Senior Maintenance Manager

PAL Aerospace is proud to partner with SkyAlyne, the prime contractor for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program—Canada's next-generation training initiative for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This transformative program will redefine how Canada trains its pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSOs), and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Ops) through a powerful blend of live flying, advanced simulation, and classroom instruction.

As part of this national mission, PAL Aerospace is leading the maintenance operations for a fleet of three De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft (CT-142Q Citadel Multi-Sensor Aircraft Trainer) at 402 Squadron in Winnipeg, MB. These aircraft are essential to the initial training of RCAF aircrew, and the leadership of the Squadron Maintenance Organization Senior Maintenance Manager (SMM) will ensure they remain mission ready.

Opportunity: Build Something That Lasts

PAL Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated and experienced SMM to lead the creation and accreditation of a brand-new 402 Squadron Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) - from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to build a legacy, shape a high-performance team, and directly support the next generation of Canada's aircrew—combining technical excellence with national purpose.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Establishment & Accreditation of the 402 Squadron AMO

• Design, develop, implement and fully accredit the 402 Squadron AMO in accordance with Directorate of Technical Airworthiness & Engineering Support (DTAES)/Technical Airworthiness Authority (TAA) requirements.
• Ensure the AMO is structured to meet all technical airworthiness and operational requirements from the outset.
• Establish, implement and monitor a system to train, qualify and authorize 402 Squadron maintenance personnel.
• Lead the development of key contract deliverables including a Maintenance Process Manual (MPM)and other maintenance/airworthiness-critical documents related to the CT-142Qand the 402 Squadron AMO.
• Develop presentations, training materials, and processes.
• Develop the resource requirements plan, training plans and support recruitment activities.
• Collaborate closely with SkyAlyne's Approved Technical Organization (ATO), DTAES/TAA, the FAcT Project Management Office (PMO),the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE)and other offices of the Government of Canada (GoC)/Department of National Defence (DND) to ensure compliance, safety, and operational excellence.

Overseeing Maintenance Operations

• Ensure maintenance activities comply with the Technical Airworthiness Manual (TAM).
• Ensure maintenance is conducted in accordance with the TAA-approved MPM and theCT-142Q AMO-approved procedures manual.
• Remove aeronautical products from service when non-compliance or non-conformance is identified.
• Develop and maintain liaison with the ATO and Senior Design Engineer (SDE) to fulfill maintenance responsibilities.
• Communicate with external agencies to establish and maintain contracts or service level agreements.
• Ensure adequate quality oversight across the AMO's full airworthiness scope and authority.
• Ensure availability of a qualified individual to carry out Senior Maintenance Manager (SMM) responsibilities at all times.
• Submit deviation requests to the TAA when necessary.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in maintenance practices.

Airworthiness Management

• Interpret and apply airworthiness standards and processes.
• Issue airworthiness instructions when non-compliance or non-conformance is discovered.
• Monitor and report on the competencies of individuals with technical airworthiness authority has been assigned and of the organization as a whole.
• Support audits of the 402 Squadron AMO from DTAES and other agencies as required.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable airworthiness rules and standards.
• Authorize trained, qualified, and competent individuals to perform AMO responsibilities.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor maintenance personnel, ensuring they have the skills and resources to succeed.
• Monitor and support the ongoing development of personnel involved in airworthiness-related activities.
• Monitor the development and progress of Aircraft Certification Authority (ACA), Aircraft Release Authority (ARA)and Maintenance Release Authority (MRA) candidates.
• Foster a culture of quality, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Resource Management

• Oversee budgets, procurement of spare parts, and resource allocation to support maintenance operations.
• Ensure efficient use of resources to maintain operational readiness and maximize fleet availability.
• Support deployment requirements in alignment with FAcT program needs.

Policy and Procedure Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement processes for inclusion in the MPM.
• Ensure all organizational procedures align with applicable airworthiness rules and standards.

Communication and Coordination

• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders including engineering, operations, and other maintenance organizations.
• Coordinate and communicate with DND agencies including DTAES, PMO FAcT and AETE, SkyAlyne's ATO, and other partners to ensure alignment and compliance. Advise organizational authorities and the TAA of deficiencies and corrective actions taken.

Experience and Qualifications:

Education and Foundational Qualifications

• Completion of an engineering discipline from a university recognized by the TAA, or graduation from an aerospace technology course recognized by the TAA, or possession of equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Successful completion, or the ability to successfully complete, the DND Airworthiness Management Course for AMOs and the DND Airworthiness Familiarization Course, or equivalent relevant experience.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 6 years of aerospace engineering and maintenance experience, including at least 2 years specifically in the maintenance of aeronautical products.
• Experience and detailed knowledge of technical airworthiness rules and standards, with an understanding of applicable operational requirements and environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the responsibilities of the SMM.
• Understanding of the responsibilities of the Person for Assignment of Authority (PRAA).
• Understanding of the responsibilities of individuals assigned authority to perform technical airworthiness functions on behalf of the TAA.

Technical Knowledge and Competency

• Detailed knowledge of the TAM chapters related to the conduct and control of aeronautical product maintenance.
• In-depth understanding of the TAA and the scope and depth of airworthiness authorities assigned to the AMO.
• Clear understanding of the airworthiness responsibilities of the AMO, including oversight of work performed by external agencies through maintenance support arrangements.
• Familiarity with the MPM for the AMO, including associated procedures.
• Understanding of the interrelationship and interfaces between the Technical Airworthiness Program and Quality Management System requirements.
• Detailed knowledge, gained through formal training and/or work experience, of the specific aeronautical products maintained by the AMO, including any airworthiness limitations.
• Basic understanding of the Airworthiness Review Board (ARB) process.
• Good working knowledge of the MS Office Suite of products.

Personal Attributes

• A natural ability to bring a problem-solving mindset to any challenging situation.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of Transport Canada regulations.

Security Responsibilities:

Incumbent must be able to obtain the required level of Government of Canada Personnel Security Clearance.

What PAL Aerospace offers you:

• Personal travel privileges with PAL and interline agreements with other airlines.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program.
• Opportunities for growth.
• PAL Days between Christmas & New Years.

PAL Aerospace is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion whereby individuals are recognized, supported, and respected. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank You.

This is more than a job—it's a chance to lead, build, and serve.

Apply now and help shape the future of Canadian aircrew training.

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