Director of Engineering

Diamond Aircraft Industries; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation firm is seeking a Director of Engineering in London, Ontario. This role requires strategic and operational leadership in engineering activities, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Candidates should have 15-20 years of experience in aerospace, demonstrate strong leadership, and collaborate effectively across teams. Key responsibilities include developing certification projects and guiding engineering teams. This full-time position offers an opportunity to drive technology development in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of professional experience, including 10+ years in leadership within the aerospace industry.
• Extensive knowledge of Transport Canada and FAA regulations for aircraft certification.
• Proven leadership and management skills to create goals aligned with business requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead aircraft certification projects.
• Provide strategic guidance for engineering activities.
• Ensure products are compliant with aviation regulations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Critical thinking

Team building

Knowledge of FAA regulations

Communication skills

Job description

Executive Recruiter at Aviation Search Group

Aviation Search Group is partnered with Diamond Aircraft, an innovative leader in general aviation manufacturing, to recruit a Director of Engineering for their London, Ontario operation. This role provides strategic and operational leadership, overseeing all engineering activities to ensure products are designed, developed, and manufactured safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with aviation regulations. The position also drives technology development and cross‑functional collaboration to support successful programs and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead subsequent aircraft certification projects by coordinating internal Diamond groups and outside customers to ensure well‑planned, efficient, and timely aircraft system implementation.
• Develop efficient and accurate certification plans for TC Part 523 and FAA 14 CFR Part 23 aircraft.
• Lead, facilitate, and encourage the development of a coherent engineering organization focused on the specific needs of the Diamond Aircraft.
• Leverage best engineering practices from across the corporation and advance the digital engineering paradigm.
• Provide guidance and direction to senior Engineering Leadership staff, fostering the development and engagement of all employees in the organization.
• Execute workforce planning to include talent management, recruiting, attrition, career development, and maintenance of core competencies.
• Identify and develop new engineering capabilities and competencies that enhance the ability to pursue new products and business opportunities.
• Ensure the staffing, tools, processes, and capabilities are provided to support execution of the AW portfolio and grow the business.
• Establish, define, develop, and communicate clear processes, procedures, metrics, and training to ensure engineering program execution.
• Establish and maintain clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations between AW Engineering, Program Management, and Operations.
• Enhance program execution in support of AW programs by strengthening functional engineering support to programs.
• Direct, prioritize, and communicate ongoing technical issues and concerns, and mitigation solutions. Serve as a focal point and top of the escalation chain for incidents related to engineering.
• Provide strategic guidance that extends the knowledge in relevant technologies.
• Enhance ability to meet business objectives by developing advanced applications of technology.
• Support organizational communications with a focus on organizational change management for program execution.
• Offer expertise and support to Business Development and Program Management in the pursuit and execution of profitable contracts for existing and new product development.
• Develop and instill collaboration across functional, business unit, division, and sector boundaries to support and drive Engineering / AW strategic objectives.
• Demonstrate a leading role in promoting adherence to the company's ethical standards and business practices; ensure compliance with the NGC operational standards and all other policies and requirements; provide for good stewardship of the assets of the business.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15-20 years of professional experience.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in functional management, program management, or technical leadership in the aerospace industry.
• Extensive experience with Transport Canada and FAA regulations applicable to aircraft certification efforts.
• Background in aerospace systems with a basic understanding of all aspects of missile systems.
• High level of leadership and management skills to set direction, create goals in alignment with business requirements, prioritize operational and project tasks, and enforce accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to identify talent, give sufficient autonomy and accountability, and build a highly functioning engineering team.
• Possess strong critical thinking skills that result in effective and timely decision‑making and priority setting.
• Experience building high‑performing teams.
• Experience in product development, identifying critical technologies, developing technology roadmaps, and executing strategic and tactical technology development.
• Comfortable operating at a fast pace with a commitment to success.
• Must have experience identifying, establishing, and building important relationships with senior‑level executives and stakeholders, as well as the ability to collaborate within and across organizational boundaries.
• This role demands engaged and visionary leadership and the ability to collaborate, influence, negotiate, shape, gain commitment to action, and be decisive at all levels.
• Strong executive presence with experience presenting to CEO / VP‑level executives and customers.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Management

Industries: Aviation & Aerospace

Location: London, Ontario, Canada