Sr. Manager Power Plant Engineer - Calgary

WestJet Group•Calgary, AB

5d•Onsite

About The Position

WestJet is seeking a Senior Manager, Powerplant Engineering to join the Technical Operation team. This role will lead the maintenance program for all of WestJet’s engines and APUs within its fleet, including CFM56, LEAP, PW150, and GEnx. The successful candidate will collaborate with key stakeholders to strategically plan and optimize the engine maintenance program, aiming to reduce costs and identify synergies. This position is crucial in supporting the airline's long-term growth strategy as the fleet expands. The Senior Manager, Powerplant Engineering reports to the Director, Heavy Maintenance and Powerplant and is responsible for the development and execution of the powerplant (engine and APU) asset life cycle management strategy and technical oversight of the engine program, ensuring industry-leading safety, compliance, quality, schedule, and operational performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering preferred) or an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license.
Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing engine and propulsion related programs.
Minimum of three years of experience in a leadership role and/or in Airline or MRO project management.
Deep technical experience with engine/propulsion programs, with specific experience with CFM56, LEAP, PW150, and/or GEnx preferred.
Proven track record of building and developing high performing teams and ability to influence through leadership to deliver results.
Ability to interpret and extract data to develop long term strategic management and planning goals in order to reduce costs.
Large jet transport powerplant technical knowledge required combined with hands on maintenance experience preferred.
Experience with long term powerplant financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
Experience in network of powerplant MROs, OEM, and leasing company contracts.
Highly skilled with negotiating and execution of powerplant MRO and leasing contracts.

Nice To Haves

Experience with powerplant asset management strategy preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyzing and developing powerplant lifecycle (acquisition through retirement/return) asset strategy, considering ownership, lease terms, operational life, and technical/financial risk mitigation strategies.
Developing and leading a high-performing team covering all aspects of powerplant engineering, and fostering strong relationships with critical stakeholders internally and externally.
Overseeing the optimization of the MRO investment plan for repairs, performance restorations, Life limited parts replacement, and spares strategies, balancing technical and financial elements.
Overseeing the development and maintenance of powerplant fleet maintenance program standards, build specifications, and customized engine work scopes in coordination with Engineering, Planning, and Finance.
Maintaining a strong network with existing and potential MRO and engine lessors, external agencies, and manufacturers to support sourcing and selection strategies, acquisitions, business negotiations, and ongoing technical support.
Minimizing engine technical, reliability, and operational risks through the use of engine condition monitoring and technical data.
Managing spare availability plans for schedule and unscheduled risks through forecasting, planning, and sourcing strategies and networking with engine lessors.
Ensuring maintenance strategy complies with safety, regulatory, and lease requirements and minimizes end of lease return risks through proactive forecasting and financial negotiations and settlements with lessors.
Providing technical coordination with lessors for acceptance and return of leased powerplant assets.
Coordinating commercial coverage for MRO services, lease engines, and parts based on life cycle risk profiles, ensuring MRO quality oversight standards and adherence to quality performance metrics.