As a Manager - Machining and Shaping at Department of National Defence (DND), you lead and supervise teams of skilled trades workers in machining, metal fabrication, and material shaping operations. You are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling machining and shaping activities to ensure quality output, safety compliance, and on-time delivery of components for military equipment and infrastructure. Your role bridges technical expertise with management responsibilities, requiring you to understand both the machining processes and the people who perform them.
In this position, you oversee daily operations including scheduling work, allocating resources, monitoring quality standards, and ensuring adherence to safety regulations and environmental protocols. You manage staff performance, conduct training, and foster a collaborative work environment. You also coordinate with engineering, procurement, and other departments to meet production requirements and support DND's operational readiness. Your decisions directly impact the maintenance and production capabilities that support Canadian Armed Forces operations across the country.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of machining and shaping services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the machining and shaping team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent combined with substantial experience in machining, metal work, or related trades. Many candidates hold a journeyperson certificate in machining, tool and die making, or a related trade recognized by provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities. Some positions may require or prefer completion of a college diploma in machining technology, precision manufacturing, or industrial trades.
Professional development in this career includes supervisory and management training, advanced technical certifications in CNC programming and operation, and health and safety qualifications such as WHMIS and confined space entry. DND supports continuous learning through courses in leadership, project management, and trades-specific technical advancement. You may pursue additional certifications in quality control, ISO standards, or specialized machining processes relevant to military equipment production. Many managers in this field also pursue credentials through professional associations related to manufacturing and precision trades.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Machining and Shaping position typically occurs through public service staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens. You may enter as a journeyperson or experienced tradesperson first, then compete for supervisory and management positions as they become available. DND occasionally uses priority hiring pools for internal candidates and experienced trades workers from the private sector.
Lateral moves from other trades management roles within DND or other federal departments are common pathways. Some candidates progress through the public service apprenticeship program if entering at entry level, though most manager positions require prior trades experience and demonstrated supervisory capability. Temporary assignments and acting positions provide opportunities to gain management experience before competing for permanent roles. External recruitment occurs when internal candidates are unavailable, allowing qualified trades managers from provincial governments, private industry, and other employers to apply.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Machining and Shaping positions are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory nature of the work and the need for consistent leadership and decision-making. However, flexible work arrangements may be available for certain administrative and planning aspects of the role, depending on operational requirements and DND policy.
Remote work is limited for this position as you must be present to supervise shop floor operations, ensure safety compliance, and coordinate real-time work activities. Some pre-planning and reporting tasks may be completed off-site, but your primary location is the machining facility or workshop. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements are uncommon at the manager level due to the continuity needed for effective team leadership, though DND encourages discussion of individual accommodation needs within operational constraints.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
