Innovation Challenges2026: Next Generation Immersive Environment Technologies

Turn ideas into action. Innovate with CAE.

Are you looking to gain paid, hands-on experience within a global high-technology company?

Interested in contributing to real innovation projects shaping the future of training, simulation, and immersive technologies?

The CAE Innovation Challenges 2026 offer Quebec-based students and recent graduates the opportunity to work on real, paid, high-impact mandates , in a flexible and primarily remote setting.

Why participate?

• Work on real innovation challenges tied to simulation and advanced technologies

• Collaborate with emerging talent

• Gain valuable, paid professional experience

• Contribute to the mission of a global leader in training and simulation

Program snapshot:

• Dates : March 9 to April 3, 2026

• Format : primarily remote (full-time or part-time)

• Compensation : $25/hour (CAE employment contract)

• Languages : French or English

• Available positions : 45

• Target audience : post-secondary students and recent graduates in Quebec

Participants will work individually or in teams , depending on the mandate. Top outcomes may be showcased post-challenge or considered for future collaboration.

Description

Innovation is at the heart of CAE's culture. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to biometrics, learning science and innovative design, we leverage cutting-edge technology and the creativity of our employees every day to push the boundaries of immersion and deliver advanced solutions for training, simulation and critical operations support around the world.

In this spirit of continuous innovation, CAE is launching the 2026 Innovation Challenges

Over a four-week period, use your creativity and knowledge, alone or as part of a team, to come up with ideas and concepts and imagine, with CAE, the future of training. Through this unique experience, you will be able to innovate, surpass yourself and collaborate with students and recent graduates by contributing to the mission of a global company, which is a leader in its field. Come and share your passion with us

The challenge we offer:

Virtual, augmented and mixed reality, tactile controls, finger and hand movement detection systems: the progress in human-machine interfaces and immersive visualization systems is dazzling and offers increasingly advanced capabilities.

In this challenge, you will benchmark existing and upcoming virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Next, imagine how CAE can leverage the unmatched capabilities of these technologies to deploy immersive, mobile environments that allow learners to train anywhere, anytime, taking into consideration research on the fatigue that can be associated with VR/AR headsets, highlighting techniques that can reduce these potential side effects.

Ideal candidates have:

• Ability to think critically, creatively, and strategically

• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills; Autonomy and initiative

• Good communication, writing and synthesis skills

• Spoken and written language: French and/or English

Desired Education and Expertise:

• This challenge is aimed at all profiles of expertise insofar as the candidate demonstrates an interest and knowledge related to the different facets of the mandate

• Expertise in conducting a literature review and accessing specialized publications on the subject is an asset.

Criteria for registration

The 2026 CAE Innovation Challenges are open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Quebec, as well as students with a work permit who have been in Quebec for at least 5 years;

• Are currently pursuing post-secondary studies (CEGEP or college, or undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate studies) on a part-time or full-time basis; OR

• Completed post-secondary education as described above 6 months ago or less and are currently looking for work.

Other requirements:

• Be available to participate in a challenge between March 9 and April 3, 2026 , by dedicating between 80 and 160 hours during this period.

• Be available, in particular, for the welcome and orientation session scheduled for March 9, between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m . This session will be held virtually.

• An employment contract will be established between CAE and each selected participant, following a short standard security screening process. No interview required.

• The schedule is flexible (day, evening, weekend, etc.) and left to the discretion of each participant

• Each participant must have the necessary equipment to perform the work (computer, network access, etc.). The work will be carried out remotely, without equipment provided by the company.

*All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and will be required to complete, sign and return the security screening form provided to them, along with a copy of two valid identification documents as part of the hiring process.

** Please specify in your cover letter the approximate number of hours, between 80 and 160 hours, that you plan to devote to the challenge.

CAE offers you:

• Flexible schedule

• Remote work assignment, with optional in-person meetings between participants working on the same challenge

• Opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team

• An exciting challenge in an innovative and cutting-edge industry

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 CAECarrieres- if needed.

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CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.