Principal Engineer

WestJet Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WestJet Group is seeking a Principal Engineer reporting to the Senior Manager, Design Engineering, to support the Airworthiness Engineering Organization and Design Engineering as a senior technical specialist, overseeing repairs, modifications, and certification activities.

You will mentor peers, review technical data, lead design reviews, liaise with regulators (TCCA, FAA, EASA), and drive continuous improvement while ensuring safe and reliable operations for guest experience initiatives.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Aerospace or Mechanical or equivalent
• Minimum 7 years in an engineering design org, OEM, or airline
• In-depth knowledge of Transport Canada airworthiness regulations and design approval processes
• Professional Engineer license or eligible for licensure
• Experience with repairs/alterations to Boeing 737 & 787 a asset

Responsibilities

• Develop compliant repairs, modifications, and technical solutions with Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams
• Prepare, review and approve technical data
• Lead or participate in project design reviews
• Recommend or review changes to engineering processes
• Plan and execute testing with safety and conformity in mind
• Liaise with certification authorities (TCCA, FAA, EASA) and participate in Airworthiness Control Committee
• Provide training and mentorship on design approval processes

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem-solving

TC airworthiness knowledge

DAO/DAR eligibility

P. Eng. license

737/787 experience

Education

BEng in Aerospace/Mechanical

Engineering Tech diploma acceptable

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Design Engineering, the Principal Engineer supports the design and certification activities of the Airworthiness Engineering Organization (AEO) and Design Engineering function as a senior technical specialist.

This role involves the preparation, review, and approval of engineering deliverables in support of aircraft repairs and modifications and working closely with various stakeholders, including Operations, Maintenance, In-Service Engineering, Reliability, Configuration Management, Quality, Inflight and Guest Experience, to maintain safe and reliable operations and implement guest experience initiatives.

The Principal Engineer also provides technical advice and mentorship to other Engineering and Technical Services peers, and supports the continuous improvement of company processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace, Mechanical, or equivalent engineering field. Engineering Technology diploma in a related field may be acceptable.
• Minimum 7 years of experience working in an engineering design organization, OEM, or airline environment
• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Transport Canada airworthiness regulations and design approval processes.
• Eligibility for, or current holder of, TCCA airworthiness delegation (DAO Authorized Person or DAR).
• Holder of Professional Engineer license, or eligible for licensure.
• Experience with repairs and alterations to Boeing 737 & 787 aircraft is an asset.

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Engineering:

• Work closely with the Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to develop compliant repairs, modifications, and technical solutions.
• Prepare, review and approve technical data.
• Lead or participate in project design reviews.
• Recommend, prepare, and/or review changes to engineering processes.
• Plan and/or execute testing, ensuring test article conformity, safety of personnel, and protection of property.

Regulatory Compliance and Oversight:

• Support the development of technical requirements, proposals, work scope, and cost estimates.
• Ensure project deliverables conform to regulatory requirements and internal design procedures.
• Perform delegated authorized functions in accordance with the Engineering Procedures Manual, including liaising with certification authorities (TCCA, FAA, EASA) and participating in the Airworthiness Control Committee.
• Participate in audits of company and AEO functions.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide training and mentorship to internal stakeholders on design approval processes.
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.