Lead, Flight Test Data/Processing Programmer

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.

Job Summary

The Lead, Flight Test Data/Processing Programmer is responsible for designing, building, integrating, and operating systems used for the real-time display of aircraft data as well as post-test processing of recorded flight test data. This role supports the development of engineering data products used for flight test analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative data acquisition, processing, archival, and analysis solutions that support flight test operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain systems for real-time aircraft data display and post-flight data processing.
• Diagnose and resolve issues arising from flight test data collection, acquisition, and processing systems.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reliability, and data quality.
• Create and maintain software applications that support flight test data acquisition, processing, and analysis activities.
• Develop data archiving and retrieval solutions that meet the needs of engineering and flight test customers.
• Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering, Operations Engineering, IT Administration, and leadership teams to support data, status, and capability requirements.
• Develop, test, validate, and troubleshoot aircraft data processing algorithms and analytical tools.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to flight test systems, processes, and technologies.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and accessibility throughout the flight test lifecycle.
• Contribute to technical documentation, procedures, and user support activities.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• 2 to 3 years of experience in a transportation category flight test environment is preferred.
• Experience with data processing, software development, or electrical systems design.
• Experience developing technical solutions within engineering or flight test organizations is considered an asset.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of communication protocols such as:
  • Ethernet
  • MIL-STD-1553
  • ARINC 429
  • Fibre Channel
  • IEEE-1394
  • CAIS Bus (Common Airborne Instrumentation System Bus)
  • RS-422/485
• Experience with Symvionics IADS (Integrated Analysis and Display System) or similar data acquisition and display systems.
• Experience working with flight test instrumentation hardware and software.
• Understanding of IRIG 106 telemetry standards.
• Strong data processing, software development, and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including:
  • Microsoft Word (Intermediate)
  • Microsoft Excel (Intermediate)
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (Intermediate)

Success Factors

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic flight test environment.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to understand and support engineering requirements.

Why work at De Havilland?

De Havillan