Avionics Systems Senior Engineering Specialist

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.

Profile

The Avionic Systems Senior Engineering Specialist is a technical leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of complex Avionics upgrade projects, make findings of compliance under DHC DAO and mentor the next generation of Avionics Engineers. We are looking for an assertive, knowledgeable individual, with good leadership abilities. This position is based out of our Toronto office.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for the development and integration of new avionics functions and aircraft-level capabilities, leading advanced technical studies to enable seamless integration of complex aircraft systems.
• Effectively work with cross-functional teams to plan and track feature implementation, risk and mitigations and report to leadership
• Represent DHC on a global platform related to future development activities (such as ICAO working group, Airline Customer Flight Operations Steering Committees, RTCA working group, SAE committee)
• Liaise with certification authorities both domestic and foreign through the airworthiness office to address certification issues as they arise
• Review and approve design documents such as vendor drawings, test procedures, qualification reports and certification documents.
• Make findings of compliance under Transport Canada Delegation where applicable.
• Seek delegations in other disciplines and identify and mentor candidate delegates.
• Prepare / define system specifications and requirements.
• Prepare plans for certification of new designs.
• Prepare technical reports to show compliance to the applicable certification requirements.
• Provide technical solutions to field and production line problems.
• Mentor less experienced Engineers in the department.
• Evaluate vendor technical proposals and internal Program Change Requests.
• Support aircraft test programs including Test Definition Sheets, aircraft equipment integration, aircraft test witnessing and subsequent test report development and review.
• Support in-service aircraft by creating and reviewing engineering modification packages based on customer change requests. Support Service Bulletin development. Support in service aircraft fleet investigation by addressing in Service Difficulty Reports.

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelors or master's degree in aerospace or Electrical Engineering
• Current or candidate-for Aircraft Certification Delegate AP/DAR preferred

Experience

• 10+ years experience in the design, installation, integration, testing, and certification of aircraft Electrical and avionics modifications.
• 5 years' experience supporting airworthiness certification under a TCCA framework of working knowledge of system design, test and certification requirements of aircraft auto flight, communication, navigation including FMS, indication/recording systems, cabin, and onboard maintenance systems.
• Knowledgeable with ARP4754 (Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems), ARP4761 (Guidelines and Methods for Conducting The Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne Systems and Equipment) and Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS) is an asset.
• Knowledgeable with civil airworthiness FAR Part 23 & 25 avionics regulations and advisory material.
• Knowledgeable with industry advisory material including SAE, RTCA and ARP documents for applicable TCCA, EASA and FAA avionics certification requirements.
• Familiar with and have a working relationship with TCCA, EASA or FAA.
• Knowledge of the Dash 8 aircraft, the Twin Otter and CL415 aircraft design and operation is an asset.
• Familiarity with internationally recognized engineering design processes and standards is an asset
• Knowledge of the RTCA standards DO-160, DO-178 and DO-254;
• Knowledge of Cybersecurity standards (familiar with DO-326B, DO-256A, DO-255A)
• Being a Design Approval Delegate from Transport Canada is an asset
• Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership in the aerospace industry
• Ability to travel to Flight Test, Vendor or Operator sites.

Skills

• Strong communication skills; can communicate at all levels of the organization and to all levels of our customer and representative organizations.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Ability to make decisions, which may involve others from various functions to exceed our customer's needs.
• Strong integration skills, in both system partner management and system technical integration.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, you can set priorities in order to achieve important milestones.

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.