Deputy Chief Architect - National Defence, Ottawa

The opportunity

If you are seeking impactful government jobs Ottawa has to offer, consider this unique opening among National Defence careers. The Directorate of Architecture and Engineering Services, known as DAES, provides specialized technical expertise, technical authority, and professional advice in support of the planning, delivery, operation, maintenance, renewal, recapitalization, and stewardship of Defence infrastructure. Within DAES, the architecture team provides architectural leadership, technical authority, oversight, and strategic advice to help ensure Defence facilities are functional, mission-ready, resilient, secure, inclusive, sustainable, durable, and aligned with operational requirements across the organization.

This position is among the most sought-after National Defence jobs Ottawa provides for experienced professionals. It is not primarily a design-production role. Instead, it presents an exceptional opportunity to apply professional judgement and architectural expertise where they can generate significant impact for national security and public infrastructure.

What you'll do

In this high-level capacity within DAES, you will engage in diverse responsibilities that shape major capital investments and facility standards. The position requires you to execute several critical functions:

• Reviewing and advising on major capital projects
• Identifying risks and opportunities across infrastructure portfolios
• Interpreting policy and standards to ensure compliance
• Supporting governance and quality assurance frameworks
• Developing technical requirements and guidance for future projects
• Providing decision support throughout the infrastructure lifecycle

Professional expertise and authority

National Defence relies on this role to maintain high standards of architectural excellence and strategic oversight. By bringing your deep professional background to DAES, you ensure that every facility project aligns with strict operational requirements and long-term sustainability goals. Your technical authority helps guide cross-functional teams, steering complex defence initiatives safely from planning through to completion.