Tool Maker - Sidney, BC

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Sidney; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; 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 Aircraft of Canada Limited in Victoria, BC is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to design, fabricate, test and repair production tooling for aerospace parts. You will work with CNC and manual machines, review drawings, and ensure quality.

Join a team in a production cell focused on delivering precision tooling for both internal and external customers, with emphasis on safety, adherence to standards, and collaboration in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Interprovincial Tool Maker or equivalent trade qualification required.
• Minimum 5 years as Tool Maker or General Machinist preferred.
• Experience with manual machining and conventional tools is an asset.
• Aerospace/Aviation experience advantageous.
• Experience interpreting complex drawings and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Machine aircraft parts and tooling using CNC and manual equipment.
• Program CNC equipment and review drawings.
• Ensure compliance with DOT and company quality requirements.
• Measure, mark, and inspect materials and parts.
• Maintain clean work area and safety practices.
• Collaborate in a production cell to manufacture aerospace parts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Planning and organization

Teamwork

Education

Tool Maker/Trade Qualification

Tools

Mastercam

Geomagic

VX Element

Office 365

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.

Position Profile

Reporting to the Tooling Manager, the Tool Maker / Machinist is responsible for designing, fabricating, testing, and repair of production cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, form tools, gauges, and specialized hand tools. This involves the process of laying out, setting up, machining, fitting, and finishing a variety of metals, alloys, and plastics. Additionally, Skilled Tradesman in the Tooling Department manufactures tooling specifically utilized in the production of aerospace parts and components, serving both internal and external customers of DHC.

We are currently looking for an experienced Tool Maker to join our growing team in Victoria, BC. Become part of an exciting company with a vision of becoming a leader in aviation and aerospace in Canada and the world.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Machine aircraft parts and/or tooling and other parts from routine and exotic materials utilizing both conventional and CNC equipment.
• Familiar with and able to program CNC equipment.
• Comprehend the specifications of a product by reviewing drawings, samples, and instructions.
• Capable of meeting all DOT, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and customer quality requirements.
• Measure and mark materials for turning, shaping or cutting.
• Able to carry out in-process inspections.
• Maintaining a clean work area, and alerting their supervisor of any safety concerns.
• Adhere to health and safety guidelines and principles.
• Producing quality aerospace parts in collaboration with the rest of the Tool Shop production cell.
• Working effectively both alone and in a team environment.
• Observe tools and machines to ensure that feeds are adjusted, the temperature is maintained, and issues are identified.

Experience

• Must hold an Interprovincial Tool Maker, Tool and Die Maker, Mould Maker, or General Machinist Trade Qualification, or an equivalent trade certification from a recognized national, state, or provincial body.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Tool Maker or a General Machinist is preferred
• Experience with manual machining, including the operation of conventional lathes, mills, grinders, and other manual machine tools, is considered an asset.
• Previous experience in Aerospace/Aviation is advantageous.
• Experience using Mastercam, Geomagic, VX Element, and Office 365 software.
• Experience in rigging and using overhead cranes is considered advantageous
• Capability to operate a forklift and other mobile equipment is essential.
• Possession of a Toolmaker’s ticket is considered advantageous.
• Experience in interpreting complex drawings, blueprints, and work instructions is seen as an asset.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to perform extremely detailed work.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and understand complex drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Good planning and organizational skills.

Special Conditions

• Must be able to meet all physical duties required for this role.
• Shift work will be required
• Work to be performed in noisy and often warm production areas, including working with chemicals — all PPE is required at all times.
• Occasionally required to lift heavy objects up to 40 lbs.

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.