Lead Aerospace Engineer

About Remote Robotic Systems

Remote Robotic Systems (RRS) is a Canadian robotics and defence technology company based in Kanata, Ontario, supplying uncrewed systems and remote operations technology to defence, public safety, and industrial customers. Its Airmetal group develops uncrewed aircraft for operation in extreme cold, icing, and high wind, and in remote locations without runway or hangar infrastructure.

We're a fast-moving and fierce engineering team that values ownership, technical depth, practical problem solving, and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into working hardware.

The Role

Airmetal is seeking a Lead Aerospace Engineer to direct the design of a new uncrewed aircraft from requirements definition through configuration selection, aerodynamic design, prototype construction, and flight test.

This is principally an aerodynamics and aircraft design position. The successful candidate will personally carry out the principal aerodynamic and performance analysis while providing technical direction to a small engineering team, and will hold responsibility for the configuration decisions that determine the aircraft's performance. Structural design is a secondary responsibility of the position, exercised at the level of loads, sizing, layout, and material selection. As the program develops, the position is expected to grow into a broader technical leadership role, with the analytical workload progressively delegated to engineers recruited by the candidate.

What You Will Work On

• Establish aircraft requirements in consultation with program and operational stakeholders, scope the design space, and determine the configuration and design direction of the aircraft.
• Conduct aerodynamic design and analysis, including airfoil and wing design, RANS CFD, lower-order methods (vortex-lattice and panel methods), and stability, control, and performance analysis.
• Define the airframe structure at the level of loads, sizing, layout, and material selection, and direct detailed structural design by the team.
• Direct the development of the design into a flight test prototype; plan and conduct flight test campaigns; analyze flight data and correlate it with analytical predictions.
• Provide technical direction, design review, and mentorship to a small multidisciplinary engineering team, and participate in recruiting as the team grows.
• Define technical interfaces between the airframe and the avionics, propulsion, and manufacturing functions.
• Support airworthiness and regulatory activities as required.

Core Requirements

• A demonstrated record of designing an aircraft, preferably an uncrewed aircraft, through analysis to flight or test, with responsibility for the principal design decisions. Applicants will be assessed primarily on this record rather than on years of experience.
• Applied aerodynamics, including RANS CFD validated against measured data, lower-order methods, and stability and control analysis. Structural design sufficient to size and lay out an airframe and to direct detailed design by others.
• Experience directing the work of junior engineers or engineering students on hardware programs.
• Ability to work on-site in Kanata, Ontario, including field work at test sites in winter conditions.

Nice to Have

• Small-UAV or low-Reynolds-number aerodynamics experience.
• Cold-weather or icing-related aircraft design or test experience.
• Flight test planning and data analysis with ArduPilot, PX4, or comparable autopilot systems.
• Familiarity with Transport Canada RPAS regulations.
• A bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering is typical of candidates for this position; equivalent demonstrated experience will be considered.

What Will Make You Successful

• You trust measured data and real-world testing over assumptions.
• You can balance aerodynamic, structural, manufacturing, and operational requirements simultaneously.
• You bring structure to ambiguity and drive decisions forward.
• You take ownership of outcomes and follow through on commitments.
• You can mentor engineers while remaining hands-on technically.
• You enjoy solving challenging engineering problems in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to own the design and performance of a novel aircraft platform.
• Direct impact on aircraft configuration, testing, validation, and future development.
• The ability to solve unique aero-structural challenges and influence major technical decisions.
• Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team developing advanced aerospace and defence technologies.
• Exposure to cutting-edge UAV, robotics, autonomy, and aerospace programs.
• A fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where your work has a visible impact.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and equity participation.

Employment Details

Type:

Full-time

Location:

On-site in Kanata, ON

Compensation:

$110,000-$130,000 plus equity and benefits, based on experience and fit for the role.

Travel:

Occasional travel to wind tunnel facilities, test sites, and field trials may be required.

This posting is for an open vacancy.

Security clearance:

Some roles are conditional on the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

Use of AI in hiring:

We may use AI tools to help with parts of our hiring process, such as reviewing applications, screening resumes, and evaluating candidate responses. These tools support our team, but people make all hiring decisions. AI is used to assist, not replace, human judgment.

Application Process

If you're excited about aircraft design, aerodynamics, flight testing, and helping shape the future of aerospace, robotics, and defence technology, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your resume together with a description of an aircraft design project for which you held primary responsibility, including the analysis performed, the outcome, and what you would do differently.

Remote Robotic Systems is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.