As a Director General in Aerospace Engineering, you will provide strategic leadership and executive direction for major aerospace engineering initiatives across the Department of National Defence. You will oversee the planning, development, and delivery of complex aerospace projects, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives and national defence priorities. This role involves managing large teams of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists while maintaining responsibility for significant budgets and critical infrastructure.
In this position, you will establish engineering standards, drive innovation in aerospace technologies, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. You will represent the Department at senior levels with external partners, industry stakeholders, and international defence organizations. Your decisions will directly impact the capability, safety, and effectiveness of Canada's aerospace defence systems.
The work environment is dynamic and demanding, requiring you to balance competing priorities, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and navigate evolving defence requirements. You will work in Ottawa and potentially at other Defence locations, with frequent engagement in strategic planning sessions, briefings, and interdepartmental collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Perform aerospace engineering analysis, design, and review, Prepare technical specifications and engineering documents, Conduct inspections, assessments, and quality reviews, Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this role, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Many successful candidates hold advanced degrees such as a master's or PhD in aerospace engineering or a specialized field. Professional engineering licensure (P.Eng. or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
You should have extensive professional development in senior management, strategic planning, and executive leadership. The Public Service Commission and Treasury Board offer executive development programs specifically designed for senior managers in the federal government. Candidates are expected to demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional development through memberships in engineering associations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). Experience with Defence Procurement Strategy, major project management frameworks, and knowledge of Canadian defence policy is valuable. You may be required to obtain security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level.
Entry Plans
Entry to this senior management role typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and the Public Service Commission website. These competitions are highly competitive and generally require candidates to have progressed through intermediate and senior engineering management positions within the federal public service or equivalent private sector experience.
Many candidates enter as Senior Aerospace Engineers or in intermediate management roles (such as Manager or Senior Manager level positions) and advance through demonstrated performance and successful completion of additional competitions. The Department of National Defence and other federal departments periodically conduct executive recruitment initiatives for Director General and equivalent positions. Lateral moves from other government departments, crown corporations, or senior roles in the private aerospace and defence sector are possible through tailored competitions.
You may also enter through the Federal Public Service as a Professional Engineer in earlier career stages and progress through career development opportunities. Current federal public servants can apply to internal competitions, which may have different eligibility criteria than external competitions. The Public Service Commission occasionally conducts government-wide executive recruitment pools that feed multiple departments.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions in the Public Service are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and executive nature of the position. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to supporting flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Remote work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, particularly for activities such as strategic planning, analysis, and written correspondence. However, the role requires regular in-person presence in Ottawa for executive meetings, interdepartmental coordination, and leadership responsibilities. You may have flexibility to work from other Defence locations or facilities as required for project oversight and site visits.
Flexible scheduling, such as adjusted start and end times, may be available subject to operational requirements and approval by your Deputy Minister or equivalent. Any flexibility arrangements must be formalized through discussion with your supervisor and aligned with collective agreement provisions or Treasury Board policies applicable to your employment status. The nature of senior executive work—including emergency response capabilities and strategic decision-making—means that full-time availability and commitment to the role's core responsibilities are essential.
