Materials and Processes Engineer (Metallurgist)

Position Overview

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

• 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 regulatory and quality standards, including Nadcap, AS9100, and ISO 9001.
• Knowledge of environmental and chemical compliance regulations (e.g., REACH, EPA, CEPA).
• Experience in supplier qualification, auditing, and process approval within an aerospace or highly regulated environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Eligibility for registration or licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Experience supporting aircraft certification programs (e.g., Transport Canada, FAA, EASA).
• Familiarity with failure analysis techniques, including fractography, metallography, and corrosion analysis.
• Working knowledge of statistical methods and materials testing standards (e.g., ASTM, AMS).
• Experience with digital engineering tools, materials databases, or PLM systems.
• Technical expertise in metallurgy and aerospace materials.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Adaptability and sound engineering judgment.

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel required for supplier audits and technical reviews (domestic and international).
• Work is performed in a combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.

Health & Safety

Employees are expected to adhere to Health & Safety policies and perform key physical tasks described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to working in a variety of environmental conditions, confined spaces, heights, and around chemicals, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as mask fit testing.

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

Equal Opportunity

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.