AD-ASTRA Program Lead

National Research Council Canada • Ottawa, ON

8d • CA$143,127 - CA$183,010 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Research Council (NRC) is seeking a Program Lead to provide strategic leadership for AD ASTRA — the Advanced Defence Airborne Science and Technology Research Accelerator. AD ASTRA is the NRC’s newest defence research aircraft and a state-of-the-art flying laboratory for advanced airborne research and technology demonstration, based on a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. This platform will enable the testing, validation, and demonstration of advanced defence and security technologies in realistic airborne environments, supporting research in areas such as intelligence, secure communications, electronic warfare, advanced sensing, mission systems integration, and related technologies of strategic importance to Canada. The Program Lead will report to the Director of Research and Development for the Flight Research Laboratory and will be responsible for defining, building, and operationalizing the AD ASTRA Program in consultation with internal and external partners. This includes leading the development of the Program’s strategic direction, governance, partnerships, research priorities, operational model, performance metrics, and delivery approach. The role involves convening and leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with federal partners, industry, academia, defence and security stakeholders, and other research organizations to ensure the aircraft is used effectively as a national platform for high-impact research, experimentation, and technology acceleration. The Program will leverage the NRC’s established aerospace capabilities, specialized facilities, technical expertise, and national and international networks to advance Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem. This is an opportunity to shape a nationally significant research program and enable the next generation of airborne defence science and technology for Canada.

Requirements

• Master's degree in science, engineering or business from a recognized university.
• Significant experience developing strategic program plans and the associated metrics for innovation oriented work.
• In-depth experience working with the RCAF, understanding their priorities and mandate especially with respect to RCAF requirements, Program specific technologies: industries, forums, trends, the issues and dynamics that impact them and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current.
• Extensive and recent experience in providing strategic advice and counsel to senior level executives including Presidents, Vice Presidents and/or other equivalent positions in the public, private or military sectors, on complex initiatives.
• Significant business experience within the Aerospace scientific and technological domains gained through experience with industry, government or other partnerships.
• Significant experience in establishing and managing partnerships, specifically with the aerospace industry including contributions, terms of engagement, reporting and IP ownership.
• Experience in leading, planning, monitoring and re-aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Secret clearance.
• English language proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• A PhD in science, engineering or business from a recognized university.

Responsibilities

• Defining, building, and operationalizing the AD ASTRA Program in consultation with internal and external partners.
• Leading the development of the Program’s strategic direction, governance, partnerships, research priorities, operational model, performance metrics, and delivery approach.
• Convening and leading multidisciplinary teams of research, technical, engineering, flight operations, business development, and program management professionals.
• Working closely with federal partners, industry, academia, defence and security stakeholders, and other research organizations to ensure the aircraft is used effectively as a national platform for high-impact research, experimentation, and technology acceleration.
• Leveraging the NRC’s established aerospace capabilities, specialized facilities, technical expertise, and national and international networks.
• Advancing Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem by connecting emerging technologies, operational needs, scientific expertise, and airborne test capability to accelerate solutions that matter to Canada and its allies.

Benefits

• Robust pension plan
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• Office closure at the end of December
• Additional supports to enhance well-being
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level