Manufacturing Shop Technician

Location: Ottawa, Canada (on-site)
Reports to: Manager, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality

Role status: New role

About RBR: Making waves since 1973

At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role

RBR is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Shop Technician to join our team for a 4-6 month contract, with the possibility of extension. In this detail-oriented role, you will support the unique fabrication, assembly, and on-time delivery of RBR instrumentation aligned to specific customer order requirements. This role involves operating CNC routers and shop equipment, supporting an in-house 3D printing fleet (FDM and SLA), performing incoming inspection and basic quality checks, and assisting with build documentation and mechanical interpretation of drawings and 3D models. The ideal candidate is organized, self-directed, and eager to grow within a manufacturing engineering team.

What you’ll do

• CNC Router Operation: Set up, program, and operate CNC router tables to produce parts according to specifications and technical drawings

• Fabrication and Assembly: Manufacture custom shipping cases for the delivery and protection of RBR instruments according to order-specific requirements and production schedules.

• Additive Manufacturing: Operate FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printers to produce prototype and production-grade components

• Quality Control: Perform dimensional inspections and quality checks on manufactured parts to ensure they meet tolerances and specifications

• Documentation: Maintain accurate production records, work orders, and manufacturing documentation

• Continuous Improvement: Assist in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in the shop

What you bring

• Hands-on experience assembling goods/mechanical builds in a manufacturing or fabrication environment

• Experience with CNC machining and/or router table operation (or similar shop equipment)

• Experience with 3D printing (FDM and/or SLA) and slicer software workflows

• Basic understanding of technical drawings; strong mechanical aptitude and ability to visualize 3D geometry

• Organized, task-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong teamwork, communication, and a dependable approach to meeting deadlines

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and shop safety practices

• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow standard operating procedures

Nice to haves

• Fusion 360 experience

• SolidWorks experience

• Incoming inspection / QC experience (calipers, gauges, basic measurement methods)

• Prior experience supporting production schedules, order-based builds, or engineered-to-order products

• Technical certificate or coursework in manufacturing, machining, or related field

• Understanding of materials used in marine environments (plastics, composites, corrosion-resistant materials)

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching tasks

Salary range: $50,000-$65,000 + bonus
The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you’re earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

🌴 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days

🩺 Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching

💰 Bonus program

🏋🏽 Annual fitness reimbursement program

🚴 Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)

🚗 EV reimbursement program + on-site charging stations

💝 Charitable donation matching

🌮 Weekly lunches (on us)!

🎉 Team events and social activities

🤝 Collaborative, supportive work environment

🧠 Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines

🌊 Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.