As a Manager of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, you will lead and direct a team of engineers and technicians involved in the selection, development, testing, and application of materials and metallurgical processes. You will oversee technical projects related to material science, ensuring that all work meets rigorous Department of National Defence standards and specifications. Your responsibilities include managing team performance, allocating resources, developing technical strategies, and ensuring project timelines and budgets are met. You will work with cross-functional teams across DND and other government departments to deliver solutions that support Canadian military capabilities and defence initiatives.
In this role, you will be responsible for strategic planning within your technical domain, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the advancement of materials engineering practices within DND. You will make decisions on material specifications, testing protocols, and engineering solutions that directly impact equipment performance, reliability, and safety. Your work environment may include office-based planning and management, laboratory facilities, manufacturing environments, or field locations depending on the specific materials engineering challenges being addressed.
This position offers the opportunity to apply advanced technical knowledge while developing leadership skills. You will influence organizational direction through technical expertise and play a key role in attracting and retaining talent within the Materials Engineering community across DND.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of metallurgical and materials engineering services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the metallurgical and materials 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, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility for designation is highly valued and may be required depending on the specific position. You should have progressive experience in metallurgical or materials engineering, with several years of demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibilities. Knowledge of materials testing standards, metallurgical processes, and engineering project management is essential. Specific DND technical requirements may include familiarity with military material specifications, defence procurement processes, or relevant security clearance eligibility. Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada professional development programs, technical training specific to DND operations, leadership development courses, and opportunities to maintain and advance professional engineering credentials through Engineers Canada and provincial/territorial professional engineering associations.
Entry Plans
Entry into this manager-level position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca) and DND's internal recruitment channels. Candidates may apply directly to advertised Manager positions if they meet the minimum qualifications, or may be considered from existing DND talent pools of Senior Engineers or Engineers who have demonstrated management readiness. Lateral moves from other federal departments with equivalent engineering experience and management credentials are possible and encouraged. Some candidates progress into this role after several years working as Senior Metallurgical and Materials Engineers within DND, where they have been identified as having management potential. Military members with engineering qualifications may also transition into civilian management positions through the Canadian Armed Forces transition assistance programs. Appointment may follow a formal competition process, merit-based selection from a staffing pool, or priority consideration under government staffing policies. Once appointed, you will complete security clearance requirements appropriate to your work environment and access needs.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for Manager-level positions are generally limited due to the ongoing leadership and supervisory responsibilities required. However, flexible work options may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational needs and DND management approval. Remote work is possible for administrative and planning duties, though you would be expected to be physically present for team meetings, site inspections, laboratory work, and in-person collaboration with cross-functional teams. Given the critical nature of engineering oversight and the need for timely decision-making on technical matters, this position typically requires a full-time commitment. Managers are encouraged to discuss flexible arrangements with their chain of command during the recruitment process to understand what accommodations may be possible within their specific work environment. Government of Canada benefits, including health and wellness programs and leave provisions, apply to all civilian employees regardless of work arrangement.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
