Project Manager - Defence & Security Canada (Naval Programs)

Shape the Future of Naval Training in Canada

At CAE, we are building the future of training and mission readiness. As a global leader in defence and security training and simulation and a trusted partner to the Canadian Armed Forces and allied nations, CAE delivers advanced solutions that prepare military personnel for demanding missions.

As Defence & Security Canada continues to grow in the naval domain, we are seeking a Project Manager to support strategic programs contributing to Canada's naval capabilities. The role will lead the production and delivery of courseware for the River-Class Destroyer (RCD) Program and support initial advance work and planning for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program (CPSP).

The Project Manager manages the human, financial, operational, and technical resources required to successfully execute projects, meet contractual commitments, achieve business objectives, and maintain customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the planning, execution, production, and delivery of courseware for the RCD Program, including training needs analysis, storyboard reviews, courseware development oversight, customer review cycles, and deliverable acceptance.
• Support initial advance work and planning activities associated with CPSP.
• Develop and maintain project management plans covering scope, schedule, cost, resources, communications, and risk.
• Establish project objectives, milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics aligned with contractual commitments and business objectives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including instructional designers, courseware developers, subject matter experts, engineers, subcontractors, and operational stakeholders.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions as required.
• Manage project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and change throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with CAE project management processes, governance requirements, and customer expectations.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, revenue milestones, and overall financial performance.
• Lead project reviews and provide accurate reporting on project status, risks, opportunities, and financial performance.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM), forecasting, and estimate-at-completion activities.
• Assess scope changes and manage their impact on schedule, cost, and contractual obligations.
• Support achievement of project financial objectives, including revenue, margin, and profitability targets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on assigned project matters.
• Build relationships with customers, partners, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver customer briefings, progress reviews, and executive presentations.
• Support customer negotiations related to project execution, contractual changes, and risk mitigation.
• Identify opportunities that support the continued growth of CAE's naval business and strengthen long-term customer relationships.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and a customer-focused culture.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and opportunities.
• Recommend and support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project delivery and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, Applied Sciences, Military Studies, Education, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• 5 to 8 years of project management experience in defence, aerospace, training systems, engineering, technology, or a related industry.
• Experience managing customer-facing projects with contractual deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of project management disciplines, including scope, schedule, cost, risk, and change management.
• Knowledge of project controls, forecasting, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Strong communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Customer focus and business acumen.
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and results orientation.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required Canadian security clearance.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required, averaging approximately 25% depending on the project phase, customer requirements, and program needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting defence, naval, military, or government programs.
• Knowledge of instructional systems design (ISD), courseware development, training systems, or simulation-based training environments.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and integrated master scheduling.
• Experience supporting proposal development, capture activities, or strategic growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of Canadian defence procurement programs and military training organizations.
• Bilingualism in English and French.

Benefits

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

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• An environment where ideas, initiative, and leadership are recognized and valued.
• Opportunities to contribute to significant Canadian defence modernization programs.
• Diverse and challenging projects within multidisciplinary teams.
• A flexible work environment, including hybrid and teleworking opportunities where business needs permit.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities within a global organization.
• Opportunities to work alongside experts in training, simulation, and defence technologies.
• The opportunity to contribute to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces and the continued growth of CAE's Defence & Security business in Canada.

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email [email protected] if needed.

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As part of our process, we may use AI‑supported tools to help review applications, with human decision‑making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.