Director, Manufacturing Engineering

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 1,400 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.

Position Summary:

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering is a results-driven, strategic, and technical leader responsible for providing overall leadership, direction, and guidance to the Aircraft Assembly organization in Calgary. The Director will lead efforts to enhance manufacturing processes and define new product introduction plans while optimizing production capabilities at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and build the Manufacturing Engineering function in support of company goals and objectives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in planning, coordinating, and executing complex manufacturing strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and optimizing production efficiency. This role requires expertise in aerospace manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive the development and implementation of new processes, and tools.

Key Responsibilities:New Program Introduction (NPI):

• Manufacturing Integration: Integrate manufacturing requirements into the overall aircraft build process, ensuring that production capabilities align with engineering specifications and program schedules.
• Creation and Release of Documentation: Coordinate the creation and timely release of aircraft build and supporting documentation, ensuring all production materials meet customer and program specifications.
• Integrated Product Development Teams (IPDT): Lead and engage with IPDTs, ensuring cross-functional alignment between engineering, operations, and quality teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Change Management: Drive effective change management processes, ensuring all modifications are executed with minimal disruption and full compliance with program requirements.
• First Article Schedule & Delivery: Oversee the creation and delivery of first articles, ensuring they meet design and manufacturing requirements.

Business Process Improvement:

• Process Benchmarking: Regularly benchmark manufacturing processes against industry best practices to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Production Problem Resolution: Provide direct support to manufacturing teams, resolving production issues promptly and effectively to maintain schedule and quality.
• Line Support: Offer continuous support to production lines to address and resolve any manufacturing challenges or roadblocks.
• New Technology Analysis: Evaluate new technologies and tools that can improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality, ensuring the company remains competitive within the aerospace sector.

Functional Leadership in Manufacturing Engineering & Industrialization:

• Defining Manufacturing Standards: Establish manufacturing standards, processes, and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all production operations.
• Engagement and Enablement: Develop and execute engagement plans to empower the manufacturing teams with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed for success.
• KPIs and Governance: Define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and governance frameworks to track and ensure operational performance meets objectives.
• Training and Development: Lead the development of training and career growth plans for the Manufacturing Engineering & Industrialization team, ensuring continuous skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Budgets and Financial Management: Manage the budget for the Manufacturing Engineering function, ensuring financial objectives are met and resources are used efficiently.

Educational Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree or greater in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical field is required.
• Professional Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in highly complex assembly manufacturing environments, ideally within the aerospace sector.
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial role, leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven track record in managing the integration of engineering and manufacturing functions, particularly during new program introductions and complex production challenges.
• Strong background in manufacturing, product and process innovation, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Project Management Experience:
• Extensive experience managing complex projects, with a proven ability to lead teams through multiple phases of new product development and manufacturing.

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and MS Project.
• Advanced knowledge of aerospace manufacturing principles, product lifecycle management, and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Familiarity with cost accounting, cost estimating, and financial management in the context of aerospace manufacturing.
• Leadership Skills:
• Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience in managing cross-functional teams across different locations and ensuring alignment on goals and objectives.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to executive leadership and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving & Decision Making:
• Ability to analyze complex manufacturing and technical challenges and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Exceptional decision-making ability, ensuring that decisions are based on thorough analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and strategic alignment.
• Customer Focus & Interpersonal Skills:
• A strong customer-centric mindset, with a focus on exceeding customer expectations while maintaining efficient manufacturing operations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position based in Calgary, AB.
• Occasional travel may be required to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customer locations.
• The Director, Manufacturing Engineering must be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where business priorities may shift quickly.

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.