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.
Job Summary
The Chief – Engineering Standards and Processes is a people leadership role within the Engineering organization responsible for leading the development, governance, and continuous improvement of engineering standards, processes, and technical practices across all De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) programs.
Leading a team of approximately 5–10 engineering professionals, the Chief serves as the functional authority for engineering processes and standards, driving the harmonization of legacy Bombardier Aerospace, Viking Air, and DHC practices into a common engineering framework. The role ensures engineering activities are executed consistently, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory, quality, airworthiness, and configuration management requirements.
The position also provides leadership in standard parts governance, drawing and design standards, engineering process development, and continuous improvement initiatives that support DHC's long-term operational excellence objectives.
Direct Accountabilities
Engineering Standards and Process Governance
- Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of engineering processes, procedures, and work instructions.
- Establish and govern a harmonized DHC engineering process framework across all aircraft platforms.
- Ensure alignment with regulatory, quality, certification, and business requirements.
- Drive process standardization, efficiency improvements, and adoption of industry best practices.
- Support digital transformation and engineering systems initiatives.
Technical Standards and Design Governance
- Maintain engineering drafting, design, and release standards across all programs.
- Participate in drawing and design review activities to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Provide guidance and interpretation of engineering standards and procedures.
- Promote consistency and quality in engineering deliverables across the organization.
Standard Parts Management
- Own DHC standard parts catalogues and related governance processes.
- Lead initiatives to consolidate standard parts across aircraft platforms and reduce part proliferation.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Product Support organizations to improve commonality and standardization.
Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering professionals.
- Conduct performance reviews and manage employee development.
- Approve timesheets, vacation requests, and other administrative activities.
- Support recruitment, workforce planning, and succession development.
Education Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Experience, skills, and attitude
Required
- 10+ years of aerospace engineering experience.
- Experience within an aircraft OEM or highly regulated engineering environment preferred.
- Knowledge of engineering processes, configuration management, engineering change control, and product lifecycle management.
Preferred
- P.Eng. designation or eligibility preferred.
Working Conditions
- Maintain strict adherence to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) Health & Safety Policies.
- Work in various environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, confined spaces, heights, and around chemicals.
- Must be able to climb, stand, kneel, lift (up to 50 pounds), push, pull, bend, reach, carry, walk, crawl, balance, and use stairs.
- Must be able to work shift rotations including weekends and/or night shifts, on-call or overtime as occasionally required.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for workplace safety.
- Ensure the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is necessary.
- Commit to Health & Safety Excellence to protect employees, customers, shareholders, and the public.
- For further information regarding a full list of working conditions, refer to the Job Demands Analysis.
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.
