Associate Director, Software Engineering

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community.
• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans).
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What can you expect from this position?

Reporting to the Director, Technology Delivery, the Associate Director, Software Engineering will establish and lead a sustainable software engineering capability that delivers secure, reliable and accessible digital products for the GTAA. You will translate enterprise priorities into practical build, buy and integration decisions, implement engineering standards, strengthen organizational capability and oversee the lifecycle performance of software across multiple business portfolios. Working closely with Product Management, Technology Delivery, Architecture, Cybersecurity, Operations and Data teams, you will develop engineering leaders and build high-performing teams that deliver maintainable, valuable products beyond any single program or project.

As an Associate Director, Software Engineering you will:

• Execute the software engineering strategy and operating model, and develop an engineering capability roadmap across enterprise products.
• Set practical standards for application design, integration, secure and sustainable development, accessibility and maintainability in partnership with architecture, data and cybersecurity teams.
• Evaluate build, buy and reuse options based on business value, total cost, delivery risk and long-term support requirements.
• Lead and coach the Software Engineering Manager and engineering team, setting clear objectives and fostering a healthy, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Develop workforce, succession and capability plans, including recruitment, performance management, technical development and knowledge transfer.
• Translate product priorities into achievable engineering capacity and delivery commitments, balancing new capabilities with technical debt, reliability and lifecycle maintenance.
• Establish and including automation, continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure-as-code, automated testing and observability.
• Oversee engineering operating and investment plans, approved budgets, supplier performance, resource utilization and benefits realization.
• Embed security, privacy, accessibility, responsible AI, data governance and audit evidence into engineering practices.
• Communicate technical options, recommendations and material risks clearly to business and technology leaders while promoting reuse, disciplined experimentation and continuous improvement.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in software engineering and delivery, including accountability for production systems and service reliability. Experience in aviation, transportation, infrastructure, public services, or another regulated or service-critical environment is an asset.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, leading engineering teams and/or managers, developing talent, and building high-performing teams.
• A track record of establishing engineering standards, strengthening delivery practices, managing strategic supplier relationships, and making informed build-versus-buy and technology investment decisions.
• Experience building or scaling an internal engineering function and leading a hybrid delivery model that combines internal teams and external partners in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is an asset.
• Strong technical expertise in software architecture, modern application development, APIs and integration, cloud platforms, CI/CD, automated testing, infrastructure as code, observability, and secure engineering practices.
• The ability to connect technology strategy to business outcomes, balancing user needs, business value, technical risk, cost, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
• Strong financial acumen, negotiation skills, and executive communication capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions across complex business and technology environments.
• Working knowledge of privacy, accessibility, data governance, and responsible AI principles and controls.
• A degree or diploma in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• The ability to obtain and maintain Transportation Security Clearance at the level required for the position.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

This position is exempt from Ontario's 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.