Manager - Advanced Manufacturing

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent aerospace company based in Calgary, Alberta is seeking a Manager, Advanced Manufacturing. This role is responsible for driving manufacturing improvement projects and implementing advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Candidates should have significant experience in aerospace manufacturing and strong leadership skills. The company offers a dynamic workplace with competitive benefits and emphasizes a culture of innovation and safety.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Paid vacation

Extended health benefits

Life insurance

RRSP/DPSP Plan

Employee and family assistance program

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of aircraft assembly and production support processes.
• Proven ability to lead project teams and deliver improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Identify projects that improve operational efficiency and safety.
• Develop and deploy kitting strategies and tool-control systems.

Skills

Manufacturing technology implementation

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Automation tools

Robotics systems

Digital manufacturing systems

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 worldwide.

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.

Position Overview

The Manager, Advanced Manufacturing is responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing improvement projects that enhance operational efficiency and readiness for De Havilland Field. This role drives the identification, evaluation, and deployment of new technologies, automation, equipment and processes that advance De Havilland Aircraft of Canada's manufacturing capability. Working cross‑functionally with Methods, Production, Tooling and IT, this position ensures that advanced manufacturing initiatives align with long‑term aircraft production strategies and prepare the organization for a seamless transition to the new Strathmore facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, digital manufacturing tools and smart factory systems.
• Identify and execute projects that improve operational efficiency, safety and quality within existing production environments, with scalability for the De Havilland Field site.
• Develop and deploy kitting strategies, tool‑control systems and equipment upgrades to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Work closely with Methods and Industrial Engineering teams to standardize best practices and ensure manufacturability of new and legacy aircraft programs.
• Collaborate with IT and Operations to advance data‑driven production systems, ensuring compatibility with De Havilland’s future enterprise platforms.
• Establish and maintain business cases, budgets and implementation plans for advanced manufacturing projects.
• Ensure all solutions meet aerospace industry standards, regulatory requirements and internal quality expectations.
• Promote a culture of innovation, technical excellence and continuous improvement across all manufacturing teams.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing environments, with at least 3 years in a leadership or project‑management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing technology implementation – such as automation, robotics, machining or digital manufacturing systems.
• Strong understanding of aircraft assembly, tooling and production support processes.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional project teams and deliver measurable productivity improvements.
• Excellent communication and change‑management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial or manufacturing engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• P.Eng. or PMP certification considered an asset.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful delivery of advanced manufacturing projects on time and within budget.
• Measurable increases in operational efficiency and reduction of production waste.
• Deployment of scalable technologies ready for integration at De Havilland Field.
• Improved manufacturing safety, quality and process repeatability.

Why work at De Havilland?

• 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 its tradition as a leader in aerospace.

Benefits

• 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. All employees are expected to maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and perform key physical tasks described in the job description, including working in a variety of environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory, including maintaining 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 recruitment, please advise our Talent Acquisition representative. Accommodation measures are 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 and educational background, and criminal background checks.