Aircraft Fleet Engineer

We’re all about the craft. 

KF Aerospace is proud to deliver innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide. Launched 50 years ago out of Canada’s Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in a wide range of aviation services including maintenance and modifications, air cargo operations, military pilot training and aircraft leasing. With facilities across Canada, KF is home to a 1,100 strong, highly skilled workforce. Our passion for our craft fuels every project we touch.

The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program is an aircrew training program to prepare pilots, Air Combat Systems Operators, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators to meet the future aerospace requirements of the Royal Canadian Air Force. As part of the SkyAlyne Team, KF Aerospace will operate an Acceptable Technical Organization (ATO) acting as the Military Type Certificate Holder for the five fleets of training aircraft.

JOB OVERVIEW

The qualified individual will support the FAcT Head of Engineering within the FAcT ATO by performing continuing airworthiness activities for their respective aircraft fleet including risk management, configuration management, maintenance program management, design change management, in-service monitoring and technical problem resolution. During the transition-in of the FAcT Program, the Fleet Engineer will be responsible for managing the military Release to Service (RTS) of the aircraft fleet. This will require coordination with the other members of the SkyAlyne FAcT team, the aircraft OEM and the DND Airworthiness Regulator to meet all the requirements for Technical, Operational and Investigative Airworthiness Clearance in accordance with the DND Airworthiness Program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Transition/Development Phase

• Lead the development of an Airworthiness Clearance (AWC) Plan liaising with the FAcT Head of Engineering, other Fleet Engineers, the DND Technical Airworthiness Authority (TAA), and the aircraft and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Track and manage activities within the AWC Plan through to Release to Service for the applicable fleet including tracking of data deliverables, action items, risks, and issues. Coordinate efforts between multiple agencies. Represent technical and airworthiness aspects for the fleet on the Aircraft Integrated Product team (IPT)
• Establish and manage the fleet’s Design Support Network (DSN) including aircraft and engine OEMs, other major component OEMs as applicable.
• Support the Integrated Test Team (ITT) in the development and execution of the Aircraft Integrated Test Program (AITP) to include all required certification testing, Engineering Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation.
• Assist in the development of the Engineering Process Manual (EPM) for the FAcT ATO
• Coordinate development and delivery of applicable contract deliverables
• Support aircraft acquisition and acceptance activities as required

In Service Phase

• Execute military Type Certificate Holder responsibilities in accordance with the EPM
  1. Grant Technical Airworthiness Clearance (TAC)
  2. Process requests for flight authority/flight permits
  3. Manage the Design Support Network
  4. Configuration Management
  5. Airworthiness Risk Management
  6. Design Change Management
  7. Engineering Support to AMO
  8. Maintenance Program Management
  9. In Service Monitoring
• Track and manage fleet technical and airworthiness issues through to resolution involving the AMO, the SDE, the KF Aerospace ADO, the TAA, the OAA as appropriate
• Track and manage technical projects such as aircraft design changes
• Provide required reports to the SDE including In Service Monitoring, annual airworthiness reports, service difficulties, fleet performance reports and others as required
• Oversee strategic level fleet planning to ensure the fleet availability continues to meet the requirements of the operation
• Review and take appropriate action on Reliability and Maintainability reports
• Coordinate and prioritize activities of the Planners, the Technical Specialists, and the data analysts to maximize the fleet availability for the flying program

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Engineering (applicable discipline) or have the equivalent knowledge or experience
• Minimum seven years of experience in the technical support of aircraft in a live flying operation
• Previous experience working within the DND Airworthiness Program would be considered an asset
• Willing to work extra hours when required
• Able to work independently in an office environment
• Experience with MS Office necessary 
• Engineering project management experience is necessary

BENEFITS

Full-Time staff benefits include (but are not limited to):

• Relocation support from anywhere in Canada
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Excellent work-life balance
• Virtual, 24/7 on-call medical care
• Bonus program based on organizational performance
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• Extended Health and Dental
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Personal Wellness Spending Account
• The opportunity to bank overtime for additional time off
• Pension matching plan and voluntary RRSP
• Free financial advice