Director, Engineering Dash 7-8

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide. Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance. Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

PROFILE

Reporting to the Senior Director, Product Development Engineering , you are responsible for planning and directing all aspects of engineering activities of the DHC 7-8 Engineering team for all aircraft supported by De Havilland and ensuring that all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformity with the established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Provide direction and leadership to the DHC 7-8 Engineering Team across the De Havilland organization.

• Develop and execute strategies to deliver innovative engineering support solutions responding to customer, business unit and corporate requirements.

• Provide execution oversight for important research, development, test, and evaluation efforts.

• Ensure application of professional standards and company processes are followed in accomplishing work activities.

• Ensure that safety and airworthiness of the fleet is prioritized in providing fleet support engineering services.

• Apply existing processes and develop new processes for engineering support activities and hold individuals accountable for following them.

• Ensure engineering projects are planned and executed following prescribed and accepted project management and systems engineering practices and processes supporting successful project outcomes and that business, programmatic, and technical objectives are met and risk management practices are applied.

• Maintenance of the required documentation and data sets for Type Design.

• Coordinate the approval of engineering data by external authorities and support the airworthiness approval process as needed.

• May require up to 25% travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this role .

Competencies

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a strong engineering team with a robust succession plan.

• Superior communication skills both to internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong ability to seek out and engage a broad range of external vendors able to assist in delivering engineering solutions .

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Experience with developing and managing departmental and project budgets.

• Knowledgeable in developing processes and systems that improve and enhance the company’s competitive advantage.

• Able to analyze complicated sets of data and utilize the information to manage engineering activities, develop solutions, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop corrective actions.

Relationships

• Reports to: Sr Director – Product Development Engineering .

• Leadership Responsibility: Provides direction and support to all team members in the De Havilland DHC 7-8 Engineering Team.

• Direct reports include Work Pack Managers and Chief Technical Integrators .

• Internal Interactions : Other Engineering teams, Supply Chain, Production, Finance, Programs, Sales, Contracts/Legal, Aftermarket, and Business Development .

• External Interactions: Regulatory authorities, suppliers, vendors, customers, educational institutions .

Outcomes & Results

• Creation of a centralized results-oriented DHC 7-8 Engineering team that supports all business units, product lines, and programs.

• The DHC 7-8 Engineering team is shaped and maintained to be able to deliver the required internal and external solutions considering the needed growth, specialized abilities, and succession planning ensuring the future success of the team.

• Engineering activities consistently provide value to the customer, are efficiently delivered, extend to engage effective external organizations, support business objectives and growth, mitigate risk.

• The relevant DHC 7-8 Engineering team members take a leading role in developing the scope and satisfying airworthiness certification activities. This includes the direct engagement with regulatory authorities enabling the development of fully exposed certification work demands and to manage certification risk.

Why work at De Havilland?

De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.

• Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
• We’ve manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
• Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
• With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.

In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:

• Competitive wages
• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required. At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.