As a Director General - Electrical, you provide senior leadership and strategic direction for large-scale electrical operations and projects within the Department of National Defence. You oversee complex electrical infrastructure, manage significant budgets, and lead multidisciplinary teams of electrical engineers, technicians, and support staff. Your decisions directly impact military readiness and the safety of personnel and facilities across Canada and internationally.
Your responsibilities include developing long-term electrical infrastructure strategies, ensuring compliance with national and international standards, managing capital projects, and driving continuous improvement in electrical systems and operations. You work at the executive level, collaborating with senior military commanders, other government departments, and external stakeholders to align electrical capabilities with defence objectives. You are accountable for performance management, succession planning, and fostering a professional, inclusive workplace culture.
The role typically involves office-based work at DND headquarters or major operational centres, with frequent travel to visit facilities, oversee projects, and meet with stakeholders. You may work extended hours during critical operational periods or when managing major infrastructure initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Perform electrical tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline from a recognized institution. Many successful candidates hold a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation from their provincial or territorial engineering association, demonstrating mastery of electrical engineering principles and professional practice standards.
Most candidates bring 15-20 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering or related fields, including a minimum of 5-7 years in senior management or leadership roles. Relevant certifications may include Project Management Professional (PMP), certified project management credentials, or specialized certifications in electrical systems, power distribution, or infrastructure management.
Ongoing professional development is expected throughout your career. DND supports participation in executive leadership programs, advanced project management training, and continuing professional education required to maintain engineering credentials. You are encouraged to pursue certifications in emerging technologies such as renewable energy systems, smart grid technology, and cybersecurity as they relate to critical infrastructure.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level position occurs through formal competitive recruitment processes managed by the Treasury Board Secretariat and DND Human Resources. These competitions are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with demonstrated executive leadership experience.
Most candidates reach this level through internal promotion after progressing through intermediate engineering and management positions within DND (such as Senior Electrical Engineer or Manager positions). Lateral moves from other federal departments, provincial utilities, private sector engineering firms, or the Canadian Armed Forces are also considered if candidates demonstrate equivalent experience and meet all qualifications.
DND also considers candidates from designated pools of pre-qualified executives and may use bridging programs for those transitioning from military service. Some positions may be advertised through the Public Service Commission's executive recruitment process. Interested candidates should monitor the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and DND's careers website for current competition notices. Previous DND experience, security clearance eligibility, and a strong track record of managing large-scale projects and teams are significant assets.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic nature of the responsibilities and the continuous oversight required for large-scale operations and capital projects. However, DND supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Most Director General - Electrical positions offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate medical appointments, personal obligations, and work-life balance, provided core business needs are met. Remote work options may be available for specific duties such as strategic planning, report writing, and stakeholder meetings, though the role requires regular on-site presence for facility inspections, team leadership, and operational oversight.
Actual flexibility options depend on the specific position, work location, and operational requirements. Candidates are encouraged to discuss accommodations and flexible work possibilities during the recruitment and interview process. DND is committed to supporting employees through programs such as telehealth services, employee wellness initiatives, and dependent care resources.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
