Job Title: Digital Automation & RPAS Program Lead (Chief Pilot)

Reporting to: IT Infrastructure Ops & Telecom Manager

Location: Kitimat, BC or Calgary, AB

About the Role

Accountable for the strategy, governance, and technical leadership of LNG Canada's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program as a core operating capability. The role ensures RPAS operations are safe, compliant, scalable, and integrated into enterprise data and autonomy initiatives.

The position also provides technical oversight of broader automation solutions-including IoT, robotics, and ROV-enabled inspections-where these systems deliver measurable safety, HSSE, and cost benefits.

To succeed with us at LNG Canada, we need your enthusiasm to:

Lead with Honesty: We act with integrity and courage, even when it is difficult.
• Communicate openly, clearly, and respectfully in all situations.
• Speak up when something doesn't feel right, including safety or ethical concerns.
• Take accountability for decisions and actions, and do the right thing for people and the business.

Nurture Our People: We create an environment where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.
• Support the development of others through feedback, coaching, and collaboration.
• Build trusting relationships grounded in respect and inclusion.
• Assume positive intent and approach differences with empathy and fairness.

Grow Our Business: We focus our energy on work that delivers meaningful, long-term value.
• Prioritize what matters most and use time and resources effectively.
• Set clear goals, follow through on commitments, and deliver results.
• Look for opportunities to improve how we work and how we perform.

Connect with Purpose: We build strong connections and understand the impact of our work.
• Listen to, understand and value diverse perspectives.
• Foster inclusive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Align daily work with LNG Canada's purpose, values, and broader impact.

You will use your expertise to:

RPAS Program & Aviation Authority
• Act as Chief Pilot and Airspace Area Authority for LNGC RPAS operations.
• Fulfil the formal aviation legal and regulatory responsibilities of the Chief Pilot role, including operational control, human factors, aviation risk management, and HSSE accountability.
• Lead engagement with Transport Canada and other aviation stakeholders.
• Maintain and evolve SFOC approvals, airspace permissions, and aviation governance.
• Translate regulatory approvals (e.g., BVLOS, altitude, autonomous operations) into safe, repeatable operational capability.

Program Strategy & Operating Model
• Define and maintain a multi-year RPAS strategy aligned with business needs, regulatory posture, and value delivery.
• Position RPAS as dependable operating infrastructure rather than ad-hoc innovation.
• Establish and govern RPAS service lines with clear operating standards and constraints.
• Inform resourcing, contractor integration, and availability models as the program scales.

Data Platforms & Architecture
• Own the backend data architecture for RPAS-generated data.
• Ensure data quality, governance, traceability, and alignment with enterprise data platforms.
• Design the architecture such that other automation systems-including IoT, robotics, and ROV platforms-can integrate into the same data ecosystem.
• Work with IM/IT and Asset Excellence to ensure platform consistency and long-term scalability.

Automation, Robotics & ROV Solutions
• Provide technical oversight of automation and robotics initiatives where they intersect with autonomy, remote operations, or data collection.
• Support the deployment of ROV-based inspection solutions, particularly for underwater and marine environments, recognizing their role in significantly reducing cost and operational risk relative to diver-only methods.
• Ensure all automation solutions are evidence-based, regulator-aware, and operationally supportable.

Engineering, Vendors & Governance
• Provide systems-level technical leadership across aircraft, sensors, autonomy platforms, and operating environments.
• Act as LNGC's senior technical counterpart with OEMs, vendors, and service providers.
• Support procurement, vendor evaluation, and lifecycle governance.
• Maintain documentation and reporting to support compliance, auditability, and leadership oversight.

To be successful, you will have:

Education & Credentials
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) preferred.
• Advanced RPAS Certificate - required.
• Level 1 "Complex" RPAS operations experience - strongly preferred.

Experience
• 10+ years experience in engineering, automation, aviation, robotics, or safety-critical industrial environments.
• Minimum 100 hours RPAS flight time.
• Demonstrated experience working with regulators or certification authorities, including:

o Transport Canada engagement

o Development of new interpretations or alternative means of compliance

o Contributing to or trend-setting emerging regulatory approaches
• Working knowledge of the Transport Canada SFOC application process, including BVLOS and autonomous RPAS operations.
• Proven ability to mature early-stage technical capabilities into stable operating systems.

Skills & Attributes
• Strong understanding of aviation risk management, human factors, and HSSE obligations associated with RPAS operations.
• Systems-engineering mindset across hardware, software, data, and operations.
• Comfortable operating with high accountability and limited precedent.
• Able to translate complex technical systems into practical business outcomes.
• Clear, concise communicator with regulators, leadership, and technical teams.

This role requires that you:
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., by way of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work permit)
• Be located in either Kitimat, BC or Calgary, AB. If Calgary, you will be required to spend minimum one week on site per month, with additional presence as required for business needs
• Are willing to comply with LNGC's drug-free and harassment-free work environment and comply with all safety policies and procedures.
• Undergo a pre-placement medical assessment of your fitness for duty, and Pre-Site Access testing for alcohol and specified drugs.

We Offer:
• A comprehensive LNG Canada relocation package (if required)
• A full suite of benefits including a flexible medical and health plan.
• A defined contribution pension plan with a matching program
• A competitive vacation offering to ensure a work life balance.
• See more information about Kitimat