Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Overview 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 iconic and versatile aircraft and a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by engineers, technicians, and industry professionals dedicated to craftsmanship and innovation. Position Summary: The Director of Manufacturing Engineering is a results-driven, strategic, and technical leader responsible for providing 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. This role offers an 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, 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 aircraft build process, ensuring 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 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 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 in the aerospace sector. Functional Leadership in Manufacturing Engineering & Industrialization Defining Manufacturing Standards: Establish standards, processes, and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all production operations. Engagement and Enablement: Develop and execute engagement plans to empower manufacturing teams with knowledge, skills, and tools for success. KPIs and Governance: Define and implement 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. 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 aerospace manufacturing. Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams across locations and aligning 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 decisions are based on thorough analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and strategic alignment. Customer Focus & Interpersonal Skills: Customer-centric mindset with focus on exceeding customer expectations while maintaining efficient manufacturing operations. Excellent interpersonal skills to work with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders. Working Conditions This is a full-time position based in Calgary, AB. Occasional travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customer locations. Ability 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 difference in the world—enabling global travel. Manufactured over 5,600 aircraft and built some of the most advanced turboprops in the air today. State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with dynamic teams. Global network of support and a tradition as a leader in aerospace. In addition to opportunities for career growth, 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 Health & Safety and Equal Opportunity At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, we are committed to Health & Safety Excellence. All employees must adhere to Health & Safety Policies and may be required to perform key physical tasks. PPE usage is required when applicable. We strive to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Accommodation is available during the recruitment process upon request. Background checks may be conducted as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on positive and satisfactory background checks, including verification of entitlement to work in Canada, references, and verification of employment history, education, and criminal background checks. #J-18808-Ljbffr