Flight Test Operations Manager

Job summary

The Flight Test Operations Manager leads and oversees aerospace flight test operations, ensuring all activities are conducted safely and in compliance with regulatory standards. This role provides functional leadership to engineering test pilots and flight test engineers while managing resources, budgets, and cross-functional relationships.

Job details

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. Flight Test Operations Manager About the Role We are seeking an experienced Flight Test Operations Manager to lead aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, aircraft certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support activities. Reporting to Engineering leadership, the Flight Test Operations Manager provides functional leadership for flight test activities and oversees a team of professional and engineering personnel, including Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers. The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring flight test operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, company standards, policies, and procedures. This is a leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage complex flight test programs, resources, risks, and cross-functional relationships. Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support. Assign and authorize critical resources required to execute flight test operations. Provide functional leadership, direction, coaching, and development to Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers. Approve test procedures and formally endorse Safety of Flight documentation, as applicable. Review and approve flight test risk assessments and ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are established and implemented. Oversee the timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency of flight test activities while optimizing resources based on product knowledge, risk, competency, and training currency. Maintain appropriate standards for flight test crew operations, training, development, and critical skills. Liaise with Engineering leadership and domestic and international certification authorities, including Transport Canada, FAA, and other applicable regulatory organizations. Provide technical review and approval of flight test procedures, risk assessments, and related documentation. Drive continuous improvement of flight test procedures, practices, and processes to improve safety and operational efficiency. Support the planning and execution of new and major flight test programs, including development and validation of estimates, assumptions, deliverables, schedules, and resource requirements. Prepare, forecast, and administer department budgets and staffing plans in accordance with organizational targets. Carry out people leadership responsibilities, including recruitment, performance management, employee development, and, where required, disciplinary processes. Coordinate with Flight Operations, Engineering, and other functional groups to support successful execution of flight test programs. Participate in relevant internal councils, functional leadership forums, and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain professional relationships with external associations, working groups, technical panels, and other industry organizations as appropriate. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement. Qualifications and Experience 15–20 years of experience in a flight test environment. Approximately 10 years of progressive professional experience in a leadership or management capacity overseeing flight test engineering operations, activities, or programs. Experience as a flight test crewmember is strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. Private Pilot Licence, where applicable to the incumbent's assigned flying responsibilities. Experience with commercial aircraft certification processes and standards, including Transport Canada and FAA requirements; knowledge of EASA processes is an asset. Experience with Safety of Flight principles, flight test risk assessment, and risk mitigation. Knowledge of modern flight 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.

What you’ll do

The Flight Test Operations Manager leads and oversees aerospace flight test operations, ensuring all activities are conducted safely and in compliance with regulatory standards. This role provides functional leadership to engineering test pilots and flight test engineers while managing resources, budgets, and cross-functional relationships.

Requirements

Candidates must possess 15–20 years of experience in a flight test environment, including at least 10 years in a leadership capacity. A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline is required, along with deep knowledge of commercial aircraft certification processes.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paramedical
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Technical Documentation · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Cross-Functional Coordination · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Flight test operations
• Aerospace engineering
• Aircraft certification
• Safety of flight
• Risk assessment
• Team leadership
• Regulatory compliance
• Engineering management
• Budgeting
• Staffing
• Performance management
• Technical documentation
• Continuous improvement
• Cross-functional coordination
• Project management
• Product Knowledge
• Working at Heights
• Operational Efficiency
• Accountability
• Risk Mitigation
• Planning
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aviation
• Flight Testing
• Airworthiness
• Management
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Training And Development
• Performance Management
• Leadership
• Innovation
• Mechanical Engineering
• Maintenance Repair And Operations (MRO)
• Operations Management
• Operations
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Physics
• Private Pilot Licence
• Regulatory Requirements
• Coaching
• Risk Analysis
• Software Technical Review
• Test Design
• Reliability
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Aerospace Industry

Job areas

• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Security & Safety
• Flight Operations Manager
• Operations Manager (General)
• Manufacturing Managers
• General and Operations Managers

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