Program Head and Person Responsible for Training—Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Report to: Dean of Trades and Industrial

Scope:

The Program Head of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is responsible for the operational and strategic leadership of the program. This includes the oversight of the M License stream and the development of a new E License stream, while ensuring program compliance with Transport Canada standards and alignment with SIIT’s student-first, Indigenous-centered mission.

Objective:

You will lead a well-established program with strong industry outcomes, guide the creation of new training pathways, and foster a collaborative, student-focused instructional team to support the growth and success of Indigenous learners in the aviation industry.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and Transport Canada Standards.
• Oversee daily program operations, including scheduling, staffing, and resource planning for instructional delivery and hangar management.
• Lead the planning, development, and Transport Canada approval process for the new E License stream, including program design, instructional strategy, and implementation timelines.
• Ensure consistent delivery of curriculum that meets Transport Canada regulations and industry expectations, maintaining high-quality instructional standards.
• Mentor, coach, and support instructors and instructional assistants to promote professional growth, instructional effectiveness, and team cohesion.
• Manage Transport Canada audits, documentation, and ongoing regulatory compliance across both M and E License streams.
• Collaborate with QA personnel to uphold and improve internal quality assurance and safety protocols.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, including airlines, aviation employers, and regulatory bodies, to support student pathways and employer needs.
• Champion Indigenous education by promoting culturally responsive teaching practices, student mentorship, and access initiatives.
• Monitor student success metrics (recruitment, retention, graduation, and employment outcomes) and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Represent the program in institutional meetings, industry events, and external stakeholder engagement.

Requirements:

• Valid Canadian Aircraft maintenance Engineer license with M1 and M2 ratings required.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Canadian Aviation Regulations, specifically in relation to training program compliance and instructional delivery.
• Proven leadership experience in aviation maintenance, aviation education, or military aviation environments, with a track record of building effective teams.
• Experience designing, implementing, or managing Transport Canada-accredited training programs or Approved Training Organizations.
• Understanding of curriculum development processes, instructional design, and educational best practices.
• Strong administration skills, including scheduling, planning, team leadership, and reporting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead teams and collaborate with external partners and regulatory bodies.
• Experience with avionics (E License) is an asset, but not required.
• Ability to manage change, drive innovation, and model a student-centered, empowerment-based leadership style.

How to apply and closing date:

Contact Matthew Cennon at Essence Recruitment at mathew@essencerecruitment.ca or www.essencerecruitment.ca.