Chief, Engineering Production Support - Final Assembly and Pre-flight

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited in Calgary, AB, is seeking a Chief of Engineering Production Support for the final assembly and pre-flight phases of the Canadair 515 water bomber program.

The role leads a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring seamless integration between design intent and manufacturing execution, while upholding safety, airworthiness, and quality standards in a high-pressure production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of aviation production/engineering experience.
• Knowledge of FAR Part 25 avionics regulations (RTCA/APR).

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering production support for final assembly and preflight.
• Resolve technical issues in production lines promptly.
• Coach engineers; mentor less experienced staff.
• Coordinate with Operations, Methods, Supply Chain, AMO/Pre-flight.
• Review engineering modification packages and service bulletins.

Skills

Troubleshooting complex systems

System integration

English fluency

Microsoft Office

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chief, Engineering Production Support - Final Assembly and Pre-flight

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 3:59 AM

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

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited is currently bringing the legendary CL-415 water bomber back into production as the DHC Canadair 515 aircraft with production based in Calgary Alberta. This program is currently looking to fill a permanent position in Calgary. We are looking for a candidate to lead all aspects of Water Bomber Engineering Production Support in the final assembly line and Pre-flight, ensuring successful entry-into-service of the Canadair 515.

This is a Line-Side Engineering Management position leading a team of engineers and technicians providing real-time production support to final assembly, preflight, and detailed parts fabrication operations. This role ensures seamless integration between engineering design intent and manufacturing execution — maintaining production flow, resolving technical issues rapidly, and upholding the highest standards of safety, airworthiness, and quality.

Aircraft final assembly is a high-pressure working environment requiring an individual to be fast yet thorough and willing to take on numerous challenges with a professional and effective approach.

Direct Accountabilities

• Ensure the team is visible and working directly and very closely with Operations.
• Promote a safe and efficient response to all technical issues arising in any of the production lines.
• Ensure the consumers of Engineering are satisfied with support levels. Those teams include:
  • Production
  • Methods
  • Supply Chain/Procurement
  • AMO/Pre-flight
• Lead the troubleshooting and problem solving of complex technical issues.
• Build a high-performing and highly engaged team with the overarching objective to ensure Operations customer satisfaction with Engineering Production support. The manager is expected to over-deliver on commitments.
• Manage priorities and ensure effective governance of the status of Engineering resolutions.
• Manage performance through holding highly effective performance reviews regularly.
• 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 Difficultly Reports.
• Technically supervise / coordinate the work and the mentoring of less experienced Engineers in the department.

Education Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience, skills, and attitude

• You have a minimum of 10 years of relevant Aviation Production or Engineering experience with a strong working knowledge of troubleshooting complex systems
• You have extensive working experience with system design, test and certification requirements of aircraft
• You are knowledgeable with civil airworthiness FAR Part 25 avionics regulations and industry advisory material including RTCA and APR documents for applicable TCCA, EASA and FAA avionics certification requirements.
• You have strong system technical integration skills.
• You have superior organizational, communication and planning skills, you are able to set priorities in order to achieve important milestones. Fluent in English a must.
• You have strong customer orientation and perseverance
• You must be able to work effectively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of De Havilland aircrafts including the CL-215 and CL-415 water bomber aircraft and the De Havilland engineering and business processes considered a strong asset.
• You are familiar with Microsoft Office software tools.
• The position may require travel to flight test, vendor or operator sites.

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.