Quality Engineering Specialist

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

EFAP

Onsite fitness facilities

Employee resource groups

Pension plan

Flexible time off

Career development

Employee discounts

Free onsite parking

Job summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is seeking an experienced Quality Engineering Specialist to join our Ottawa/Halifax/Calgary team. You will help ensure AS9100/ISO9001 compliance and lead QA activities across development and lifecycle programs.

This role supports both development and product lifecycle activities with a strong emphasis on software quality. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality and Product Support, conduct audits, drive

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in engineering or software development, with at least 1 year in quality assurance.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100.
• Experience in software and systems development within a regulated aerospace/defense environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide pre-contract quality support, including estimating QA activity effort and contributing to proposals.
• Prepare and implement project-specific QA plans and contribute QA inputs to broader project documentation.
• Act as the quality lead for assigned projects, ensuring AS9100 and other relevant standards are met.
• Interface with the DND TAA (within DTAES) and customer quality reps during software audits.
• Conduct independent process and product audits, identify non-conformances, issue corrective actions, and track to closure.
• Serve on CCB and MRB; support design reviews and configuration audits.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Support to embed quality across development, sustainment, and supply chain.
• Monitor formal test activities for adherence to plans and procedures; ensure evidence supports certification.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Audits

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline

Tools

DOORs

Engineering development tools

Job 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 looking for an experienced Quality Engineering (QE) Specialist to join our Quality team in Ottawa, Halifax or Calgary. Reporting to the Quality Manager, the QE Specialist plays a key role within integrated project teams, ensuring compliance with internal processes and external standards including AS9100 and or ISO9001. This position supports both engineering development and product lifecycle activities, with a strong emphasis on software, quality compliance, and audit leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide pre-contract quality support, including estimating the effort required to implement Quality Assurance (QA) activities and contributing to proposal documentation.
• Prepare and implement project-specific QA plans and contribute quality-related inputs to broader project documentation.
• Act as the quality lead for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with AS9100, and other relevant contractual or airworthiness standards.
• Interface with the DND TAA (within DTAES), and customer quality representatives during software audits (e.g., SOIs).
• Conduct independent process and product audits, identify non-conformances, issue corrective actions, and track them to closure.
• Serve on Configuration Control Boards (CCB) and Material Review Boards (MRB); support design reviews and configuration audits.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Support to ensure quality considerations are embedded across all phases of development, sustainment, and supply chain interactions.
• Monitor formal test activities (e.g., acceptance, qualification) for adherence to approved test plans and procedures; ensure evidence supports certification and compliance.
• Lead and participate in project and quality review meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, documenting actions, and ensuring follow-up.
• Lead quality-related reviews, investigations, and root cause analyses, and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use data and statistical analysis to monitor quality performance, identify trends, and support corrective/preventive action planning.
• Report quality metrics and present findings during quality forums, project gates, and leadership reviews.
• Engage in proactive risk identification, mitigation planning, and knowledge sharing throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What You Need to Have to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in engineering or software development, with at least 1 year in a quality assurance role.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100.
• A sound understanding of current engineering development / tools methodologies and standards.
• Proven ability to conduct internal audits, lead investigations, and lead cross-functional teams to resolution.
• Experience supporting software and systems development within a regulated aerospace or defense environment.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills; ability to influence across functions and levels.
• Familiarity with lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Membership in a professional quality body (e.g. ASQ).
• Experience interfacing with government/defense QA authorities.
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering and Engineering Development processes.
• Proficiency in DOORs.
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models.

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 expected hiring range for this position is $77,000 – $98,000 CAD annual.

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

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills

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.

Why join us?

• 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 ensures 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.