As a Director of Chemical Engineering within the Department of National Defence, you will provide strategic leadership and technical direction to chemical engineering teams and projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of complex chemical engineering initiatives that support DND's operational and scientific objectives. This role involves managing budgets, personnel, and resources while ensuring projects meet rigorous technical standards and timelines. You will work collaboratively with other departments, external partners, and stakeholders to advance DND's chemical engineering capabilities and innovation.
In this position, you will make key decisions that impact DND's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities, environmental management, and technology development. Your responsibilities include strategic planning, performance management of engineering staff, technical oversight of projects, and contribution to policy development. You will balance competing priorities while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence and professional integrity.
Directors of Chemical Engineering typically work in office and laboratory environments, with the possibility of site visits to operational locations or research facilities. This role offers the opportunity to lead talented teams, influence organizational direction, and contribute meaningfully to Canada's defence and security objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of chemical engineering services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the chemical engineering team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited program. Many candidates hold a Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a specialized field such as materials science, environmental engineering, or process engineering.
Professional credentials are important in this role. You should hold or be eligible to obtain Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), or equivalent provincial regulatory bodies. Some candidates may also hold certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or specialized technical areas relevant to defence and security.
DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including leadership training, advanced technical courses, security clearance-related training, and participation in professional engineering associations. You will have opportunities to advance your expertise through attendance at conferences, workshops, and specialized seminars. The department supports continuous learning and encourages engagement with the broader engineering and scientific community.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates may come from various pathways within the federal Public Service.
Common entry paths include: lateral movement from other federal departments or agencies where you have demonstrated engineering management experience; promotion from within DND if you have served in senior engineer or engineering management roles; or external recruitment if you bring substantial private sector or academic experience in chemical engineering and team leadership.
To be considered, you must be a Canadian citizen and obtain a Top Secret security clearance (some positions may require a higher level). The competitive process typically includes an application review, written assessment, and interviews. Preference may be given to applicants with prior federal government experience or those already holding an appropriate security clearance.
If you are new to the federal Public Service, you may enter through external competitions. Experienced professionals from industry or academia are encouraged to apply, as DND values diverse perspectives and specialized technical expertise.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for Director-level positions are limited but may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on operational needs and collective agreement provisions. Most Director positions are full-time, as the role requires consistent presence for strategic decision-making and team leadership.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework, are increasingly available within DND. Depending on your specific responsibilities, you may be able to work from home on certain days per week, particularly for administrative tasks, planning, and virtual meetings. However, your position will likely require regular in-person presence for team meetings, laboratory oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
Remote work options may expand during periods when on-site presence is not operationally necessary. DND continues to develop flexible work policies that balance operational requirements with employee wellbeing. Any arrangement would be negotiated with your manager and must align with departmental needs and collective agreement terms.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
