F​/5th Generation Fighter Pilot Subject Matter Expert; SME

Our instructor pilots strengthen safety and readiness by preparing military aviators for critical missions. Your experience helps new recruits perform at their best when the stakes are highest. Join a team powered by cutting‑edge technology and a shared commitment to empowering defence forces worldwide.

Shape the Future of Fighter Pilot Training in Canada

CAE is seeking an experienced F-35 / 5th Generation Fighter Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the design and delivery of Canada’s Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT) program.

This opportunity allows you to leverage your operational and instructional experience to influence how the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter pilots are prepared for the F-35. Working alongside military stakeholders, training developers, and aviation experts, you will help define training concepts, develop courseware, and shape a fighter training ecosystem built around the Leonardo M-346 platform.

This is a non-flying role focused on training development, operational design, and program implementation.

As the program’s F-35 / 5th Generation fighter expert, you will serve as a key advisor supporting the design, development, validation, and implementation of the FFLIT training system.

• Provide operational expertise to support the design and development of classroom, simulator, and flying training curricula
• Review and validate courseware to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with RCAF training objectives
• Support acceptance testing of courseware and training devices
• Contribute to training policies, procedures, and instructional standards
• Identify training risks and support validation and verification activities

• Advise on the integration of F-35 operational concepts into the FFLIT curriculum and training ecosystem.
• Support the development of concepts of operations, training centre procedures, and operational policies.
• Collaborate with CAE teams, RCAF stakeholders, and program leadership to achieve key program milestones.
• Provide expert input on Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS), simulator utilization, and future training capability development.

• Operational experience as an F-35 or other 5th Generation fighter pilot and instructor pilot within the RCAF or a comparable military organization.
• 10–15 years of military flight operations experience.
• 10+ years of leadership or instructional experience.
• Experience with simulator-based and synthetic training environments.
• Experience supporting curriculum development, instructional systems design, or military training program management.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Postsecondary education in a relevant discipline.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level II Security Clearance.

• Former F-35 Instructor Pilot or Instructor Pilot on another 5th Generation platform.
• Experience with in RCAF fighter training and training development organizations.
• M-346, FLIT, or advanced jet training experience.
• Experience supporting simulator, training device, or GBTS development and acceptance testing.
• Experience developing operational policies and procedures.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

We’ve designed flexible policies to promote well‑being and growth, based on role‑specific eligibility and requirements:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement from anywhere in Canada.
• Occasional travel within Canada, including Ottawa and Cold Lake, with limited international travel as required
• Opportunity to contribute directly to one of Canada’s significant military aviation training initiatives
• Opportunity to work with experts in simulation, training,…