Location: Ottawa 1 Chrysalis, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada's capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada's best place to live in 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

Position Summary

The mission of the C5ISRT & UxV Architect is to ensure that the technical policy and strategic plan are well-defined and understood by the project, in line with the business objectives, and implemented accordingly.

You will lead the definition and design of mission-critical systems, driving the future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and UxV architectures. You will build and lead professional teams composed of external partners and internal resources, communicate technical solutions to diverse audiences, and earn the trust of critical systems operators.

Regulatory Compliance Requirement

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Architecture Design & System Engineering

Define C5ISRT and UXV system architectures (functional, technical, and operational) aligned with customer requirements, NATO/DoD standards, and Thales' roadmaps.
Lead trade-off analyses for system components (e.g., sensors, communication links, AI/ML for autonomy, cybersecurity layers).
Ensure interoperability with legacy systems, allied forces' platforms, and joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) frameworks.
Model system-of-systems (SoS) interactions using tools like SysML, UAF, or DoDAF/MoDAF.

UXV & Autonomous Systems Integration

Specify requirements for unmanned aerial (UAV), ground (UGV), maritime (USV), or underwater (UUV) vehicles within C5ISRT ecosystems.
Design autonomous behaviors, swarming algorithms, and human-machine teaming (HMT) interfaces.
Integrate AI/ML for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), target recognition, and decision support.
Address safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance (e.g., NATO STANAG, ICAO for UAVs).

C5ISRT Domain Expertise

Develop tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, VMF, SATCOM), network-centric warfare (NCW) architectures, and resilient communications (e.g., anti-jam, low probability of intercept).
Design cybersecure C2 systems with zero-trust principles, encryption, and anti-tampering measures.
Optimize sensor fusion (e.g., radar, EO/IR, SIGINT) and data exploitation for real-time situational awareness.

Stakeholder & Program Leadership

Act as the technical authority in proposals, customer meetings, and gate reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR).
Align architectures with Thales' SIX product lines (e.g., HexaForce, CDP, A2C2).
Support bid teams with cost-benefit analyses, roadmaps, and differentiators vs. competitors.
Mentor junior architects/engineers on C5ISRT/UXV best practices.

Innovation & R&D

Scout emerging technologies (e.g., quantum-resistant crypto, 6G for defense, edge AI) for future architectures.
Contribute to Thales' R&T programs and collaborative projects (e.g., IDeaS, ISC, NATO DIANE).
Patent novel solutions in autonomous C2 or resilient networks.

Minimum Requirements

Master's/PhD in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
10+ years in defense/aerospace system architecture, with 5+ years specializing in C5ISRT or UXV.
Hands-on experience with MIL-STD, STANAG, or civil-military standards (e.g., STANAG 4607 for UAVs).
Proven track record in systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Cameo, Capella, MATLAB/Simulink).

Technical Skills

C5ISRT domains: C2, ISR, EW, cyber, tactical networks.
UXV platforms: Autonomy stacks (e.g., ROS, PX4), payload integration, swarming.
Modeling: SysML, UPDM, or MBSE methodologies.
Security: Cyber hardening, KEYMAT, or cryptographic systems.

Soft Skills

Strategic thinking with ability to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
Leadership in cross-functional teams (engineering, PMO, customers).
Excellent communication (technical writing, presentations to senior stakeholders).

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in at least five of the following:

Cybersecurity
Cloud technologies
Mobile communications and computing
Distributed systems
IP radios & networking
Command and control systems
Software systems architecture
Model-based systems engineering
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Data science
Data modeling
Autonomous systems
UX principles and methodologies
Software systems integration
Software development lifecycle

Special Position Requirements

Physical environment: Hybrid working—remote and on-site as required.
Travel: May be required to travel domestically and/or internationally to Thales and/or customer sites.
Security: Must be able to obtain and hold a valid Canadian security clearance and meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Canadian Controlled Goods Registration Program and ITAR.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) $145,000 - $180,000 -$210 CAD Annual. This reflects market data and may vary depending on experience, competencies, performance, program requirements, and internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's protected status.

We use artificial intelligence-enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help screen and assess applications and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description. All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.

Why Join Us?

Say hi and learn more about working at Thales: https://youtu.be/9aMF4NMhEJo

Benefits

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including:

Company-paid extended health, dental, HSA, life, AD&D, short-term disability, cancer care program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and well-being program.
Retirement savings plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with company contribution and match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
Company-paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
Voluntary life, AD&D, critical illness, and long-term disability coverage.
Employee discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. Accommodation information will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization including a Canadian Enhanced Reliability security clearance.

C5ISRT & UXV Architect