As a Director of Aerospace Engineering, you lead the strategic direction and technical excellence of aerospace engineering initiatives across the Department of National Defence. You manage a team of professional engineers and technical experts, overseeing the design, development, testing, and implementation of aerospace systems and technologies that support Canada's defence capabilities. Your work directly impacts the operational effectiveness and safety of critical defence platforms and equipment. In this leadership role, you balance technical expertise with people management, ensuring your team delivers innovative solutions while meeting departmental priorities, budgets, and timelines. You work in a dynamic, security-conscious environment where precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement are essential. Your responsibilities include developing engineering strategies, managing complex projects, building and mentoring high-performing teams, liaising with other government departments and industry partners, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards. You may work across multiple sites, including Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) facilities, military bases, and headquarters locations.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of aerospace engineering services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the aerospace engineering team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
You must hold a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from a recognized Canadian or international institution. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification, or eligibility to obtain it, is typically required or strongly preferred. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field. You should have completed formal training in project management, and many directors pursue credentials such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Continuous professional development is encouraged throughout your career, including courses in leadership, strategic planning, advanced technical topics, and emerging aerospace technologies. The Department supports professional memberships in organizations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), or specialty groups like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Access to internal government training programs on management, policy, and security protocols is provided to all directors.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Director-level position typically requires progression through the aerospace engineering career path within the Public Service. Most candidates begin as junior engineers (P.Eng. or equivalent) and advance through intermediate and senior engineering roles before reaching the director level. The Government of Canada uses open competitions and closed pools to fill director positions. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and departmental career sites. To be eligible, you must have several years of professional engineering experience, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and a track record of managing complex technical projects. Some candidates transition into director roles through lateral moves from other government departments or Crown corporations. The Public Service Commission (PSC) manages the competitive process, which includes written assessments, interviews, and reference checks. Student recruitment programs such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) program and the Co-op Education Program allow early-career professionals to build experience and network within DND. Advancement to director level generally requires 10-15+ years of progressive engineering and management experience in the public or private sector.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time roles due to the strategic leadership and decision-making responsibilities required. However, the Department of National Defence supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Some directors may negotiate compressed work weeks or occasional remote work for administrative tasks, subject to security clearance requirements and the need to maintain an active presence at your primary work location. Remote work options are more limited for director roles compared to junior positions, as you are expected to provide in-person leadership, mentor staff, and attend strategic meetings and briefings. If you have specific accessibility needs or caregiving responsibilities, the Department works with employees to explore reasonable accommodations within operational constraints. Discussions about flexible arrangements are best addressed during the hiring process or after you join the organization. Part-time director positions are rarely available, but job sharing or phased retirement options may be possible in select circumstances with prior approval from your department.
