Aircraft Design Lead

About Remote Robotic SystemsHelp build the next generation of uncrewed aircraft operating at the intersection of aerospace, robotics, and defence technology.Remote Robotic Systems (RRS) is a Canadian robotics and defence-tech company helping organizations deploy enterprise-grade drones, uncrewed aircraft, robotic platforms, sensors, payloads, and remote operations technologies for mission-critical applications. Our solutions support customers across defence, public safety, security, industrial, infrastructure, energy, and government sectors.Through our Airmetal team, we are developing advanced uncrewed aircraft systems designed to operate where most aircraft can't: extreme cold, icing, wind, and remote locations with no runway, no hangar, and no second chances.We're a small, fast-moving engineering team that values ownership, technical depth, practical problem solving, and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into working hardware.
The RoleAirmetal is looking for an Aircraft Design Lead to own the design and performance of a novel UAV airframe from concept through testing and flight validation.This role sits at the technical centre of the aircraft program, owning the configuration decisions that influence everything from aerodynamics and structures to manufacturing, packaging, deployment, and flight performance. You'll lead both the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the aircraft, helping solve complex aero-structural challenges where the behaviour of the aircraft changes under load.Working closely with manufacturing, avionics, propulsion, and test teams, you'll translate analysis into real-world performance through wind tunnel testing, flight trials, and continuous design refinement. You'll also provide technical leadership for a small engineering team, helping drive major design decisions and ensuring the aircraft can be designed, tested, manufactured, and ultimately scaled successfully.We're looking for someone who combines strong technical depth with practical engineering judgement. Someone who trusts data, embraces testing, and can guide technical decisions while mentoring a team in a fast-paced aerospace and defence-tech environment.
What You Will Work OnAirframe & Aircraft Design

• Own the overall airframe configuration and technical direction of the aircraft.
• Lead structural design activities including load paths, materials selection, joints, packaging, and deployment mechanisms.
• Characterize and improve aero-structural behaviour across the flight envelope.
• Own airfoil, wing, stability, control, and performance analysis activities.
• Conduct aerodynamic analysis using CFD and supporting analytical methods.
• Define technical interfaces between airframe, avionics, propulsion, manufacturing, and flight controls systems.

Testing & Validation

• Plan and execute wind tunnel and flight test campaigns.
• Develop test plans, instrumentation approaches, and validation methodologies.
• Correlate aerodynamic and structural models against measured test data.
• Analyze and validate aircraft stability, control, and performance across the flight envelope.
• Translate test results into design improvements and engineering decisions.
• Support aircraft performance, airworthiness, and future certification activities.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Lead technical reviews and major design decisions.
• Partner with manufacturing, materials, avionics, and propulsion teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and testable.
• Help establish engineering standards, design practices, and technical review processes.
• Drive complex engineering problems to clear, data-backed decisions.

Core Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Several years of aircraft, UAV, or aerostructure design experience with ownership through analysis, testing, and flight validation.
• Strong background in both structural design and applied aerodynamics.
• Experience with aero-structural problems, flexible structures, or deforming geometry.
• Deep CFD expertise and the engineering judgement to interpret and validate results.
• Experience planning, executing, and interpreting wind tunnel or flight test programs.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams while making decisions in complex and ambiguous environments.
• Experience translating advanced engineering concepts into buildable, manufacturable designs.
• Able to work on-site in Kanata, Ontario.

Nice to Have

• Experience with non-rigid, membrane, deployable, or shape-changing structures.
• Low-Reynolds-number aerodynamics or small UAV development experience.
• Aeroelastic or fluid-structure interaction analysis experience.
• Composites, films, coated fabrics, or advanced lightweight materials experience.
• Hands-on wind tunnel testing experience.
• Cold-weather or icing-related aircraft design experience.
• Experience developing aircraft from clean-sheet concepts through prototype and flight test phases.
• Familiarity with Transport Canada RPAS regulations, airworthiness requirements, or certification-related processes.
• Experience with environmental, thermal, vibration, or icing-related testing.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
• P.Eng. designation or eligibility for licensure in Ontario.

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 DetailsType: Full-timeLocation: On-site in Kanata, ONCompensation: $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 existing, 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 ProcessIf 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 and tell us why you're interested in joining Remote Robotic Systems and the Airmetal team. A portfolio of aircraft, aerostructure, CFD, wind tunnel, flight test, or related engineering work is encouraged.Remote Robotic Systems is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.