Manager, Flight Test

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.

The Manager, Flight Test leads the flight test team, and coordinates resource planning and supports Flight/Ground Testing within our aircraft programs. This role is instrumental in planning and overseeing critical pilot and flight test resources to ensure safe, efficient, and on-time execution of flight test related milestones, while ensuring compliance with regulations and approved Flight Test and Flight Operations Procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end planning and execution of flight test-related projects, including production, flight test programs, and aircraft delivery and demo preparations.
• Manage Flight Test Vehicles, including assigning test activities in coordination with the Engineering department.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts between pilots, flight test engineering, MRO / AMO, and production.
• Develop detailed schedules and resource allocations to meet program timelines and airworthiness requirements.
• Oversee schedule for ground tests and flights, including aircraft readiness, crew coordination, regulatory documentation, and risk assessments.
• Support regulatory engagement and compliance with TC, FAA, EASA, and other civil aviation authorities for flight operations and testing.
• Drive continuous improvement in flight operations processes, safety protocols, and ground-to-air coordination.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Flight Ops and Flight Test engineering, production, manufacturing, MRO and AMO to coordinate an effective schedule.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Flight Operations and Pacific Sky Aviation.
• Monitor project status and escalate risks or issues as necessary.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational excellence within flight Operations
• Plan, manage, and execute a wide range of projects to schedule, cost, and targets.
• Lead by example to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Plan, manage and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS) for flight Operations
• Support improvement initiatives to make processes better.
• Manage the control of crew documents and records and day-to-day control of document systems. Oversee the administration of Document Control functions within the business, including maintaining document control policies and procedures and controlling Quality Systems.
• Track all costs associated with Flight Operations
• Approve invoices from contractors and suppliers
• Approve all Timesheets for Flight Operations employees below manager
• Administrator/Owner of Flight Operations SharePoint and Teams
• Develop and maintain document control for SharePoint, Teams and Foreflight for QA
• Maintain all training records for Pilots and FTEs
• Coordinate all aircraft international deliveries, demos and ferry’s and track all associated costs
• Build international trip estimates for potential customers
• Be the focal for the Monthly Operational Review (MOR) and set Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for Flight Operations
• Collect and extract all relevant data for the MOR

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• 10+ years of Flight Operations experience preferred
• Solid understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and the AMO/MRO
• Experience coordinating with pilots, flight test engineers, MRO/AMO, and ground operations teams.
• Familiarity with certification requirements and procedures (Canadian Aircraft Regulations)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
• Proven experience managing schedules
• Proficient in Office 365 software, including but not limited to: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Power Automate, OneNote, Forms, Lists and Power BI

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of SMS, airworthiness certification, and OEM-specific test protocols.
• Prior background in OEM environments (e.g., De Havilland, Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, or similar).

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.