Director, Research & Development - Aerospace
About The Position
The National Research Council (NRC) is seeking a qualified professional to serve as the Director, Research and Development (DRD) for the Aerodynamics Laboratory (AL). The successful candidate will be someone who shares the NRC's core values of integrity, excellence, respect, and creativity. The Aerospace Research Centre, with locations across Canada, builds collaborative project teams from a diverse scientific and engineering workforce with strengths in aircraft structures, materials, manufacturing, aerodynamics, propulsion, gas turbines, and flight research. Projects are conducted to meet the requirements of external clients, internal investment programs, or both. Current areas of focus include sustainable aviation and climate action, aerial mobility, digitalization and product certification, aerospace manufacturing, icing research, and defense sustainment and future operational capabilities. The DRD for the AL provides scientific, technical, and managerial leadership, overseeing the laboratory’s capabilities and ensuring they remain aligned with client needs and program priorities. Working closely with program leaders and external stakeholders, the DRD ensures that AL’s resources are focused, relevant, and effectively deployed. The DRD leads a team of approximately 65 research and technical staff, with responsibility for project execution, resource planning, staff development, and the long-term operational sustainability of the laboratory. The DRD oversees the management of 5 industrial wind tunnels that serve industrial and defence related applications. The DRD has the responsibility to maintain a safe, productive, and inclusive working environment, following NRC’s policies and addresses organization priorities including attention to diversity and career development. As a key member of the Aerospace Research Centre’s management team, the DRD contributes to strategic planning and provides advice on program delivery, technical direction, and stakeholder engagement. The DRD plays a central role in ensuring that AL’s activities remain impactful, aligned with strategic objectives, and responsive to the evolving needs of NRC programs and clients.
Requirements
- Masters or PhD degree in science, engineering or business from a recognized university.
- Extensive experience in the Canadian and international aerospace ecosystem, including active participation in industry forums and stakeholder engagements, as well as a thorough understanding of the scientific, regulatory, and policy landscapes that influence research and partnerships.
- Extensive experience with government operations, policies, and regulatory frameworks, including knowledge of federal research priorities, funding mechanisms, and processes relevant to public-sector research organizations.
- Significant scientific expertise in areas aligned with the Aerospace Research Centre’s domains, specifically aerodynamics research, defence applications, and advanced aerospace technologies, including both experimental and computational approaches.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic research directions, technical roadmaps, and major collaborative programs aligned with organizational priorities and national aerospace objectives.
- Significant experience in leading and nurturing scientific and technical teams in multidisciplinary, matrixed environments, with a focus on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and promoting professional growth.
- Proven success in applying leadership, financial, administrative, and human resource management practices to achieve organizational objectives and deliver complex research initiatives effectively.
- Extensive experience in building strategic partnerships and business relationships with industry, academia, government, or international collaborators, complemented by strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Significant experience in the business aspects of the aerospace or related technology sectors, acquired through direct involvement in public or private research settings, with responsibilities that include operational management and client engagement.
- Must be able to travel.
- Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC.
Nice To Haves
- Preference may be given to candidates with a combination of engineering and business education.
Responsibilities
- Provides scientific, technical, and managerial leadership for the Aerodynamics Laboratory (AL).
- Oversees the laboratory’s capabilities and ensures alignment with client needs and program priorities.
- Works closely with program leaders and external stakeholders to ensure AL’s resources are focused, relevant, and effectively deployed.
- Leads a team of approximately 65 research and technical staff.
- Manages project execution, resource planning, and staff development.
- Ensures the long-term operational sustainability of the laboratory.
- Oversees the management of 5 industrial wind tunnels.
- Maintains a safe, productive, and inclusive working environment.
- Adheres to NRC’s policies and addresses organization priorities, including attention to diversity and career development.
- Contributes to strategic planning as a key member of the Aerospace Research Centre’s management team.
- Provides advice on program delivery, technical direction, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ensures AL’s activities remain impactful, aligned with strategic objectives, and responsive to evolving needs.
Benefits
- Robust pension plan
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage
- Disability and life insurance
- Office closure at the end of December
- Additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
