Bring your deep expertise in naval combat systems to one of Canada’s most significant defence programs. As a Senior Combat Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the design, integration, testing, and accreditation of Combat Systems on the River Class Destroyer (RCD) fleet - directly supporting the evolving needs of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Working within the Combat Systems Team, you will provide high-level technical oversight across the entire lifecycle of complex naval systems. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment and is motivated by solving challenging systems‑integration problems on a nationally strategic platform.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Lead major Working Group activities, including stakeholder identification, engagement, and ongoing communication.
Act as a primary liaison with external customers (e.g., PMO, RCN), internal teams (e.g., Build, Planning, Platform Systems), and major subcontractors.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for broad stakeholder groups and leadership decision-making.

Technical Oversight

Provide expert guidance on system design, development, integration, set-to-work, and testing across all Combat Systems elements aboard the RCD platform.
Drive resolution of complex technical issues, engaging proactively with internal and external partners.
Execute and oversee technical deliverables for your assigned scope within the Combat Systems team, ensuring alignment with program requirements and engineering standards.

Risk & Program Management

Identify Combat Systems delivery risks and/or impacts related to Working Group activities.
Participate in risk management alongside risk owners to ensure timely mitigation strategies.
Maintain visibility of technical progress, dependencies, and integration readiness across the Combat Systems domain.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent;
Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng.) is required.
15+ years’ engineering experience within shipbuilding or the defence sector.
Strong lifecycle and integration knowledge of maritime Combat Systems including:
- Above Water Weapons & Sensors
- Command & Control
- Underwater Warfare
- Electronic Warfare
- Navigation
- Communications
Experience delivering engineering solutions within a shipyard production environment.

Technical Expertise

Demonstrated knowledge in some or all of the following is highly desirable:

Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Formal verification and validation processes
Engineering design methodologies & change control
Marine regulations (e.g., Lloyd’s Register Classification of Ships)
Requirements management practices
Verification test planning and execution
Integration, installation, and commissioning of complex naval combat subsystems
Naval systems testing and certification
Familiarity with naval terminology and shipyard workflows

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Senior Engineer, Combat Systems

Job Description

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