Lead, Technical Training

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Canada seeks a Lead Technical Training professional to develop and manage training programs for manufacturing personnel. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in technical training and a solid understanding of aviation regulations. Join a dedicated team fostering skill development and operational excellence within the industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in aerospace technical training.
• Understanding of FAA, EASA, and OSHA regulations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and improvement of training programs for manufacturing teams.
• Manage team of technical trainers and ensure effective training delivery.
• Ensure training compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality.

Skills

Aircraft structures

Training program leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Instructional skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

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.

Lead, Technical Training

Position Summary:
The Lead, Technical Training is responsible for leading the development, coordination, and delivery of technical training programs that support manufacturing and assembly operations in an aircraft production environment. This position ensures employees are equipped with the necessary skills, regulatory knowledge, and safety awareness to meet production quality and compliance standards. As a key member of the team, the Lead will partner with cross-functional leaders to assess training needs, drive continuous improvement, and ensure readiness across all levels of the workforce. In addition to leading technical training strategy, the Lead is accountable for managing a team of technical trainers and coordinators, ensuring consistent delivery, professional development, and alignment with operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Training Program Development & Delivery

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of training programs for aircraft manufacturing and assembly personnel.
• Develop and deliver training content on subjects including:
  • Aircraft structure and systems assembly.
  • Technical blueprint reading and interpretation.
  • Safety procedures and regulatory compliance.
  • Quality assurance and inspection protocols.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of training materials, including manuals, job aids, e-learning modules, and standard work instructions.
• In collaboration with the Technical Trainers, create hands-on training sessions and on-the-job instruction to reinforce key technical skills.
• Manage on-the-job training (OJT) activities, ensuring consistency across shifts and teams.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the technical training team, including trainers and coordinators.
• Assign training responsibilities, manage workloads, and ensure consistent quality of training delivery across shifts.
• Support performance management and professional development of training team members.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports operations and aligns with business goals.
• Set team priorities, manage training schedules, and monitor delivery to ensure alignment with production demands.

Onboarding & Workforce Development

• Coordinate and facilitate technical onboarding for new hires in production and assembly roles.
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training interventions.
• Support employee development plans by offering coaching, mentoring, and upskilling initiatives aligned with operational goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure training content reflects current methods and process improvements.

Compliance, Certification & Evaluation

• Ensure all training programs meet regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA, Transport Canada – CARS 521, 561, 571) and internal quality standards.
• Maintain accurate training documentation, certifications, and audit-ready records.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, feedback, and production performance indicators.
• Monitor regulatory and industry changes to keep training content current and compliant.
• Act as a technical training liaison across operations, HR, Quality, HSE, and the Academy training team.
• Champion a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the manufacturing floor.
• Support cross-training efforts to build workforce agility and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Mentor and guide junior trainers or coordinators within the training function.

Qualifications & Skills:

• In-depth understanding of aircraft structures, components, and assembly processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead training programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory frameworks including:
  • CARS 521 – Approval of Type Design
  • CARS 561 – Manufacture of Aeronautical Products
  • CARS 571 – Aircraft Maintenance Requirements
• Strong instructional, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical content into engaging training materials.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) and training tracking tools preferred.
• Working knowledge of FAA, EASA, and OSHA regulations is an asset.

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer or Technician preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in technical training within aerospace or a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience in leading training projects and/or teams is highly desirable.

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.