As a Supervisor in Petroleum Engineering at National Defence, you will lead a team of petroleum engineers and technicians while managing complex energy infrastructure projects critical to DND operations. You will be responsible for supervising engineering work, ensuring projects meet technical specifications and budgetary requirements, and developing your team members' skills and careers. Your work directly supports Canada's defence capabilities by maintaining and optimizing the fuel systems and petroleum infrastructure that keep our operations running. In this role, you'll balance hands-on engineering expertise with people management, making strategic decisions about project priorities, resource allocation, and team performance. You'll work in a professional environment that values technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement, collaborating with other engineering disciplines, military personnel, and external partners across Canada and potentially internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily petroleum 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 position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline from a Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) accredited program, or equivalent professional experience. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or eligibility toward P.Eng. is highly valued and may be required depending on the specific posting. Many successful candidates have 5-10 years of progressive engineering experience before moving into supervisory roles. DND provides ongoing professional development, including project management training, leadership development programs, and technical certifications specific to defence energy systems. You may also pursue advanced certifications in areas such as energy management, safety systems, or specialized petroleum engineering disciplines through professional associations like Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or equivalent provincial bodies.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career at DND typically occurs through advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). You may enter as a Petroleum Engineer first and advance to a Supervisor role after demonstrating leadership potential and technical expertise. Some candidates transition laterally from other engineering supervisory positions within DND or the broader federal public service. DND occasionally recruits through student internship programs and co-op placements, which can lead to permanent positions upon graduation. Experienced professionals from the private sector (oil and gas, energy, or engineering consulting) may compete directly for supervisor-level postings. Military personnel with engineering backgrounds can also transition to civilian engineering roles through specific recruitment initiatives. Appointment is based on merit through a competitive process that evaluates your technical qualifications, supervisory experience, and ability to meet the Essential and Desirable qualifications outlined in each job posting.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Petroleum Engineering are typically full-time permanent roles, as they involve ongoing team leadership and project management responsibilities. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, particularly for experienced professionals or those with specific operational needs. Some aspects of the role, such as report writing, planning, and administrative supervision, can potentially be performed remotely, though on-site presence is usually required for team meetings, facility inspections, and direct supervision. Part-time or job-sharing supervisory arrangements are less common but may be possible in certain circumstances. Remote work eligibility depends on your specific DND location and the nature of ongoing projects. We encourage you to discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired, as DND is committed to supporting work-life balance within operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
