AI Hardware Lead

Ironbelly Studios is comprised of a talented, passionate and dedicated number of game developers from all corners of the globe. Our focus is on creating high quality entertainment experiences as well as providing outsourcing services at a fraction of the cost seen elsewhere.

From humble beginnings Ironbelly has grown to be one of the most trusted names in the indie development space, working on over 300 projects in our 15 years of service, ranging from AAA titles such as Gotham Knights down to small mobile titles. We bring passion and experience together and look for people who put games and their creation in the center of their world.

We have a growing hardware and software focused department that builds and develops smart vision solutions for quality assurance in manufacturing environments. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, this product team employs a talented and dynamic team of R&D and Applications Engineers who provide unique engineering development activities in design, prototyping and testing to drive new technology development, build innovative products, and maintain and support our deployed solutions.

As the AI Hardware Lead, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing our cutting-edge automated inspection and AI-based hardware technologies. You will oversee and guide a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers while remaining hands-on in all aspects of system design, integration, and implementation. Your responsibilities will span Electrical and Mechanical Design, PLC & HMI Programming, Robotics and Vision Systems Programming, and system integration — merging traditional industrial automation with AI-based technologies. You will ensure project success from concept to commissioning, supporting both internal initiatives and external customer projects. This role requires occasional travel for customer site installations and commissioning. Your technical expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving company goals related to Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronics is preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years of engineering & design work experience
• Proven experience leading and managing technical teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• Proficient in PLC & HMI programming, with experience across multiple PLC brands to demonstrate flexibility and depth of control systems knowledge (experience with Mitsubishi, Keyence, or Allen Bradley is a strong asset)
• Skilled in AutoCAD, Solidworks Electrical, or Solidworks Mechanical, and interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics or drawings
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), auditing workplace processes, and electrical best practices
• Well versed in the Canadian Electrical Code, with a focus on Industrial practices
• Familiarity with mechanical design and integration principles
• Experience with Robotics and Robot programming (including both collaborative and traditional robots such as FANUC)
• Experience with robot simulation tools such as FANUC Roboguide
• Experience with discrete electronics and PCBA design is an asset
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and C for data handling, automation scripting, or embedded system integration is an asset
• Experience with CSA and PSHSR requirements for safeguarding of equipment is an asset
• Experience with industrial Cameras, Vision systems, or AI-based vision applications is an asset

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers with internal and external customer projects through the design, build, test, and commissioning phases
• Prepare and deliver business plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports
• Accountable for the planning, scheduling, execution, and overall success of projects
• Lead and review project requirements and specifications throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage engineering development through continued learning and industry best practices
• Lead equipment procurement, calibration, and maintenance activities
• Work closely with the Hardware Applications, Engineering, and Production teams for project alignment and execution
• Collaborate with department managers and teams to determine business needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare Bill of Materials for automation projects and relevant documentation for machine manuals
• Align testing requirements with industry and Musashi standards, considering customer specifications
• Lead the preparation of machines for ESA & PSR inspections to ensure they meet all requirements
• Spearhead the design, programming, testing, and deployment of PLC & HMI programs, Electrical Panels, Robotics Applications, and Mechanical Systems
• Merge insights from Optical Engineers and AI Software Developers to integrate electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems — including discrete electronic components and PCBA systems — with AI-enabled inspection hardware to deliver cohesive, cutting-edge solutions
• Collaborate with machine builders and contractors to verify hardware, mechanical, and software functionality
• Deploy machinery at customer facilities, test and commission projects on-site, and provide post-installation support and troubleshooting
• Travel for customer and business requirements as needed

Personal Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and well organized
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills
• Self-starter with a proactive, driven mindset
• Independent worker capable of taking initiative and ownership of tasks
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadline
• Flexible with good time management
• Strong technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance hands-on engineering work with team leadership and project planning

Our Expectations:

Company Standards:

• Uphold company policies and integrity.
• Be a champion of our Philosophy.
• Follow all safety procedures & instructions.
• Active involvement in company and department goals.
• Follow "5S" principles, quality, environmental, and health & safety systems.
• Interact with all working peers in a respectful and pleasant manner.

Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.