This position requires in-person collaboration up to five days a week. This arrangement is subject to change based on business requirements.
Why WestJet:
Since our story took off in 1996, WestJet has strived to enrich the lives of everyone in our world; a career with us is no exception. We’re proud to be one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures and continuously aim for the highest standards of service and success.
Join us, this is where your career story takes off.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Design Engineering, the Principal Engineer supports the design and certification activities of the Airworthiness Engineering Organization (AEO) and Design Engineering function as a senior technical specialist. This role involves the preparation, review, and approval of engineering deliverables in support of aircraft repairs and modifications. The Principal Engineer works closely with various stakeholders, including Operations, Maintenance, In-Service Engineering, Reliability, Configuration Management, Quality, Inflight and Guest Experience, to maintain safe and reliable operations and implement guest experience initiatives. The Principal Engineer also provides technical advice and mentorship to other Engineering and Technical Services peers, and supports the continuous improvement of company processes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace, Mechanical, or equivalent engineering field. Engineering Technology diploma in a related field may be acceptable.
- Minimum 7 years of experience working in an engineering design organization, OEM, or airline environment
- Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- In-depth knowledge of Transport Canada airworthiness regulations and design approval processes.
- Eligibility for, or current holder of, TCCA airworthiness delegation (DAO Authorized Person or DAR).
- Holder of Professional Engineer license, or eligible for licensure.
- Experience with repairs and alterations to Boeing 737 & 787 aircraft is an asset.
Key Responsibilities:Design & Engineering:
- Work closely with the Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to develop compliant repairs, modifications, and technical solutions.
- Prepare, review and approve technical data.
- Lead or participate in project design reviews.
- Recommend, prepare, and/or review changes to engineering processes.
- Plan and/or execute testing, ensuring test article conformity, safety of personnel, and protection of property.
Regulatory Compliance and Oversight:
- Support the development of technical requirements, proposals, work scope, and cost estimates.
- Ensure project deliverables conform to regulatory requirements and internal design procedures.
- Perform delegated authorized functions in accordance with the Engineering Procedures Manual, including liaising with certification authorities (TCCA, FAA, EASA) and participating in the Airworthiness Control Committee.
- Participate in audits of company and AEO functions.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
- Provide training and mentorship to internal stakeholders on design approval processes.
- Recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
The benefits of being a WestJetter:
WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs
Think we’re a great fit? Apply now!
About WestJet Group of Companies
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Since the Sunwing Airlines integration in 2025, more than 15,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to our global network of more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The WestJet Group is a major Canadian employer and includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore and Sunwing Vacations Group. We’re Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
Our safety promise
At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. Safety and security are shared responsibilities all team members are expected to use safe work practices to ensure their well-being and the safety of others. WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as Safey-Sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
We embrace what makes each of us unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. We welcome diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds so if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at
[email protected].
We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. If this role isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.
For more information about everything WestJet, please westjet.com/aboutus.
If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at
[email protected].
