Product Compliance Specialist

About Calian

At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we’ve grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government.

We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you’re driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.

Job Type: Full Time

Ottawa, ON | On-site

Position Overview

The Product Compliance Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing certification activities for Calian’s aviation GNSS antenna products. This role will lead the certification strategy and compliance process for FAA approval of airborne GNSS antenna systems, including qualification to RTCA DO-160 and other applicable aviation standards.

Working closely with product development, systems engineering, industrialization, and core engineering teams, the product compliance specialist ensures certification requirements are incorporated throughout the product lifecycle, from initial requirements definition through testing, regulatory approval, product release, and ongoing compliance management. The position serves as the primary interface with certification authorities, designated engineering representatives (DERs), test laboratories, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Product Compliance Specialist leads all activities required to obtain and maintain aviation certification approvals while ensuring efficient execution of certification programs.

Certification Strategy and Planning

• Develop certification roadmaps for airborne GNSS antenna and navigation products.
• Establish certification plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Identify applicable regulations, standards, and guidance documents.
• Define certification basis and compliance strategies for new aviation products.
• Ensure certification requirements are integrated into product development programs from project inception.
  
  

Regulatory Compliance Management

• Lead compliance activities for FAA, Transport Canada, EASA, and other regulatory authorities as required.
• Manage qualification programs to RTCA DO-160 and other relevant aviation standards.
• Coordinate certification reviews, audits, and regulatory interactions.
• Maintain certification records, compliance matrices, and technical documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess impacts on existing and future products.
  
  

Test and Certification Execution

• Plan and oversee environmental, electromagnetic, mechanical, and performance qualification testing.
• Coordinate internal engineering teams and external accredited test laboratories.
• Review test procedures, test reports, and compliance evidence packages.
• Manage certification issue resolution and corrective actions.
• Ensure traceability between requirements, verification activities, and certification artifacts.
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Product Development, RF & Antenna Systems, Research & Technology, Industrialization, and Core Engineering teams.
• Provide certification guidance during product architecture, design reviews, and trade studies.
• Support risk assessments related to certification and product compliance.
• Drive resolution of technical and compliance issues affecting certification schedules.
  
  

Customer and Business Support

• Support customer discussions involving certification and regulatory compliance.
• Assist business development and sales teams with certification-related proposals and customer requirements.
• Participate in customer audits, technical reviews, and certification presentations.
• Help develop certification strategies for customized aviation products and programs.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Establish and improve internal certification processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Develop certification templates, compliance documentation standards, and lessons learned databases.
• Promote compliance awareness and certification readiness across engineering organizations.
• Mentor engineering teams on aviation certification requirements and certification-by-design methodologies.
  
  

Qualifications

The successful candidate combines deep aviation certification expertise with strong technical leadership and cross-functional coordination skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Master’s degree is considered an asset.
  
  

Experience

• 6+ years of experience in aerospace certification, avionics, airborne systems, aviation product development, or related regulatory compliance environments.
• Proven experience managing FAA, Transport Canada, EASA, or equivalent certification programs.
• Experience leading qualification programs to RTCA DO-160.
• Experience working with airborne navigation, GNSS, avionics, antennas, communications, surveillance, or aerospace systems.
• Experience leading or supporting certification activities for commercial or military aerospace products.
• Experience coordinating external test laboratories, certification consultants, and regulatory authorities.
  
  

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of FAA certification processes and regulatory frameworks.
• Working knowledge of RTCA DO-160 environmental qualification requirements.
• Familiarity with standards such as:
• TSO processes and approvals
• AC guidance material
• DO-178C
• DO-254
• ARP4754A
• ARP4761
• FAA and EASA certification procedures
• Understanding of RF systems, GNSS technology, antennas, avionics, and aircraft integration considerations.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and configuration management processes.
  
  

Leadership and Communication

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to communicate with engineering teams, executives, customers, and certification authorities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong technical writing and documentation capabilities.
• Effective presentation and negotiation skills.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Experience with antenna certification for aviation or airborne applications is considered an asset.
• Experience with GNSS, avionics, airborne systems, aerospace electronics, or communications systems is considered an asset.
  
  

Compensation

$110,000-$140,000

Vacancy

We have 1 available position.

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AI Usage Disclosure

At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.

How we hire

• Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.
  
  

Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self!

• Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.
  
  

During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.

• We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
• Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
• Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
• Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
• In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
• Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
• Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
• Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
• Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
• View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
• Prepare a list of questions to ask us
• Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
• We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
• We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
• Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process
  
  

Perks and benefits

• Competitive, company-paid benefits
• Generous time off package
• Stock purchase plan
• RRSP program
• Flexible work hours for eligible roles
• Programs to support employee health and well-being
  
  

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