Senior Director of Aircraft Product Development Engineering

Dehavilland; Calgary, Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace is seeking a Senior Director of Aircraft Product Development Engineering. This pivotal role involves overseeing the entire engineering process for innovative aircraft solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and leading a talented team of engineers. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in aerospace engineering, with a strong focus on leadership and project management. Join a company committed to quality and innovation, where your expertise will drive the future of aviation and contribute to groundbreaking aircraft development.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in aircraft product development or aerospace engineering.
• Proven track record in leading aircraft development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead aircraft product development engineering teams in design and testing.
• Ensure compliance with aviation standards and manage complex programs.

Skills

Aircraft Product Development

Aerospace Engineering

Engineering Leadership

Project Management

Regulatory Compliance

Problem Solving

Cross-functional Collaboration

Electric Aircraft Development

Lean Engineering

Sustainability Trends

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Senior Director of Aircraft Product Development Engineering

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.

Profile

The Senior Director of Aircraft Product Development Engineering is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end engineering process for aircraft product development, including design, analysis, testing, certification, and production integration. This role combines technical leadership with strategic oversight to ensure that the development of new aircraft products meets performance, safety, and regulatory standards while aligning with company objectives.

The position requires collaboration across multiple departments to deliver innovative, market-leading aircraft solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the aircraft product development engineering teams in all technical aspects, including design, performance analysis, prototyping, testing, and system integration.
• Drive technical innovation across all engineering disciplines including aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, materials, and structural design.
• Ensure compliance with aviation standards (Transport Canada, FAA, EASA, etc.) and company design and development requirements throughout the development process.
• Work with the leadership teams cross-functionally to translate business and marketing MR&O objectives into actionable engineering initiatives and product development roadmaps.
• Evaluate new technologies and design methodologies to maintain a competitive advantage in aircraft engineering.
• Oversee complex product development programs, managing timelines, resources, budgets, and risks to ensure successful delivery of aircraft products on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with the product management and operations teams to ensure seamless transition from engineering to production.
• Monitor program progress and engineering metrics, ensuring milestones and objectives are achieved.
• Ensure that all aircraft development projects meet regulatory and safety certification requirements, TCCA, FAA, EASA, and other relevant authorities.
• Lead communication with regulatory bodies and external certification agencies during aircraft design, testing, and certification phases.
• Work closely with production, supply chain, product management, and quality assurance teams to ensure a holistic approach to product development.
• Serve as a key technical liaison supporting the Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain teams with suppliers, industry partners, and customers to address engineering challenges and solutions.
• Build and lead a world-class engineering team, fostering an environment of continuous learning and development.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to engineering directors, managers, and technical leads.
• Identify and develop future engineering leaders within the organization.

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in aircraft product development or aerospace engineering, with a strong focus on engineering leadership.
• Proven track record in supporting and leading aircraft development programs, from design through certification and production.
• Deep understanding of aviation regulatory requirements (TCCA, FAA, EASA, etc.) and industry standards.
• Strong project management skills, including budget control, timeline management, and resource planning.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovative and technically sound solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.

Skills & Experience

• Experience with electric or hybrid-electric aircraft development and certification processes an asset.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing processes and materials used in aircraft production (e.g., composites, additive manufacturing).
• Familiarity with Lean or Agile engineering processes and methodologies.
• Experience working with global teams and managing external engineering partnerships.
• Strong understanding of aircraft sustainability trends and clean propulsion technologies.