As a Supervisor in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at National Defence, you will lead a team of engineering professionals responsible for optimizing production processes, manufacturing systems, and industrial operations. You will oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing facilities and processes that support Canada's defence capabilities. This role combines hands-on engineering expertise with people leadership, requiring you to balance technical decision-making with team management and strategic planning.
Your responsibilities will include supervising and developing engineering staff, managing project budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and collaborating with other departments to meet operational requirements. You will analyze manufacturing processes, identify efficiency improvements, and recommend solutions that reduce costs while maintaining quality. In the Department of National Defence, your work directly impacts the production and maintenance of equipment critical to Canadian Armed Forces operations.
You will work in a structured military-civilian environment, often in collaboration with both civilian engineers and military personnel. Depending on your posting, you may work at a manufacturing facility, maintenance depot, or defence research centre across Canada. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement in industrial processes.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily industrial and manufacturing engineering operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this supervisor role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from a recognized Canadian university or equivalent. Professional Engineering (PE) certification or eligibility for certification is highly valued and may be required depending on the specific position. You should have several years of progressive engineering experience, including demonstrated supervisory or project leadership experience.
Continuing professional development is essential in this field. The Public Service supports ongoing training in advanced manufacturing technologies, lean operations, Six Sigma methodologies, project management, and people leadership skills. You will be encouraged to maintain your PE designation through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or equivalent provincial bodies, and to participate in professional associations such as Engineers Canada. DND also provides specialized training in defence procurement, security protocols, and military-specific manufacturing requirements.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisor-level position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most candidates are promoted internally after working as Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (non-supervisory positions) at National Defence or other federal departments, demonstrating strong technical and leadership capabilities. When supervisory positions become available, the Public Service conducts formal competitions that may be open to current federal employees, the broader public service, or external candidates depending on organizational needs.
If you are external to the Public Service, you can apply when supervisory positions are advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank or DND's careers website. Some candidates also enter at the engineer level through recruitment competitions or student programs, then advance to supervisor roles as opportunities arise. The Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) program provides another entry point for recent engineering graduates, allowing you to begin as an engineer and progress through promotion competitions. Lateral moves from other federal departments are also possible if you have relevant engineering experience and supervisory background. The Public Service aims to fill positions competitively based on merit, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to perform the work.
Part-Time Options
Supervisory roles in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering are typically full-time positions due to the leadership responsibilities and on-site requirements. However, the Public Service does offer flexibility in many cases. Depending on operational needs and your manager's discretion, you may be able to negotiate compressed work weeks or flexible start and end times within core business hours. Remote work options are limited for this role, as supervisor responsibilities generally require on-site presence to oversee teams and facilities, conduct safety inspections, and manage daily operations.
If you have ongoing commitments or caregiving responsibilities, discuss accommodation options during the hiring process or with your manager once employed. The Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance and may be able to offer arrangements such as telework for administrative duties or adjusted schedules where operationally feasible. Parental leave, compassionate leave, and other federal benefits are available to all Public Service employees. Part-time supervisory positions are rarely available, but the Public Service continues to explore flexible work arrangements. Contact the hiring manager or your departmental HR office for specific information about flexibility for a particular posting.
