments of both certified and experimental aircraft communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.
- Conducting rigorous testing of communications, satellite-based navigation, and surveillance systems to analyze, promote, and implement new aviation technology.
- Managing and executing test flights of fixed-wing aircraft to ascertain compliance with airworthiness standards for aircraft communication and navigation systems.
- Performing aerial surveys essential for the certification of obstacle data within the Canadian Air Navigation System.
- 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.
- Conducting precise flight inspection and calibration of communication, navigation, and surveillance ground equipment.
- Strategically managing mission objectives, estimating resource requirements, assigning work, recommending and approving tactical plans, and overseeing aircraft crews across three union groups. This includes appraising and reporting on crew performance while diligently managing daily aircraft operating budgets.
- Serving as Pilot in Command, executing complex flight profiles.
Job Requirements
Education
- Possession and maintenance of a current Canadian Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
- A valid Class 1 Instrument Rating (IR).
- A valid Radiotelephone License.
Experience
- A minimum of 5,000 hours of flight time in an aeroplane.
- At least 1,500 hours of flight time 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 leading or conducting complex aviation projects and/or programs.
Knowledge
- Expert knowledge of aviation regulations and standards across Canada, the United States, and ICAO, encompassing aircraft operations, specialty aircraft, and flight inspection activities.
- Comprehensive understanding of airspace and air navigation systems, including intricate airspace structures, navigation aids, instrument procedures, and Air Traffic Services (ATS) specialty procedures.
- Expertise in flight inspection and testing, including the precise calibration of navigational systems, post-maintenance test flights, and the certification of visual and electronic aids to navigation.
- Strong knowledge of advanced aircraft systems and operations, including avionics, flight management systems, simulators, and the operational characteristics of both civil and military aircraft.
- Ability to assess and manage operational risks and make independent, high-stakes decisions, including the authority to revoke procedures or remove systems from service, while being acutely aware of safety and financial impacts.
- Experience representing NAV CANADA nationally and internationally, providing expert input on airspace, aircraft operations, and procedure development in collaborative forums.
Abilities
- Ability to develop and write comprehensive standards, specifications, procedures, and manuals related to instrument procedure validation, aircraft operations, and flight testing.
- Capability to instruct peers and subordinates on new specialized systems, procedures, and operational techniques.
- Skill in executing precision flight profiles to support technical flight inspections, adeptly managing air traffic, weather conditions, and ATC coordination.
- Proven leadership ability to manage a 6-person aircraft crew for up to a 6-day duty period, ensuring paramount safety, security, and effective resource utilization in high-risk environments.
- Aptitude for identifying and mitigating operational deficiencies in airline procedures, aircraft operations, and airspace structures to prevent safety risks and financial loss.
- Capacity to make critical decisions and recommendations with national impact on civil aviation safety, maintaining exceptional situational awareness in complex and high-risk flight environments.
Personal Suitability
- Possesses the ability to effectively lead a team and coordinate with external agencies and personnel to accomplish high-precision tasks within a high-risk and complex matrix environment.
- Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in matters pertaining to the approval or rejection, and/or recommendation of changes to instrument approach procedures, airspace reorganization initiatives, and airport arrival and departure procedures, all of which are critical to the proper functioning of the air navigation system.
- Exhibits strong interpersonal and behavioral skills, including a consistently positive attitude, unwavering commitment to service and achievement, and a respectful, team-oriented approach, particularly when working closely with the same crew on extended missions.
- Exhibits flexibility in leadership, confidently transitioning between leading and supporting roles depending on the operational context and crew dynamics.
- Values and actively contributes to a collaborative team environment, recognizing the importance of shared responsibility and mutual support in achieving mission success.
Working Conditions
- This position involves performing administrative office duties for approximately 50% of the time.
Flexible Work Arrangements
- This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days per week on-site.