Program Manager Defence Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

Job Description

We're looking for an Engineering Manager, Software who is passionate about developing people and building high-performing engineering teams. If you enjoy collaborating in person and fostering an environment where individuals and teams can thrive, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Canada's aerospace and defence programs.

In this role, you'll lead a talented group of software engineers, providing the day-to-day leadership and support they need to deliver mission-critical software. You'll partner closely with technical teams and department leaders to drive successful program execution while cultivating a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing engineering culture.

At a high level, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading a group of software developers, providing guidance, mentorship, and coordination
• Managing delivery of software releases to the customer as per program commitments and associated dependencies
• Working closely with Program Management, Quality Assurance, Airworthiness, and other stakeholders to align software development with overall project goals and timelines
• Managing the allocation of resources to the collection of projects in the Canadian Air portfolio
• Facilitating effective teambuilding across a large team supporting multiple customers and projects
• Managing technical risks associated with implementation, performance, and project delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent
• Previous applicable software engineering leadership including daily oversight, supporting career progression, managing training needs
• Experience with design and deployment of software for aircraft systems (or other applicable experience)
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of engineering standards and methods
• Excellent communications skills to interact with a variety of engineering and program professionals
• Highly adaptable with a proven ability to multi-task and context switch
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred.

Assets include:

• A Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation
• Familiarity with software airworthiness standards (e.g. DO-178C)
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• Experience working with large groups

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Additional Information

What We Offer 
The hiring range for this position is $122,000 to $155,000 CAD annual. This role is eligible for management incentive plan. Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills
• Education and certifications

Benefits
As a full-time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top-up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.

Why join us?

Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem-solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading-edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next-generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.

Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world-class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check-ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high-profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation 
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via recruitment@gd-ms.ca.

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.