Fuze Development Lead

About the Role

North Vector Dynamics is developing next-generation defence systems, and energetics is at the core of what makes them lethal and effective. We’re looking for a Fuze Development Lead to own this capability end-to-end: with primary responsibility for fuze design, safety and arming (S&A) device development, initiation systems, and qualification to STANAG 4187 and MIL-STD-1316. This is a mid-senior technical leadership role for a subject matter expert who has spent their career in fuze engineering and development, either in the defence industry or in a specialist fuze or ordnance role within allied armed forces. You won’t be inheriting a fully built programme. You’ll be the person who builds it. That means setting the technical direction, establishing the processes and safety frameworks, and growing a team around you as the company scales. The scope is significant and the growth path is real. If you’re a seasoned fuze development engineer who wants to lead, not just contribute, and you’re ready to do it at a company where your work has direct and tangible consequences in the field, this role was written for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead fuze design and development at North Vector Dynamics: owning the technical direction, development roadmap, and delivery outcomes across fuze architecture, safety and arming device design, initiation system development, and energetic subsystem integration

• Define and drive the strategy for vertical integration of warhead and fuze development and manufacturing: identifying what capabilities to build in-house, what to source, and the roadmap to bring critical functions under our own roof over time.

• Lead fuze design and development, including both electronic and mechanical fuzing concepts, safety and arming (S&A) device design and integration, initiation train engineering, and full qualification testing to STANAG 4187 (fuze safety requirements) and MIL-STD-1316 (fuze design safety criteria for S&A devices)

• Collaborate closely with our systems engineering, mechanical, and software teams to ensure energetic subsystems are fully integrated and optimized within the broader platform.

• Grow the team: as North Vector Dynamics scales, you’ll play a key role in identifying, recruiting, and mentoring the next generation of energetics talent within the company.

• Step into whatever the mission demands: this is a startup, and no two weeks will look the same.

What You Bring

Required

• Demonstrable subject matter expertise in fuze design and development — including safety and arming devices, electronic fuze circuits, and mechanical fuzing mechanisms — gained through hands-on technical experience in the defence industry or through a specialist fuze, ordnance, or munitions engineering role in allied armed forces.

• Demonstrated experience with fuze design and development, including safety and arming (S&A) device design and qualification, initiation train engineering, environmental and mechanical design compliance with MIL-STD-1316, and demonstrable working knowledge of STANAG 4187 fuze safety performance requirements. Experience taking a fuze design through the full qualification lifecycle — from initial concept through acceptance testing — is essential.

• A solid understanding of the regulatory and safety frameworks governing the handling, storage, transport, and manufacture of explosives and energetic materials.

• Strong technical communication skills: you can produce rigorous engineering documentation and brief complex energetics concepts to mixed technical and non-technical audiences.

• Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance; active clearance is a significant asset.

• A builder’s mindset: you’re comfortable creating processes, frameworks, and team structures where none yet exist.

Preferred

• Military background is a strong asset, we deeply value the technical depth, operational context, and mission focus that veterans bring. Candidates with prior service in a Canadian Armed Forces or allied military energetics, ammunition, or EOD role are highly encouraged to apply.

• Familiarity with fuze-specific NATO and US military standards beyond STANAG 4187 and MIL-STD-1316 — including STANAG 4560 (insensitive munitions), MIL-STD-331 (fuze and fuze components environmental and performance tests), and MIL-HDBK-1512 (electroexplosive subsystems) — and experience applying them across a qualification programme.

• Prior experience working in a startup, scale-up, or early-stage programme environment where technical leadership and individual initiative were equally essential.

• Knowledge of export control frameworks as they apply to energetic materials and munitions, including ITAR/EAR and Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) requirements.

• Post-secondary education in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemistry, or a closely related technical field; graduate-level study in energetics or propulsion is a meaningful asset.

• Understanding of and exposure to warhead design and analysis including modeling and simulation tools such as hydrodynamic code (LS-DYNA), would be considered an asset.

• Experience leading and/or conducting live-fire experimental test campaigns, specifying test site requirements and instrumentation, would be considered an asset.

Why North Vector Dynamics

• Real ownership from day one, the systems and processes you build will be foundational to how this company operates for years to come.

• We’re working on technology that matters at a national and global level, and every person on the team feels that weight and that purpose.

• A tight-knit, high-calibre team that moves fast, holds each other to a high standard, and doesn’t waste time on bureaucracy for its own sake.

• Competitive compensation and meaningful upside from joining an early-stage company at the forefront of the defence technology sector.

• On-site in Calgary, AB, a growing hub for tech and defence, with a culture built around resilience and getting things done.