Aerospace, Aviation, Space, Defence and Security Executive Search.
Exclusive access to leaders with outstanding track records and unique expertise in the highly regulated aerospace and defense industry in Canada, the United States and other countries around the world.
radar stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the aerospace and defence industry and exclusive access to top-quality candidates in cutting-edge sectors with whom it has built lasting relationships. With over 20 years of experience in A&D, we are noted for our capacity to identify and recruit the best candidates based on our clients’ needs, whether in Canada, the United States or other countries around the world.
Processes rigorously aligned with ITAR standards and Canada's Controlled Goods Program (CGP).
Workforce Issues.
According to the latest survey by CAMAQ conducted in 2025, the Quebec aerospace industry will need to fill almost 41,500 positions—including almost 26,000 in the aviation sector alone—during the next decade. Transport Canada estimates that there will be 55,000 positions to be filled by 2035 across Canada. The talent shortage can be explained by the mass retirements of professionals and technicians, continuing growth of the aviation sector during the coming years and lack of young talent, despite recruitment efforts and promotional campaigns aimed at attracting the next generation of workers. The United States and Europe are facing the same challenges. A study published by the Aerospace Industries Association in 2025 indicated that competition for talent in the engineering field will continue to intensify. Aerospace and defence must also compete with big tech corporations, who possess the means and resources needed to attract and retain experienced professionals.
The Strategic Importance of Canada to Aerospace and Defence on the Global Stage.
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) reports that the aerospace industry contributed $34.2 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 while maintaining its position as the manufacturing sector’s leading investor in R&D. Companies in the sector employ 225,000 people across the country, mainly in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. Montreal—the world’s third-largest aerospace hub after Toulouse and Seattle—is the only city in the world where almost all parts required for aircraft construction are manufactured within 30 km, according to Aéro Montréal.
During the coming years, remarkable growth is also expected in the defence sector. The government of Canada recently announced the implementation of its Defence Industrial Strategy to enhance the country’s security, sovereignty and prosperity. Under this strategy, the National Research Council Canada (NRCC) will invest over $900 million based on a long-term plan to support national prosperity and build a resilient, globally competitive national defence economy.
Canada’s aerospace industry ranks in the top five worldwide in the civil flight simulator, engine and aircraft segments. Canadian companies serve as Tier 1 partners for industry giants, notably including Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Canada occupies a key position in organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Space Station (ISS) and NASA.
Areas of Expertise.
radar has been a partner supporting various major organizations in the aerospace and defence sector for many years, notably including prime contractors, equipment manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and other key players in this dynamic ecosystem. Over the past few years, radar has collaborated with Bombardier, Davie, General Dynamics, MDA Space, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Revision Military.
Our team has successfully filled strategic senior leadership positions in key departments of organizations, including engineering, advanced manufacturing, supply management, logistics, finance, IT and cybersecurity.
Our understanding of the major issues and the programs currently in development makes us a valued ally of the leading names in business and regional aviation, helicopters, aircraft engines, landing gears, flight simulators, satellites and space telecommunication systems, protective equipment and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
Aerospace and commercial aviation and MRO
Key players: Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Héroux-Devtek, CAE
Typical positions: VP Engineering, Director MRO, Chief Operations Officer
National defence and security
Key players: Lockheed Martin Canada, Raytheon Canada, General Dynamics Land Systems, MDA, CAE Defense
Programs: Future Fighter Capability Project, Canadian Surface Combatant, Joint Support Ship
Space, satellites and NewSpace
Key players: MDA Space, Telesat, Magellan Aerospace
Typical positions: VP Space Programs, Chief Engineer Satellites
Cyberdefence and embedded technologies
Specifics: Cleared personnel, ruggedized technologies, airframe-software integration
In-Depth Knowledge of the Sector.
radar has carved out a prominent position in the world of aerospace and defence over the past 20 years. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the sector, we have the credibility needed to act as an ambassador for leading industry players with top candidates and to attract highly qualified professionals to this dynamic ecosystem. Our team has handled numerous strategic recruitment mandates for highly specialized positions in avionics, propulsion systems, engineering, supply chain management, advanced manufacturing, surveillance systems, advanced air mobility, etc.
Robust Processes.
radar possesses a valuable network of high-level candidates with whom it has built strong professional relationships over more than 20 years. Our team is thoroughly familiar with the sector's regulations in terms of security, confidentiality, etc. We support our clients with the accreditation and compliance process and work with the regulatory authorities throughout the recruitment process. For example, we offer a turnkey immigration service.
Recruitment for Strategic Positions.
radar has successfully carried out many executive search mandates in recent years. Our team has supported OEMs, equipment manufacturers and many aerospace and defence sector companies, enabling them to fill strategic positions such as:
- Chief executive officer
- Chief financial officer
- Chief human resources officer
- Chief engineer
- Chief advanced manufacturing officer
- Chief supply chain and logistics management officer
- Chief information officer
- Chief marketing officer
- Executives
- Managers
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