Quality Engineering Lead - FAL

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid vacation

Extended health benefits

Life insurance

RRSP/DPSP Plan

Employee and family assistance program

Job summary

De Havilland Canada is seeking a Quality Engineering Lead to provide technical leadership for QE activities on the DHC-515 program at the Final Assembly Line in Calgary. You will partner with Operations, Design Engineering and Quality to ensure production readiness and conformance.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 7+ years in aerospace quality or manufacturing engineering, with strong root cause analysis and AS9100/AS9102 and FAI experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering experience in aerospace or another highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective action, non-conformance management and quality planning.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Aircraft final assembly, new-product introduction, AS9100/AS9102 and FAI experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day Quality Engineering activities.
• Provide technical direction and coaching to Quality Engineers supporting the program.
• Support new-aircraft and production readiness, ensuring quality requirements and controls are established before execution.
• Lead FAI/AS9102 activities and support configuration and product conformity.
• Lead resolution of significant and recurring non-conformances through effective root cause and corrective action.
• Analyze defects, NCRs, rework and escapes to identify systemic issues and drive prevention.

Skills

Quality Engineering

Root Cause Analysis

AS9100/AS9102

New Product Introduction

Problem Solving

Product Conformity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

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 2,400 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.

Are you excited about building the future of Canadian aviation? Do you take pride in precision workmanship and want to see your skills contribute to aircrafts that will take flight around the world? Join the team of skilled aircraft technicians, and aviation professionals supporting the DHC-515 Final Assembly Line, where your expertise will directly contribute to the production of world-class aircrafts.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineering Lead provides technical leadership for Quality Engineering activities supporting the DHC-515 program primarily at Final Assembly Line (FAL). This role is focused on new-aircraft production readiness, product conformity, problem solving, and building robust quality controls as the DHC-515 progresses through production ramp-up.

The QE Lead works closely with Operations, Manufacturing/Methods, Design Engineering and Quality to identify risks early, resolve production issues and ensure aircraft are built in accordance with approved requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day Quality Engineering activities
• Provide technical direction and coaching to Quality Engineers supporting the program.
• Support new-aircraft and production readiness, ensuring quality requirements and controls are established before execution.
• Lead FAI/AS9102 activities and support configuration and product conformity.
• Lead resolution of significant and recurring non-conformances through effective root cause and corrective action.
• Analyze defects, NCRs, rework and escapes to identify systemic issues and drive prevention.
• Develop risk-based inspection strategies, quality plans and process controls.
• Identify gaps in drawings, work instructions, processes, tooling, training and inspection requirements.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor and provide timely Quality Engineering support.
• Promote product integrity, product safety, FOD prevention and disciplined adherence to approved requirements.
• Track significant quality risks and corrective actions through closure.
• Support quality KPIs and communicate key risks and priorities to Quality and Program leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement and transition from defect detection toward defect prevention.
• Provide hands‑on technical leadership with a strong connection to aircraft operations and the production floor.
• Establish clear priorities and direction for the QE team to drive execution and alignment.
• Coach, mentor, and develop QE team members to strengthen technical capability and ownership.
• Identify, challenge, and address systemic issues to improve quality performance.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
  • 7+ years Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering experience in aerospace or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective action, non-conformance management and quality planning.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing requirements.
  • Strong technical leadership, communication and cross‑functional problem‑solving skills.
  • Aircraft final assembly, new-product introduction, AS9100/AS9102 and FAI experience preferred.

    Why work at De Havilland?

    De Havilland Canada is a Canadian‑owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.

    • 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 it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.

      In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:

      • 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. 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.