Senior Navigation SpecialistDepartment: Technical Capability
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: North America
Reporting To: Rick Fifield
Compensation: CA$130,000 - CA$150,000 / year
DescriptionJob Title: Senior Navigation Specialist
Location: Halifax, NS, Ottawa, ON
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Annual Salary: $130,000-150,000
Key ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Navigator is responsible for providing professional technical advice in support of simulation-based activities related to navigation, bridge operations, and ship handling. The role supports the effective design, delivery, and execution of our simulation services by bringing advanced operational expertise to our simulation environments, ensuring realistic, safe, and operationally credible outcomes.
- Provide subject matter expertise and technical advice in support of navigation and ship handling simulations, including scenario development, execution, and analysis.
- Support client activities by translating real-world maritime operations into credible simulation inputs, behaviours, and constraints.
- Perform duties as a qualified Bridge Watchkeeper, ensuring that simulation outputs reflect current operational best practices and regulatory compliance (e.g. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Apply advanced ship handling knowledge to validate and inform simulation scenarios across a range of operating conditions (open ocean, coastal, confined waters, port approaches).
- Operate and provide expert guidance on Electronic Navigation Systems within simulation and real-world contexts, including:
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Radar / ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
- GPS (Global Positioning System) and integrated bridge systems
- AIS (Automatic Identification System) and voyage planning tools
- Support the development and conduct of simulations, trials, and studies, including post-simulation analysis and reporting.
- Contribute operational expertise to engineering studies, concept development, and capability assessments, particularly where navigation and maneuvering are key factors.
- Provide insight into human factors and bridge team behaviors as they relate to simulated operations.
- Train, mentor, and support team members in understanding practical navigation considerations within simulation environments.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge through ongoing certification, training, and awareness of evolving navigation technologies and simulation practices.
- Conduct reviews and provide assurance that simulation outputs and navigation-related deliverables meet client expectations and operational realism.
- Contribute to internal innovation and business development activities where simulation and operational navigation expertise is required.
Skills, Knowledge & ExpertiseEssential:- Minimum of 10 years practical experience in ship handling, maritime navigation and/or pilotage of large seagoing vessels (e.g., cruise ships, tankers, naval platforms).
- Valid Bridge Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency (STCW compliant)
- Extensive experience with Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, AIS, GPS, integrated bridge systems), including their representation and use in simulated environments
- Ability to translate real-world operational practices into credible simulation inputs, constraints, and performance measures
- Understanding of bridge team dynamics within simulated and real-world operations
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting simulation results and providing actionable insights to clients
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in explaining complex operational behaviours within technical studies
- Strong leadership, teamwork and stakeholder engagement skills across multidisciplinary project teams
Desirable:- Experience with bridge simulators (full mission or part-task trainers) or maritime modelling/simulation tools
- Experience in complex ship towing operations
- Familiarity with how vessel design characteristics influence maneuvering performance and simulation fidelity
- Experience contributing to marine assurance, safety cases, or operational risk assessments
- Eligible for Canadian or US security clearance (depending on the region of employment)
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary commensurate with skill, ability and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefit package including:
- Medical, dental and vision plan (including a Health Care Spending Account)
- Employee and Family Assistance program
- Parental/Maternity leave top-up program
- RRSP or TFSA matching program
- Flexible work hours and hybrid work arrangement
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee recognition program
- Employee referral program
