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.
Position Overview
The Materials and Processes Engineer (Metallurgist) is responsible for the technical evaluation, qualification, and approval of materials and special processes used in aircraft design, manufacturing, and repair. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, and airworthiness requirements, while supporting product integrity, manufacturability, and continued operational safety.
The incumbent collaborates cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and external laboratories to maintain and advance materials and process capabilities in alignment with industry best practices and organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
- Evaluate, qualify, and approve metallic materials and associated processes for aerospace applications, ensuring compliance with design, certification, and performance requirements.
- Lead technical assessments of new and alternative materials, working closely with material suppliers, testing laboratories, and research organizations.
- Develop, maintain, and revise material and process specifications, standards, and engineering documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
- Assess materials and processes for compliance with environmental and regulatory frameworks, including but not limited to REACH, EPA, CEPA, and other applicable standards.
- Review and approve aircraft design and repair modifications for adherence to approved materials and process requirements, ensuring continued airworthiness.
- Support the introduction and implementation of new manufacturing and special processes to maintain technological competitiveness and industry leadership.
- Provide subject matter expertise and technical support to internal stakeholders, including Manufacturing, Quality, and In-Service Engineering, for troubleshooting, failure investigations, and operator inquiries.
- Conduct supplier audits and assessments of special processes (e.g., Nadcap-accredited processes), including on-site evaluations and technical reviews.
- Evaluate supplier capability and conformity to defined manufacturing and process requirements, including approval of new suppliers and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Review and disposition supplier requests for process deviations, concessions, and non-conformances, ensuring risk is properly assessed and mitigated.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance materials performance, process efficiency, and product quality.
- Support internal and external audit activities, including regulatory authority audits and quality system assessments.
- Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation related to materials and process non-conformances.
- Stay current with advancements in metallurgy, materials science, and aerospace manufacturing technologies, recommending improvements where appropriate.
- Assist in the development of engineering best practices, lessons learned, and knowledge-sharing within the organization.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional team members as required.
- Support airworthiness investigations, service difficulty reports, and fleet reliability initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace materials and processes engineering.
- Demonstrated experience with special processes used in the manufacture of aerospace metallic components, such as heat treatment, welding, chemical processing, surface treatments, and shot peening.
- Strong understanding of aerospace regulato