As a Manager - Physics in the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of physicists and scientific staff who conduct research and provide expert analysis to support defence and security objectives. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing physics-related projects, managing team performance, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality scientific outcomes that contribute to operational effectiveness and technological advancement. Your role bridges scientific expertise with management responsibility, requiring you to maintain current knowledge of physics disciplines while overseeing budgets, timelines, and personnel development. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside other scientists, engineers, and military personnel, contributing to projects that range from fundamental research to applied defence applications.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of physics services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the physics team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Research design, Statistical analysis, Laboratory techniques, Scientific writing, Data interpretation, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for a Manager - Physics position, you typically need a university degree in physics or a closely related discipline, with preference given to candidates holding a Master's degree or PhD in physics or a specialized physics field. Professional memberships in organizations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or Physics Professional (P.Phys) designation are valuable. You should demonstrate previous experience in a supervisory or team leadership role and possess strong knowledge of physics principles relevant to defence applications. DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including management training programs, security clearance-related courses, and access to specialized physics and defence-focused workshops. Many physicists pursue continuing education to maintain expertise in emerging technologies such as quantum computing, advanced materials, or photonics that may be relevant to defence research.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Manager - Physics role typically occurs through advertised Government of Canada competitions open to Canadian citizens. You may enter as a Manager - Physics directly if you have demonstrated management experience, or progress to this level after working as a Physicist in a professional or senior professional capacity within the federal Public Service. The Public Service Commission (PSC) posts these competitions on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Lateral moves from other scientific management positions within DND or other federal departments are also common. Some candidates enter the federal Public Service through student recruitment programs or as junior physicists and advance to management roles over time. Professional networks and internal mobility programs can enhance opportunities for career progression within DND's science and technology sectors.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Physics positions are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory and strategic responsibilities involved. However, the federal Public Service offers flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and manager approval. Remote or hybrid work options may be available depending on the specific work location and project needs, particularly for tasks involving data analysis, report writing, and virtual team meetings. Discussions about flexible arrangements should occur during the hiring process or with your manager once employed. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and may accommodate flexible schedules when compatible with team operations and security requirements. Part-time management positions are rare in this classification, as the role requires consistent leadership presence.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
