Choose your aviation career flight path
Canada's aviation and aerospace industries offer a wide range of career options and opportunities including jobs in aircraft design, systems engineering, testing, search and rescue, human factors, piloting, air traffic control, jet mechanics, electrical engineering, computer systems, airport management, space exploration, customer service, and much more!
On this page
- Aerospace engineers
- Aircraft maintenance engineers
- Pilots
- Flight attendants
- Air traffic controllers
- Airport operations specialists
- Careers with Transport Canada
Aerospace engineers
In Canada, aerospace engineers are at the core of a vibrant industry, developing new systems and aircraft that meet the highest standards for safety and performance. Each year, more than 1 200 new and modified aeronautical products are built or operated in Canada. A day in the life of an aerospace engineer could include developing new aircraft flight systems, designing new propulsion systems, or studying and analyzing aircraft aerodynamics.
Aerospace engineers have experience and education in aerodynamics, stress analysis and structural design, flight mechanics, stability and control, aircraft performance, propulsion, avionics and systems, or mechanical and electrical engineering.
The following websites offer more information about the training required to become an aerospace engineer, schools that offer training programs in Canada, and the career opportunities available:
Aircraft maintenance engineers
In Canada, aircraft maintenance engineers contribute to the day-to-day maintenance and quality of aircraft and aviation systems. They work closely with aerospace manufacturers to ensure new and existing systems and aircraft meet the highest standards for safety and that they perform as expected. They are on the front line every day maintaining aircraft and aviation systems.
With a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer, individuals could find themselves:
- inspecting and testing aircraft systems to ensure they are in proper working order
- identifying and diagnosing malfunctions or other problems in aircraft and aircraft systems (including landing gear, engines, and mechanical systems)
- repairing aircraft, and performing routine maintenance and updates to aircraft components to ensure their effective functioning and continued safety
To learn more about becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer, and the training opportunities available in Canada, please visit:
Pilots
In Canada, the opportunities available for licensed commercial pilots are extensive. Licensed pilots in Canada can explore a variety of career paths including working for one of Canada’s national airlines, regional service providers, more than 800 on-demand aviation service providers (floatplanes, helicopters, charter flights), and a variety of specialty aviation services such as MEDEVAC, forest firefighting, agricultural spraying, and surveillance, among others.
Today, commercial pilots are in high demand in Canada and this demand is projected to grow during the next 10 years as many licensed pilots are close to retirement. This will open the door for new pilots to take the helm and explore a challenging career in Canada’s aviation industry.
The following websites offer extensive information on opportunities for pilots and commercial pilot training and certification in Canada:
Flight attendants
A career as a flight attendant in Canada offers a wide range of possibilities and the chance to travel the world and meet new people.
With training in aircraft specifics, geography, airport familiarization (local and international), evacuation procedures and protocols, in-flight servicing and passenger interaction skills, flight attendants are well prepared for their roles as the first point of contact for in-flight service safety, emergency response and first aid.
In addition to in-flight opportunities, trained flight attendants can also pursue careers in airline sales and service, flight crew scheduling, airline and recreational tours, tourism development, airline passenger service training and evaluation, and load planning.
A number of colleges across Canada offer Flight Attendant diploma programs.
Note: Individual airlines also offer training for flight attendants in Canada. For more information on careers and training available through an airline, visit the airline’s website.
Air traffic controllers
Air traffic controllers in Canada monitor the world’s second largest air navigation system. They are responsible for the safety of each and every person and airplane in Canadian airspace, stretching from the east coast to the west coast to the Arctic Circle.
With the most advanced training and technology at their fingertips, air traffic controllers authorize the takeoff and landing of all aircraft, provide terminal clearances at airports and use radar and advanced flight data management systems to track flights and provide pilots with en route instructions.
Becoming an air traffic controller does not require any prior experience or specialized training—all training is provided by NAV CANADA, the company responsible for managing Canada’s world-class air navigation service—and offers a unique and challenging work environment.
Learn more about training and careers as an air traffic controller in Canada.
Airport operations specialists
Airport operations specialists work hard to keep Canada’s airports operating safely and effectively.
With a broad training in aviation operations, business management and human resources, airport operations specialists can pursue careers in airspace management, wildlife control, runway operations, airport management, firefighting and emergency response, and security—but these are just a few of the career options available!
Learn about the training and careers available for airport operations specialists.
Careers with Transport Canada
Combining experience and expertise in support of Canada’s world-leading reputation for aviation safety
At Transport Canada, we take our role in aviation safety very seriously and are committed to keeping our skies safe. We take pride in our work, knowing that we are helping improve aviation safety not only for you and your family but also for our own families.
Transport Canada offers a wide variety of careers for experienced aviation industry professionals.
We work with industry to prevent accidents, set and enforce regulations and industry standards, monitor compliance and conduct inspections, and promote public safety during the transportation of dangerous goods.
Join Transport Canada and be part of the development, implementation and monitoring of world-leading aviation safety programs and standards.
Find out more about careers in aviation safety with Transport Canada.