Senior Program Manager, Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Materials

• Location: Calgary AMEC Place
• Posted: November 25, 2025
• Competition #: 4008

Alberta Innovates is seeking a Senior Program Manager, Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Materials. This is a permanent position, preferably based at our Calgary AMEC office. However, we will also consider placement at our Research Park location in Edmonton if required. This position is eligible for hybrid work. This role drives Alberta Innovates' engagement in Aerospace and Defence, aligning with the Government of Alberta's mandate. The position combines technical expertise with strategic program oversight to manage high-impact programs, foster industry collaboration, and guide investments that deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits to Alberta.

This role works with SMEs, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation and commercialization while contributing to long-term strategy through technical insight and cross-sector collaboration.

You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• Demonstrate in-depth technical and analytical expertise and provides innovative, practical solutions.
• Are proficient in strategic and program management, goal setting, and continuous improvement.
• Have strong written and verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Build and maintain relationships across government, academia, and industry.
• Applies creative and collaborative thinking to develop innovative solutions and achieve results.

We are game changers

Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province's research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre, and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta's economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance the well-being of Albertans through research and innovation.

Our subsidiary, InnoTech Alberta, offers a diversified range of scientific engineering and technological research and testing capabilities, and the facilities to support technology scale-up. Our multidisciplinary team has the depth of experience to work across all sectors, from energy to health to food and fibre. InnoTech Alberta offers you access to research talent, technical expertise, and unique facilities that can help accelerate technology development that serves both the private and public sector.

Here's some more information about the position:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Drive Innovation Programs You'll design and lead strategies that accelerate innovation and foster collaboration across industries. You'll spot opportunities to support innovators, partners, and stakeholders in advancing breakthrough technologies.
• Lead Programs & Projects You'll take ownership of programs and projects, ensuring they align with strategic goals. From proposal to completion, you'll guide applicants and teams every step of the way.
• Champion Technology & Investments You'll be at the forefront of advancing technologies that strengthen Alberta's economy and environment. You'll help direct strategic investments into high-impact Aerospace & Defence projects.
• Oversee Budgets & Reporting You'll manage program budgets, authorize expenditures, and monitor financial performance. You'll prepare clear, timely reports that explain progress and variances.
• Measure Impact You'll track outcomes and evaluate the success of programs and initiatives. You'll also contribute to cross-functional projects that advance Emissions Reduction Alberta's mission.
• Shape the Ecosystem You'll lead the development of new technology initiatives, informed by industry trends and best practices. You'll build strong partnerships with governments, academia, industry, and other stakeholders. You'll represent Alberta Innovates – Aerospace & Defence at conferences and workshops, staying connected to cutting-edge developments.
• Strengthen the Organization You'll provide expert advice to senior leadership, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and collaborate with internal teams to advance business priorities.

Qualifications and skills we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or in a related field
• 10+ years of related experience managing research programs and projects, including engineering/scientific analysis.
• Direct experience in the aerospace and/or defence industry.
• Understanding of Alberta's social, economic, environmental and technological priorities.
• Preferred candidates will have proven ability to lead joint industry projects and engage senior technical and management professionals.
• Experience working with SMEs and startups is an asset.
• Experience with public funding and Government of Alberta policy frameworks is preferred.

Why Alberta Innovates?

We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business, so we offer a strong benefits package, vacation starting at 3 weeks and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance.

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references.

This opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to .careferencing the competition title and number in the subject line.

The personal information collected in application for this position is for recruitment and hiring purposes. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act.

ALBERTA INNOVATES IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

To apply for this role, attach your resume to the email. Alternatively, email your resume to using Senior Program Manager, Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Materials in the subject line of your email.