Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAV CANADA?
NAV CANADA is the private company that runs Canada’s air navigation system, the second largest in the world. We are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of civil aircraft over 18 million square kilometres of airspace.
Our Engineers and Electronics Technologists develop, install and maintain the complex air traffic management, navigation and communications technology that Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Service Specialists and others rely on.
What do NAV CANADA Technologists do?
There are three types of Technologists at NAV CANADA:
- CNS (Communication, Navigation & Surveillance) Technologists are based at Maintenance Centres across the country. As a CNS Technologist, you maintain, upgrade and restore equipment that provides data to air traffic controllers, flight service specialists and others. These include surveillance, radio, remote sensor, communications and other key navigational and support equipment.
- ATM (Air Traffic Management) Technologists maintain, upgrade and restore all automated equipment used in our seven ACCs (Area Control Centres). As an ATM Technologist, you would work with communications equipment, radar displays, flight planning and tracking equipment, and other critical safety and performance tools.
- Installation Technologists plan, install, and evaluate the performance of various electronic systems and equipment — from new touch-screen consoles for air traffic controllers, to automated weather observation systems and navigational aids. They also ensure that equipment is optimally located for function and performance, as well as measuring system performance against requirements, and investigating and developing solutions to equipment malfunctions or design deficiencies.
What type of training or education do I need to become a Technologist?
Ideally, you will have a diploma or degree in a recognized technology program. You may or may not have previous experience as a Technologist.
Does NAV CANADA provide training?
Yes. As a new recruit, you will be immersed in a customized electronics technology training program delivered at the NAV CENTRE in Cornwall, Ontario. You will spend up to four months at the training centre, learning about the equipment you will be supporting in the field.
If I have to go to Cornwall for training, where will I live?
We provide room and board in residence accommodation at our full-service NAV CENTRE, a waterfront campus along the St. Lawrence River. The centre includes a gym, weight equipment, swimming pool and cafeteria.
What happens at the end of my training?
You will be ready to take on a post — most likely in the region or the city from which you applied. If you are required to relocate, NAV CANADA will assist you in that process.
What do Technologists get paid?
We offer very competitive salaries and benefits, including full health and dental, a health spending account, time off for personal leave, and a pension plan. As a Technologist you earn between $54,000 and $94,000, depending on your job and your level of experience. Even while you are undergoing initial training you will earn between $34,000 and $45,000 per year.
What kinds of systems will I work on?
Simply put, the systems you will work on are essential to the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry in Canada. They include navigational aids that guide aircraft through skies, communications systems that keep pilots in contact with air traffic services, systems used to provide weather information and hardware that keeps track of, and helps manage, aircraft across the second largest airspace in the world.
I'm bilingual, does that mean I have to be posted in Quebec?
Not necessarily. Although the requirement in Quebec is for bilingual employees, we actively recruit in Quebec as well as across the country.
We place both unilingual and bilingual applicants in our many locations across Canada.
Will I need to travel?
NAV CANADA is responsible for maintaining air navigation aids across the country.
CNS Technologists maintain more than 1,100 remote equipment sites so travel will be extensive from coast to coast to coast.
ATM Technologists work primarily in our seven Area Control Centres located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton and Gander and may be on call 24/7 to provide routine maintenance, software upgrades and quick restorative actions in the Centres.
Installation Technologists are based out of our regional centres, including the Technical Systems Centre in Ottawa Ontario, and travel across the country to install and upgrade air navigation systems.
Will I be required to work shift work or nights and weekends?
Yes. At some point in your career you will be required to work shifts, evenings and/or weekends. Canada’s air navigation system operates 24/7, and as one of our high-tech heroes, you may be called into action at any time.
Where are Technologists posted?
From downtown Ottawa to remote northern locations – and everywhere in between. See our facility map to get a sense of some of the key operational locations that our Technologists serve.
Are there opportunities to advance my career as a Technologist?
Absolutely! As you gain more experience you will have opportunities to apply your expertise in Second and Third level support or as Coordinators in our major facilities. There are also opportunities to move into management. We promote internal learning, on-going certification and the professional development of our employees.
To apply for a career as an Electronics Technologist, or for more information about these and other career opportunities, contact us.
