Mechanical Project Manager

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.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 a Mechanical Project Manager to lead the engineering program behind our next-generation aircraft development efforts.Reporting to the CTO, you will be responsible for bringing structure, coordination, and execution discipline to a complex aerospace development program. You'll own the schedule, critical path, engineering processes, supplier coordination, and integration across multiple technical disciplines, ensuring parallel development efforts stay aligned and focused on delivering flight-ready hardware.This role sits at the intersection of engineering and program leadership. You'll work closely with aerodynamics, materials, manufacturing, electrical, and test teams, helping define how work is planned, reviewed, documented, and delivered. You'll also play a key role in managing technical interfaces, resolving competing priorities, and giving the team the structure needed to execute against ambitious milestones.We're looking for someone who can see both the technical details and the bigger picture. Someone who is comfortable building process where it doesn't yet exist, making decisions with imperfect information, and keeping people aligned and moving forward in a fast-paced aerospace and defence-tech environment.
What You Will Work On

• Own program schedules, milestones, dependencies, risks, and critical path activities.
• Build and maintain the engineering processes and project structure required to support aircraft development.
• Coordinate work across aerodynamics, materials, manufacturing, electrical, and test teams.
• Lead design reviews, technical discussions, and program decision-making activities.
• Manage suppliers, vendors, contract manufacturers, and external partners.
• Coordinate long-lead materials, prototype builds, testing activities, and field trials.
• Support engineering governance, documentation, configuration management, and requirements management practices.
• Help establish priorities, allocate resources, and keep teams focused on key objectives.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing engineering culture.

Core Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Aerospace experience with demonstrated leadership on aircraft, UAV, RPAS, or other complex engineering development programs.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, structures, manufacturing processes, and product development.
• Experience managing project schedules, risks, dependencies, and resources.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience building or improving engineering processes and project structures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
• Able to work on-site in Ottawa, Ontario.

Nice to Have

• Experience leading UAV, aerospace, defence, or advanced technology development programs.
• Experience with prototype development, flight testing, validation, or low-volume manufacturing.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements management, or configuration management.
• Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external partners.
• Knowledge of RPAS regulations, airworthiness requirements, or aerospace quality standards.
• P.Eng. designation or eligibility for licensure in Ontario.

What Will Make You Successful

• You can balance technical detail with the bigger picture.
• You bring structure to ambiguity and keep teams moving forward.
• You are comfortable making decisions and adapting quickly.
• You build strong relationships and drive accountability.
• You take ownership of outcomes and follow through on commitments.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a technically ambitious aircraft development program.
• Direct impact on product development, testing, and program execution.
• The ability to help build engineering systems and processes from the ground up.
• Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team solving challenging real-world problems.
• Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace, robotics, autonomy, and defence technologies.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and equity participation.

Employment DetailsType: Full-time. This posting is for an existing, open vacancy (newly created role).Location: On-site in Kanata, ONCompensation: $120,000-$150,000 plus equity and benefits, based on experience and fit for the role.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 project management, operational excellence, and helping build the systems that support growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Submit your resume and tell us why you're interested in joining Remote Robotic Systems.
Remote Robotic Systems is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.