Job Summary

Porter Airlines is undergoing a technology transformation to modernize its IT landscape over the next 2–3 years. Core pillars include modernization, architectural alignment, and driving quality delivery across the organization. A critical enabler of this transformation is the Lead, Systems Design. In this role, you will be accountable to translate high-level architectural blueprints into detailed technical specifications and actionable design artifacts. As a senior individual contributor, you will bridge the gap between abstract strategy and engineering execution, ensuring that our airline and corporate systems are integrated, high-performing, and AI-enhanced. You will be responsible for the delicate balance of keeping the airline flying today while designing the engines of tomorrow. Whether you are coordinating a critical system upgrade, designing a booking database, or managing a major ERP transition, your work ensures our technology is as agile as our fleet. Duties & Responsibilities

Detailed Design & Solution

Take

ownership of complex changes

from initial design through to build, configuration, data updates, and final deployment. Act as a

critical thinker of change , evaluating how new requirements (including the transition to a new system) impact the

stability

of the current environment. Translate high level architectures into detailed design artifacts and interface specifications while serving as the

technical SME for system and data . Design and refine

Digital APIs

that allow external and internal applications to interact seamlessly with core functions. Identify

repeatable patterns and opportunities

to standardize solutions across teams,



reducing technical debt and fragmented workflows. System Upgrade or Replacement

Lead the

coordination of system upgrades

to new versions, acting as the bridge between vendor releases and internal operations. Deeply

understand new features

within upgrade cycles, evaluating their functional impact and technical compatibility with existing airline and corporate systems. Manage the technical

complexities of coexistence , ensuring legacy applications remain fully operational and synchronized while new systems are phased in. Anticipate potential design "collisions" between old and new logic, proposing

mitigation strategies

to minimize operational downtime. Proactively

reduce dependency on 3rd-party vendors

by building internal capabilities, reusable scripts, and proprietary solutions. Hands-on & Prototyping

Maintain a

hands-on development

approach, taking ownership of specific coding assignments to implement critical design components. Resolve complex, multi system technical issues and vendor platform bottlenecks through troubleshooting and cross functional coordination. Build

small ad-hoc applications

or utility tools to solve immediate business problems or bridge gaps between larger enterprise systems. Develop "Proof of Concept" (PoC)



integrations to validate designs before handing them off for full-scale production. AI Integration & Vendor/Cloud Execution

Engineer the integration points and data structures required to

embed AI capabilities

within existing workflows. Utilize

AI-assisted tools to accelerate

documentation, prototyping, and the standardization of internal design patterns. 5. Specify Cloud Infrastructure needs (compute, messaging, database) required to host and scale your system designs. 6. Actively participate in Porter's Safety Management System (SMS) by identifying and reporting workplace hazards and promoting a safe work workplace. Behavioural Competencies

Concern for Safety:

Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.

Teamwork:

Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.

Passenger/Customer Service:

Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).

Initiative:

Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.

Results Focus:

Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.

Fostering Communication:

Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.

Qualifications

Degree or diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience 8+ years of experience in system design or software engineering or systems integration, including 2+ years in a technical leadership or se

📌 Lead, Systems Design (Toronto)
🏢 Porter Airlines
📍 Toronto