As a Manager - Petroleum Engineering, you will lead and direct petroleum engineering teams within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for managing engineering projects, overseeing technical staff, and ensuring that petroleum-related infrastructure and operations meet departmental standards and requirements. Your work directly supports Canada's defence capabilities by maintaining critical fuel and energy systems used across military installations and operations.
In this role, you will supervise engineers and technicians, approve project budgets, manage timelines, and ensure compliance with federal regulations and industry standards. You will also participate in strategic planning, performance management, and the professional development of your team members. Your technical expertise in petroleum engineering, combined with your leadership skills, ensures that complex projects are delivered safely and on schedule.
You will work within a structured military and civilian environment, collaborating with other departments, contractors, and external stakeholders. The work environment may require travel to various Defence facilities across Canada, and you may oversee operations in remote or operational locations. Your decisions impact both the efficiency of Defence operations and the safety of personnel and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of petroleum engineering services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the petroleum 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
You must hold a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline from a recognized Canadian university or equivalent credential. Many candidates also hold a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation from Engineers and Geoscientists Canada or a provincial engineering association. This professional certification is highly valued and may be required depending on the specific posting.
You should have formal management or leadership training, either through university-level business administration studies, leadership development programs, or equivalent professional experience. The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including management training, technical certifications, and specialized courses in federal procurement, policy, and compliance. Internal training programs help you develop expertise in Defence-specific operations, security protocols, and departmental systems.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a competitive public appointment process, where you must meet the Essential Qualifications listed in the job posting. These typically include a relevant engineering degree, professional engineering designation, and demonstrated management experience.
If you already work for the Government of Canada as a petroleum engineer or in a related technical role, you may apply for internal competitions or express interest in advancement opportunities within your department. The federal Public Service uses talent pools and recruitment campaigns to identify qualified candidates. For professionals outside government, the Canadian Armed Forces and DND regularly advertise management positions on the Government of Canada Job Board.
Some candidates transition into management roles through lateral moves from other engineering disciplines or from private industry positions. To strengthen your application, maintain your P.Eng. credentials, develop supervisory experience, and familiarize yourself with federal procurement and policy frameworks. Networking with DND recruitment teams and attending information sessions can provide valuable insights into the selection process.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements for Manager - Petroleum Engineering positions are limited due to the supervisory and operational demands of the role. However, the Government of Canada supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Many DND civilian positions offer flexible hours, allowing you to adjust your start and end times within a core hours framework.
Remote work options vary depending on the specific posting and operational requirements. Some planning, administrative, and strategic work can be performed remotely, though regular on-site presence is typically required for team supervision, facility inspections, and operational oversight. The extent of remote work eligibility is determined during the hiring process and may change based on departmental needs. Job-sharing arrangements are uncommon for management positions but may be negotiated in exceptional circumstances. Upon hiring, you can discuss flexible work options with your manager and union representative to find arrangements that meet both departmental and personal needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
