Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception. 

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now were going global. 

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

WestJet is currently seeking a Program Manager, Technical Powerplant to join the Technical Operation team and lead the maintenance program for all of WestJet’s engines and APUs within its fleet, including CFM56, LEAP-1B, PW150B, and GEnx. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with key stakeholders across the business to strategically plan and optimize the engine maintenance program in order to reduce costs and identify further synergies and strategic opportunities.

The Program Manager, Technical Powerplant will report to the Director, Heavy Maintenance & Powerplant and is responsible for the technical decisions on the powerplant portfolio. These technical decisions will range from lease returns to lessors, engine repair management, engineering and task controls for all of WestJet’s engines.

Key deliverables include:

• Responsible for analyzing and developing powerplant lifecycle (acquisition through retirement/return) asset strategy taking into account ownership, lease terms, operational life, and technical/financial risk mitigation strategies;
• Develop and lead a high-performing team covering all aspects of powerplant engineering, and develop strong relationships with critical stakeholders internally and externally;
• Oversee the optimization of the Maintenance, Reapir and Overhaul (MRO) organization investment plan for repairs, performance restorations, LLP, and spares strategies balancing the technical and financial elements;
• Responsible for 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, manufacturers to support sourcing and selection strategies, acquisitions, business negotiations, and ongoing technical support;
• Accountable for minimizing the engine technical, reliability, and operational risks through the use of engine condition monitoring and technical data;
• Manage spare availability plans for schedule and unscheduled risks through forecasting, planning, and sourcing strategies and networking with engine lessors;
• Responsible for 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;
• Accountable to ensure all engineering controls in CMTS are up to date and corrected for MPD and MSA items as well as ensuring each engines back-to-birth records are available and accurate.
• A source of technical support for the Engine Shops team.
• Owns key technical metrics related to engine changes inclusive of task errors, engine transaction accuracy and engine change over lead times.
• Must provide technical coordination with lessors for acceptance and return of leased powerplant assets; and,
• 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.

Experience and qualifications:

• Must possess a Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance, Engineering (Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering preferred);
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience managing engine and propulsion related programs.
• Deep technical experience with engine/propulsion programs, with specific experience with CFM56, LEAP, PW150, and/or GEnx preferred;
• Must be able 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;
• Must have experience with long term powerplant financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting;
• Experience in network of powerplant MROs, OEM, and leasing company contracts;
• Computer software skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite;
• Experience with powerplant asset management strategy preferred; and,
• Highly skilled with negotiating and execution of powerplant MRO and leasing contracts.

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 are a 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. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
 
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost 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. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your 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 WestJets operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJets Alcohol and Drug Policy.   

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet.  We welcome diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds, and if youre passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you dont 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 talentwestjet.com.  

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.  We encourage you to explore future opportunities with us if this role isnt the right fit at this time.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.