Manager, Software Engineering - Defence Industry
Date: 24 Sept 2026
Location: Ottawa, CA, K2V 1C8
Company: Calian
Position Overview
We are looking for a Software Engineering Manager to support the delivery of defence-focused software programs and lead engineering teams working on capabilities that support military customers and operational environments.
This role combines software engineering leadership with military domain expertise. The successful candidate will bring a strong technical background, proven leadership experience, and an understanding of military operations, training, command structures, or defence capability development. Working closely with engineering teams, customers, and stakeholders, this individual will help ensure software solutions align with operational needs and future defence objectives.
Responsibilities
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Lead software engineering teams responsible for the delivery of defense-related capabilities and programs.
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Provide coaching, mentorship, performance management, and career development for engineering staff.
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Support hiring, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
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Manage project delivery, schedules, priorities, risks, and resource allocation.
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Collaborate with military stakeholders, customers, and engineering teams to ensure successful program execution.
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Translate operational requirements into technical priorities and engineering activities.
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Support long-term planning, capability development, and technical decision-making.
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Help establish and improve engineering processes, team effectiveness, and delivery performance.
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Partner with leadership, program teams, and customers to ensure alignment between technical execution and operational needs.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
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10+ years of experience in software, engineering, systems engineering, or technical environments.
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Demonstrated leadership experience through military service, engineering leadership, or people-management roles.
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Strong technical understanding of software development, systems integration, or engineering delivery.
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Eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada Secret Security Clearance.
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Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
Military Experience Requirements
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Direct military experience, preferably within the Canadian Armed Forces.
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Experience operating within Army-related environments, military operations, training, communications, intelligence, command and control, or defence capability development.
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Understanding of military command structures, operational planning, training, readiness, or defence acquisition processes.
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Experience leading personnel teams, training programs, or organizational initiatives within a military environment.
Additional Requirements
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Experience supporting DND or CAF programs.
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Experience with Military Modelling & Simulation.
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Experience with C4ISR, C5ISR, or C5ISRT environments.
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Experience with Land Systems, Mission Systems, Command & Control, or Army modernization programs.
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Experience working with defence-industry organizations supporting military customers.
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Experience collaborating with military stakeholders, operators, or end users.
Compensation
$125,000 - $150,000 + 5% STI
Position Type
We have 1 available position.
Job Title: Manager, Software Engineering
Requisition Number: 2609
Date: September 24, 2026
Location: Ottawa, ON
Remote: Yes
Business Unit: Defence and Space
Department: Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time
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