Ottawa isn’t just Canada’s capital – it’s a hub of excellence for aerospace and defence innovation.

With more than 190 companies and 10,000 professionals shaping technologies that protect, connect, and inspire, this city offers career opportunities unlike anywhere else. From advanced aircraft design to cyber defence and project leadership, Ottawa’s employers in aerospace and defence are hiring across a wide range of roles. 

If you’re looking to explore this high-impact field, here are the top jobs in defence and aerospace, along with the skills employers are actively seeking in our city.  

Top 5 Jobs in Defence 

1. Systems Engineer 

Systems engineers play a critical role in designing and managing complex defence systems. They oversee the entire lifecycle from initial design and analysis to change management and technical documentation. With a growing emphasis on secure and integrated systems, problem-solving and technical agility are highly valued. 

Skills in demand: 

• Technical documentation 
• Cross-functional problem solving 
• Complex system design and analysis 
• Change and configuration management 

2. Cybersecurity Engineer 

As digital threats evolve, the demand for cybersecurity engineers in defence has never been higher. These professionals protect sensitive networks and information from fraud, intrusion, and cyberattacks while ensuring compliance with national security standards. 

Skills in demand: 

• Fraud prevention 
• Data analytics for security insights 
• Cyber threat detection and response 
• Network and information security (InfoSec) 

3. Project Manager 

Defence projects are complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that demand strong leadership. Certified project managers bring expertise in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. 

Skills in demand: 

• Stakeholder communication 
• Risk and resource management 
• Engineering or technical background 
• Project management certification (IPMA, PMP) 

4. Business Development Specialist 

This role bridges industry and government, ensuring that companies can successfully navigate federal procurement processes and secure new contracts. Business development specialists manage bids, foster client relationships, and identify growth opportunities in the sector. 

Skills in demand: 

• Strategic business development 
• Bid preparation and management 
• Account and relationship management 
• Government and federal procurement expertise 

5. Mechanical Engineer 

Mechanical engineers support the design and development of defence technologies, from mechanical systems to electro-mechanical components. They apply engineering principles to solve real-world challenges while leveraging CAD tools and systems integration expertise. 

Skills in demand: 

• CAD and system design 
• Mechanical systems integration 
• Project management experience 
• Mechanical and electro-mechanical engineering 

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Top 5 Jobs in Aerospace 

1. Aerospace Engineer 

These professionals design, test, and optimize aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. With expertise in aerodynamics and advanced modelling tools, aerospace engineers contribute to innovations that keep Canada at the forefront of global aviation. 

Skills in demand: 

• Aerodynamics and thermodynamics 
• Tools: Matlab/Simulink, Python, C/C++, AutoCAD, CAE 
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 
• Advanced math: trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations 

2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) 

Specializing in the repair and upkeep of aircraft electronics, avionics engineers ensure systems such as communications, radar, and flight controls function flawlessly. This role is vital to aviation safety and operational readiness. 

Skills in demand: 

• Maintenance and repair 
• Troubleshooting and testing expertise 
• Operation of computer-controlled test stations 
• Knowledge of aircraft electrical and electronic systems 

3. Systems Engineer 

In aerospace, systems engineers manage the integration of aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics into cohesive platforms. They test, simulate, and refine system performance, ensuring the aircraft meets rigorous safety and performance standards. 

Skills in demand: 

• CAD modeling 
• Programming (Python, C++) 
• System testing and simulation 
• Knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics 

4. Software Engineer 

From flight control systems to simulation platforms, aerospace relies on advanced software. Software engineers in this sector develop, test, and maintain applications that underpin aviation and space technologies. 

Skills in demand: 

• Debugging and software testing 
• Agile and Scrum development methodologies 
• CAD and simulation tools (Patran/Nastran, Ansys) 
• Languages: C++, Python, MATLAB, Fortran, LabVIEW 

5. Design Engineer 

Design engineers focus on the conceptual and technical design of aerospace systems. Using advanced CAD tools, they bring innovations in propulsion, avionics, and structural design to life. 

Skills in demand: 

• Avionics integration 
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 
• Software: CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD 
• Aerodynamics and propulsion systems

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Join Our Upcoming Webinar  

Join us on September 30, 2025, from 12:30–1:15 PM EST for the Work in Ottawa Defence & Aerospace Webinar.

In just 45 minutes, you’ll hear from Invest Ottawa experts Kim van der Horst and Reba Molotsi about the companies driving this sector, the skills in demand, and how to position yourself for success—plus get your questions answered in a live Q&A.

Register today to save your spot!  

Why These Careers Thrive in Ottawa 

Ottawa’s aerospace and defence sector is fueled by major global employers, research institutions, and government agencies that all call the city home. From Lockheed Martin Canada and Thales to the National Research Council and Defence Research and Development Canada, the opportunities here are both diverse and impactful. 

Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, cybersecurity specialist, or business developer, Ottawa offers a unique environment where your skills can shape the technologies of tomorrow while building a rewarding career today. 

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Ready to take your next step?

Explore current opportunities on the Work in Ottawa job board or join our talent pool to connect directly with employers in aerospace and defence.