As a Supervisor - Aerospace Engineering, you will lead and manage a team of aerospace engineering professionals while contributing to the design, development, and sustainment of aerospace platforms and systems for the Department of National Defence. You will provide technical direction and mentorship to your team members, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of engineering excellence and safety. Your responsibilities include staff development, performance management, resource allocation, and fostering a collaborative work environment that supports innovation and continuous improvement.
You will oversee aerospace engineering projects that are critical to Canada's defence capabilities, working with cutting-edge technology and contributing to solutions that protect Canadians. This role requires balancing technical expertise with leadership competencies, as you will need to understand complex engineering challenges while effectively managing people, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. You may supervise teams ranging from small, specialized groups to larger departments depending on the organizational structure and project scope.
The work environment is typically office-based, though you may visit laboratories, testing facilities, or operational sites to observe project progress and validate engineering work. You will collaborate with other departments, industry partners, and international allies, working in a structured environment governed by federal policies and defence standards.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily aerospace engineering operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline from a Canadian university or equivalent. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility for P.Eng. registration in your province is highly desirable and may be required depending on the specific position and security level.
You should have a solid foundation in engineering principles, aerospace systems design, and project management. Experience with Defence standards, military platforms, or aerospace certification processes is valuable. Many successful candidates have worked in aerospace roles in the private sector or within the Canadian Armed Forces before transitioning to this supervisory position.
The Government of Canada supports continuous professional development. Once hired, you may pursue advanced certifications, project management credentials (such as PMP), specialized technical training in emerging aerospace technologies, and formal leadership development programs. The Department also offers training in federal policies, security protocols, and management best practices to support your growth as a supervisor.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisor-level position typically occurs through competitive staffing processes. You may enter the Public Service as a Supervisor - Aerospace Engineering through:
1. Public Service Commission (PSC) competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These are open competitions where you apply directly to posted positions.
2. Lateral moves from within the federal Public Service if you are already employed as an Aerospace Engineer or in a related technical role and meet the supervisor qualifications. Internal candidates may have access to prioritized or exclusive competitions.
3. Priority hiring pools established for specific groups, such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, or former Public Service employees, if you are eligible.
4. Post-secondary recruitment and early career programs if you are a recent graduate, though entry typically begins at a junior engineering level before advancing to supervisory positions.
Your pathway may involve gaining several years of experience as an Aerospace Engineer or in a related capacity before being ready for this management role. The Department values both external expertise and internal development, so competitive processes are open to candidates from industry, academia, and within government.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements are available in some cases, though supervisory positions typically require full-time commitment due to the management responsibilities and need for consistent team leadership and decision-making. Availability of part-time work depends on operational needs and organizational structure.
Flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours or compressed work weeks, may be negotiated with your manager and are often accommodated in the federal Public Service where operational requirements allow. Many aerospace engineering teams have adapted to hybrid work models where some tasks can be performed remotely (design work, analysis, documentation) while others require on-site presence (meetings, facility inspections, hands-on testing).
Remote work is possible for certain duties such as administrative work, report writing, and virtual meetings with stakeholders. However, as a supervisor overseeing a team and managing complex engineering projects, you will typically need regular on-site presence for mentoring, collaboration, and facility-based work. The specific arrangement available will depend on the position's location, security requirements, and operational needs. Discuss flexible work options during the recruitment and onboarding process to understand what is feasible for your role.
