Employees aim for the stars at Magellan Aerospace

When making a major career course correction, Julie Robichaud did the math. She calculated that a job at Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg would give her wings to soar to new and higher professional goals.

“I had just come out of 10 years in hospitality and decided to switch gears, so I started at Magellan at three days a week and they quickly moved me to five days,” says Robichaud.

“It’s been great. The company is very good about giving me the educational and other supports I need to succeed and to grow.”

Magellan Aerospace is a global company that designs, engineers and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure components for the aerospace and space markets. Located in Winnipeg, the company’s employees build everything from complex aircraft assemblies to satellite buses.

As executive assistant, Robichaud interacts with a wide range of her fellow employees, including engineers, office staff, executives and even a few rocket scientists. Working in a high-energy environment on the cutting edge of technology ensures that no two days are ever quite the same.

“We work on some really amazing programs and it’s always exciting here, not just in my position, but in all job positions,” says Robichaud.

“You can work here in any capacity, whether it’s in the trades or in an office, in a culture that is just amazing.”

To keep their employees at the forefront of an industry that can seem to change at the speed of light, Magellan puts a high value on education and training. Robichaud used the company’s tuition subsidies to get her human resource management certificate. Employees receive 100 per cent tuition support for job-related courses and programs.

As high-tech as Magellan is, one of the company’s most effective recruitment strategies is old-fashioned word of mouth. Employees get a $1,000 bonus under a referral program to attract new talent. Kim Alexander, director of human resources, says new employees are made to feel like members of the Magellan family right from the beginning.

“When we have an orientation, our general manager comes in and talks to the employees and tells them about his own experiences and lets them know they’re supported and there are lots of opportunities within the Magellan world,” says Alexander.

“Our employees know that where they start doesn’t have to be where they stay. The sky is literally the limit here at Magellan.”

Alexander says work-life balance is key to keeping employees engaged. Magellan recently increased the starting vacation for employees to three weeks from two. A hybrid work model is available for many employees.

Social activities and community charity work also help build a strong company spirit. Robichaud says employees have a sense of corporate pride and one way of showing it is by wearing Magellan clothing. She was sporting a company t-shirt at a recent hockey game the company helped sponsor to support the Canadian Armed Forces — although she was wearing a Winnipeg Jets jersey over top of it much of the time.

Alexander says that while the community connection keeps employees grounded, they’re also mindful that they’re part of a global technology network building products that enable the world to reach for the stars.

“Our employees are engaged and interested in the innovation they see here at Magellan,” she says.

“They make satellites, rockets, and complex aircraft and engine assemblies. It’s pretty amazing the work that they do, so they’re happy and excited to come to work every day.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.