The Canadian aerospace industry plays a big part of the Canadian economy. In 2018, the industry contributed over $25 billion to GDP and was responsible for 213,000 jobs. Until the pandemic hit, those numbers had increased year on year. The country’s aeronautical companies cover a broad spectrum of opportunities for engineers, including structural design and assembly, space systems manufacturing, avionics, and numerous opportunities in maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Below are ten of the top companies in Canada to consider when pursuing  a career in aeronautical engineering.

1. Airbus

Part of a modern-day duopoly alongside Boeing, Airbus has over thousands of employees globally, representing more than 140 nationalities . Airbus has a significant presence in Canada, leading the aerospace industry in commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense interests, and space. After more than 35 years in Canada, it has grown to employ more than 3,800 people in Canada. The company further invested in the Canadian aerospace industry was when it acquired a majority stake in the Bombardier C Series jetliners in October 2017, and promised that primary assembly would remain in Quebec. These aircraft are now a part of the Airbus A220 series. Airbus is a frontrunner in innovation, and has research and technology projects ongoing in association with Canada’s National Research Council and Canadian universities. Employee initiatives include the opportunity to participate in the Airbus Leadership University for rising stars.

2. Boeing

Boeing is known the world over for its contributions to the aerospace industry. The Canadian subsidiary of the Boeing Company, manufactures aerospace equipment for Boeing commercial jets. It also manufactures products in the defense, space, and security industries, such as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Boeing has a presence in 10 locations across Canada, ranging from Vancouver to Montreal. The company has a strong culture of continuous improvement, with a constant drive for innovation and change. 

3. Bombardier Inc.

Bombardier Inc. is considered an industrial leader in Canada, and focuses on producing aircraft for business aviation. Its corporate office is in Montreal, and the company employs about 7,800 people in Canada. Bombardier Inc. was acknowledged as Canada’s top research and development (R&D) investor by Research Infosource from 2013 to 2016, and has spent billions of dollars to develop state-of-the-art aircraft. It has been designing and building business aircraft for over 30 years, and has produced more than 4,900 such aircraft. 

4. MDA Corporation

MDA, a company that calls Canada home, specializes in geointelligence, robotics and space operations, and satellite systems. It is Canada’s largest space technology manufacturer and employs over 2,000 employees in Canada. . MDA is well-known for the development and manufacturing of robotic arms for space applications, most notably the Canadarm on the space shuttle orbiter, and Canadarm-2 on the International Space Station. It is also known for satellite manufacturing and operation, including RADARSAT-2, which produces over 75,000 images per year. It has successfully exported its made-in-Canada solutions for more than four decades, and is an innovator in space technologies. 

5. Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace is a pioneer in technological innovations for aerospace systems. The company is involved in commercial aviation, business aviation, helicopters, space, and airports. One of its focuses is the development of networking technologies for the defense industry, including the Canadaian Army and the Royal Canadian Navy. Collins Aerospace has two facilities in Canada – one in Montreal, Quebec and the other in Ottawa, Ontario – and employs 140 people in Canada. The company has proven its commitment to Canadian aerospace and defense, as it continues to invest in the research and development of advanced communications systems and avionics in Canada. Collins Aerospace is an attractive company for aeronautical engineers to work, especially due to its strong engineering presence in Montreal, where it provides engineering services to Bombardier.

6. KF Aerospace

KF Aerospace provides aviation services for commercial, corporate, and military customers worldwide. In 1970, the company was established as Kelowna Flightcraft., and specializes in services including aircraft maintenance and engineering and flight operations. It also conducts military flight training and training for airborne cargo operations, and tailors client programs for the leasing of various aircraft types. KF is home to a highly-skilled workforce of over 900 people across Canada that completes maintenance and modifications. KF has completed a a $30-million expansion of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul  facility in Hamilton, Ontario, proving its title as Canada’s largest commercial MRO. This expansion is next to Mohawk College’s Centre for Aviation Technology, giving aeronautical engineers an excellent opportunity to work for a  well-established and reputable aerospace company.

7. CAE Inc.

CAE Inc. is a Canadian manufacturer of simulation and digital immersion technologies and is a worldwide leader in training for the civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. It was founded in 1947 and is one of the longest-running and experienced training system integrators in the world. CAE Canada offers its training in two key areas: Training and Simulation, and Operational Systems and Support, mainly to support the Canadian Forces. Today, CAE  employs over 10,000 people in more than 35 countries, including 4,500 in Canada. The company has been acknowledged as a top employer in Canada and has been recognized by Bloomberg for having a high 2019 gender-equality index. Its dedication to diversity and inclusion makes CAE an attractive place for aeronautical engineers to design and implement systems that help to train and instruct the next generation of aviators.

8. CMC Electronics

CMC Electronics is a major player in building advanced communications and electronics systems for the aviation and global positioning markets. It is part of the Esterline Corporation’s business segment of Avionics & Controls. CMC is based in Montreal, Quebec, and has additional sites located in Ottawa, Ontario and Sugar Grove, Illinois. The Esterline Avionics System has made its mark through its unique cockpit systems integration. It is also noted for its avionics solutions and display. The Simulation Visual Systems family of TREALITY® products also adds best-in-class technology for military and commercial flight simulation and training. CMC offers unique opportunities to develop innovative systems that are used in aircraft across the world.

9. Viking Air Ltd.

Viking Air Ltd. is a Canadian-based manufacturer of aircraft, producing aircraft such as the Series 400 Twin Otter. The company also produces aircraft parts and systems and has over 40 years of experience in the business. In 2017, Viking launched an upgrade program which gave aerial firefighting operators the opportunity to modify older aircraft with modern avionics, turboprop engines, and increased tank capacity. Periodically, Viking offers a paid eight-week program that teaches basic introductory aerostructure assembly skills. This program and its  framework of high-quality teaching material allows up-and-coming aeronautical engineers to gain knowledge and experience working with a top of the line aircraft manufacturer. 

10. StandardAero

StandardAero is one of the largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers in the world. With more than 5,400 highly skilled employees globally, it offers custom solutions for commercial aviation, business aviation, helicopter programs, and defense.  Services include maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aircraft engines, and the repair and modification of airframes. It serves a wide array of customers: airlines, business, general aviation, industrial power, components, and energy interests are all served by the company. StandardAero provides an attractive opportunity for aeronautical engineers to learn mechanical and technical skills and applying them to a wide array of different aircraft.