Material & Processes Engineer

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.
PositionThe Materials and Processes Engineer is responsible for the review, evaluation, and approval of aircraft materials, manufacturing processes, and product modifications to ensure compliance with regulatory, airworthiness, quality, and environmental requirements. The role also includes qualification, approval, and surveillance of De Havilland suppliers performing special processes, as well as providing technical leadership and expertise in the selection, application, and control of aerospace materials and manufacturing technologies throughout the product lifecycle.
The incumbent works closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, external laboratories, and suppliers to ensure materials and processes meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements while supporting safe, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft production and in-service operation.
Responsibilities
Evaluate and approve new metallic and non-metallic materials for aerospace applications, including assessment of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, durability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.
Work closely with material suppliers, special process vendors, testing laboratories, and regulatory authorities in the qualification, validation, and implementation of materials and processes.
Develop, maintain, review, and revise materials specifications, process specifications, engineering standards, and related technical documentation.
Assess materials and processes for compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements, including REACH, EPA, CEPA, RoHS, and other applicable regulations.
Review aircraft repairs, product modifications, concessions, and deviations to ensure compliance with approved materials, manufacturing processes, certification requirements, and airworthiness regulations.
Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to material failures, corrosion findings, manufacturing defects, and process non-conformances.
Review, evaluate, and implement new materials technologies, manufacturing methods, and industry best practices to improve product quality, reliability, and competitiveness.
Provide technical guidance and engineering support to internal stakeholders, operators, and maintenance organizations regarding material selection, processing requirements, corrosion prevention, and special process applications.
Plan and conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with special process requirements, industry standards, and De Havilland specifications.
Evaluate supplier capability, process controls, personnel qualifications, and facility requirements for approval of special process sources.
Review and disposition supplier requests for process deviations, material substitutions, and concessions while ensuring continued compliance with engineering and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain organizations to resolve supplier quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Support certification, continued airworthiness, and production approval activities related to materials and processes.
Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering efficiency, process effectiveness, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
Maintain current knowledge of emerging materials technologies, manufacturing processes, aerospace standards, and regulatory changes affecting the industry.
Support internal and external audits, including quality system, regulatory, customer, and NADCAP audits.
Assist with airworthiness investigations, containment actions, corrective action development, and implementation activities.
Contribute to training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing activities within the engineering organization.
Support strategic initiatives related to supplier development, process standardization, and technical capability growth.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or eligible for professional engineering registration.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant aerospace industry experience in materials engineering, metallurgy, manufacturing processes, or special process oversight.
Demonstrated experience with aerospace special processes, including heat treatment, chemical processing, plating, coating, welding, brazing, shot peening, non‑destructive testing, and corrosion prevention/protection systems.
Good understanding of aerospace quality systems and industry standards, including NADCAP, AS9100, and ISO 9001.
Knowledge of Transport Canada, FAA, EASA, and other applicable aerospace regulatory requirements related to materials and manufacturing processes.
Skills
Strong technical understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and special process controls.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, process specifications, and regulatory requirements.
Experience conducting technical investigations and failure analyses using sound engineering principles.
Strong analytical and decision‑making skills with the ability to balance technical, quality, regulatory, and business considerations.
Ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders and work within cross‑functional teams.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
Strong leadership, project management, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier facilities and audit locations as required.
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 its 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.
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