Director of Engineering

Job Details

Description

At AFL, we don’t just build network infrastructure, we power the connections that make modern life possible. Our work enables faster communication, digital access, and economic opportunity, helping communities grow and innovation move forward.

We succeed because of our people. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where every voice is valued and every individual is empowered to contribute. You won’t be just another employee; you’ll be part of a team that supports your development and celebrates shared achievements.

We are hiring a Director of Engineering to join AFL’s leadership team to lead our Canadian engineering organization and drive high‑impact, and large‑scale network delivery.

Reporting to the VP of Engineering & Construction (E&C), this role provides strategic and operational leadership of AFL’s Canadian Engineering organization, driving end‑to‑end engineering delivery across all design disciplines. The Director ensures high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective outputs that support national fiber network build programs and emerging technologies.

As a Director of Engineering, you’ll lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and oversee design standards, production management, quality assurance, tool and process modernization, and the performance of external engineering vendors and subcontractors. As Director of Engineering and a key member of the E&C Leadership Team, you’ll drive functional excellence, support organizational transformation, and ensure Engineering is tightly integrated with Project Controls, Construction, Supply Chain, and Finance.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTING OUTCOMES

• Leadership & Organizational Management Lead, mentor, and develop Engineering Managers, Supervisors, and technical staff, fostering a high‑performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Oversee organizational structure, resource planning, workforce capacity, and recruitment to meet portfolio delivery needs. Ensure alignment of Engineering operations with E&C strategic objectives and business goals. Build strong team engagement and drive coaching, performance management, and career development.
• Engineering Delivery & Design Governance Establish and maintain engineering design standards, processes, specifications, and quality benchmarks across all regions. Oversee day‑to‑day engineering production, including FTTx, OSP, ISP, make‑ready, power utility joint‑use, and civil design, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and on‑time delivery. Ensure compliance with client technical requirements, regulatory rules, permitting processes, and construction standards. Drive resolution of engineering escalations, technical issues, and constraints impacting project schedules or cost models.
• Quality Assurance, Performance & Compliance Implement and govern quality assurance frameworks, including audits, peer reviews, and corrective action mechanisms. Develop and maintain KPIs related to quality, throughput, rework, and cycle‑times; ensure trend visibility and mitigation plans. Standardize engineering documentation, version control, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., IEEE, CSA, utility joint‑use requirements).
• Financial & Operational Accountability Partner with Project Controls and Finance to support forecasting, budgeting, rate governance, productivity analysis, invoicing controls, and engineering cost performance. Ensure engineering activities support accurate forecasting of labor, materials, and subcontractor usage. Approve hours, expenses, subcontractor billing, and client engineering‑related invoices.
• Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate with Construction, Project Management, Supply Chain/Purchasing, and Project Controls to ensure alignment between engineering outputs and downstream execution. Support integrated master schedules by providing accurate engineering timelines, risks, and interdependencies. Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders including clients, municipalities, utilities, and regulatory bodies.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Management Oversee engineering subcontractors, ensuring contract compliance, performance monitoring, clear scopes of work, and quality delivery. Support vendor onboarding, capability assessment, and continual improvement initiatives.
• Technology, Systems & Continuous Improvement Lead modernization of engineering tools, technology, and workflows (e.g., CAD platforms, GIS, design automation, Vitruvi or equivalent PM systems). Drive automation to reduce manual processes and improve data quality, throughput, and traceability. Champion LEAN principles and process optimization across the engineering lifecycle.
• Additional Responsibilities Protect confidential information and uphold organizational values. Promote and adhere to Environmental, Health & Safety policies. Perform additional duties as required to support organizational needs. May be required to perform other ancillary or related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Civil, or related field); P.Eng. designation preferred.
• Minimum 10 years engineering experience in telecommunications, utilities, or civil infrastructure.
• Minimum 5 years leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven experience with large‑scale FTTx, OSP/ISP design standards, utility joint‑use requirements, and permitting frameworks.
• Strong understanding of engineering financials, productivity management, and operational KPIs.
• Experience implementing/overseeing engineering tools (GIS, CAD, design management systems).
• Experience working with subcontractors, vendors, and external engineering firms.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team‑building capabilities.
• Strong analytical, financial and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑driven decision‑making approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and executive levels.
• Ability to manage complex priorities, multi‑region operations, and high‑volume production environments.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, CAD/GIS tools, and project management systems.

Preferred / Assets

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• PMP designation or training in project management methodologies.
• Experience in supply chain/sourcing processes related to engineering materials and standards.
• Familiarity with ISO, PMI, and utility regulatory compliance frameworks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical, Sensory and Mental Requirements

• Normal office environment with hybrid work model; 2–3 days per week in office.
• Occasional travel to offices, client sites, or field locations.

Work Hours

• General hours Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm; flexibility required based on business needs.

Why AFL? AFL is a global leader in the telecommunications industry, providing cutting-edge network technology and solutions to customers around the world. At AFL, we’re committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that our team members’ unique contributions help us provide superior service and create better solutions. We provide best-in-class training to ensure you have everything you need to succeed and grow.

Additional Perks:

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunity.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.

• RRSP or retirement savings matching.

• Paid vacation and personal days.

• Professional development and training support.

• Leadership growth and career advancement opportunities.

• Hybrid work arrangements, if applicable.

• Employee assistance program and wellness resources.

• Collaborative, high-performing team environment.

• Exposure to large-scale, high-impact projects.

• Strong safety, quality, and continuous improvement culture.

Ready to Join Us? We welcome diversity and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply!

We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations during the application process, contact NS-Recruitment@AFLglobal.com. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity, not discriminating based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability

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