Life Cycle Material Engineering Specialist

General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

EFAP and wellness programs

Pension plan with employer contrib.

Vacation and leave provisions

Professional development support

Job summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is seeking a Life Cycle Material Engineering Specialist to join the Ottawa team. You will support manufacturing, troubleshoot product issues, and liaise with program teams to ensure on‑time delivery and high quality.

The role emphasizes lifecycle management, corrective actions, and continuous improvement across product support processes. You will mentor technicians, drive engineering solutions, and occasionally travel to customer sites to deliver expert

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in product support, manufacturing/test engineering, systems troubleshooting, or a related technical environment.
• Strong understanding of product design, system integration, manufacturing processes, and test/diagnostic methods for complex electronic systems.
• Experience performing failure analysis, root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing corrective solutions.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, circuit design, production assembly/test methods, quality practices, and IPC standards.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, develop solutions, and provide technical guidance as a SME.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supporting DoD programs, defence‑related products, or military systems.
• Experience with Life Cycle Material Management (LCMM), including product sustainment, maintenance, repair, and supportability activities.

Responsibilities

• Guide Product Support Technicians and Technologists, Coordinators, and Commercial Officers, enabling them to achieve quality and on‑time delivery goals.
• Lead through influence and mentor Technicians and Technologists in managing product support problems and driving solutions.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions to program engineering teams for potential product quality issues.
• Identify systemic gaps in processes and procedures, and partner with stakeholders to design resolution mechanisms.
• Partner with coordinators to ensure the integrity of Product Support data and documentation of repair processes.
• Develop cost estimates using data analytics and present high‑impact reports to stakeholders.
• Direct triage workflow of incoming repair products, prioritisation, and communications with stakeholders.
• Serve as primary technical liaison for customers, lead on‑site troubleshooting, and travel to customer sites as needed.
• Conduct obsolescence investigations, validate substitutions, and manage EC/Approval processing for life cycle management.
• Champion continuous improvement projects aligned with Project Support objectives and priorities.
• Provide expert feedback during product development and support repair programs involving electrical/mechanical components.
• Perform additional duties as delegated by the Manufacturing Engineering & Product Support Manager.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Lean principles

AI/ML awareness

Job description

Company Description

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together. At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission‑critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve. If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Life Cycle Material Engineering Specialist, to join our Ottawa team.

As part of the team you will be working closely with manufacturing in providing technical support through troubleshooting of product issues, as well as acting as a liaison between program teams, customers and other internal stakeholders regarding product support matters. A key aspect of this role will also include focusing on continuous improvement through active participation in review of current processes and provide corrective and preventative actions in order to meet department goals of 100% on time delivery, strong quality of product and provide an overall positive internal/external customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide Product Support Technicians and Technologists, Coordinators, and Commercial Officers, enabling them to achieve their quality and on‑time‑delivery goals and objectives.
• Lead through influence and mentor Technicians and Technologists in managing product support problems, conducting fault isolations/analyses, and driving solutions.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions to program engineering teams for potential product quality issues.
• Identify systemic gaps in processes and procedures, and partner with the affected stakeholders to design and implement resolution mechanisms.
• Partner with coordinators to ensure the integrity of all Product Support data and ensure comprehensive documentation of repair process.
• Leverage data analytics and expert judgement in developing cost estimates, and in producing and presenting high‑impact reports, analyses, and briefings (such as status reports, root cause analysis, Tear Down and Investigation reports, and repair analysis reports) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct the triage workflow of incoming repair products, setting prioritisation, documenting product assessments, and facilitating communication with stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers, leading on‑site troubleshooting assignments, and representing the company’s expertise. This may involve occasional travel to customers’ sites.
• Conduct obsolescence investigation, validate substitutions, and manage EC/Approval processing, contributing to overall life cycle management of materiels.
• Champion continuous improvement projects from concept through implementation, ensuring they are aligned with Project Support business objectives and priorities.
• Provide expert technical feedback during development of products, and acts as engineering technical program representative to repair programs requiring support on electrical and mechanical components.
• Perform any additional duties as delegated by the Manufacturing Engineering & Product Support Manager.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in product support, manufacturing/test engineering, systems troubleshooting, or a related technical environment.
• Strong understanding of product design, system integration, manufacturing processes, and test/diagnostic methods for complex electronic systems.
• Experience performing failure analysis, root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing corrective solutions.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, circuit design, production assembly/test methods, quality practices, and IPC standards.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, develop solutions, and provide technical guidance as a subject matter expert (SME).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supporting Department of National Defence (DND) programs, defence‑related products, or military systems.
• Experience with Life Cycle Material Management (LCMM), including product sustainment, maintenance, repair, and supportability activities.

Assets

• Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng.) or eligibility for registration.
• Experience with software programming, scripting, or technical tools used for troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Experience with Lean principles, continuous improvement initiatives, and process optimization. Familiarity with AI/ML models and emerging technologies.
• Experience developing technical documentation, training materials, and knowledge transfer resources.

How We Work

• Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems‑Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Additional Information

The hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000.

Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Technical and non‑technical skills
• Education and certifications

Benefits

As a full‑time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well‑being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top‑up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.
• Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem‑solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading‑edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next‑generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.
• Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world‑class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensure every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
• Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check‑ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high‑profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [e-mail].

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.