R&D Project Engineer(ing)

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality.

Our award-winning products offer a best-in-class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon is also fortunate to operate on a world-wide scale.

The warmth and experience that a Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to enhance everyday living across the globe.

Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

Reports to : Senior Manager Corporate Innovation

Job Purpose : Plans and manages multiple new Innovation developments with External Partners from initial ideas through to R&D product development hand over.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities :

• Responsible for developing innovative products with External Partners, including : design, validation, prototyping, testing, and evaluation of the proposed production process and business case.
• Responsible for proving the targeted technology and creating risk assessments to ensure the Team is aware of the implications of developing the innovative product.
• Develop an external network of subject matter experts, startups, national labs, corporate contacts, suppliers, partners, universities etc.

to enable effective lead generation and technology scouting.

Undertakes market research for assigned projects to determine competitive landscape, technical trends, quality history, regulatory requirements and Customer "wants", in sufficient detail to create a detailed project scope of work;

documented in a PDR and a BA. Submits and reviews with Senior Manager, amends as necessary and schedules appropriate reviews.

• Identify and work with key vendors, development partners, small batch suppliers and high-volume production suppliers to understand capabilities, pricing, MOQ’s for feasible production, quality record etc.
• Create, build, and run a process to support the Technology Scouting model. Build out the key processes to ensure the mechanism of scouting, to proof of concept, to project becomes a living process with clearly defined milestones and metrics and ensure alignment with the Technology Roadmap.

Work to constantly refine the subscriptions, partnerships, people, databases and consortiums to ensure Technology Scouting is positioned to effectively support the current and future needs of the Business.

Develop a test scope and product validation plan, (including 3rd party witness testing where applicable), that ensures product safety, performance, robustness, building codes and emissions requirements, (where applicable) are met.

Including both internal, cross divisional and external testing; to be approved by supervisor / manager. Consider scheduling conflicts with other product testing.

Review test results and reports and draw conclusions to determine next steps.

Responsible for Supplier Performance Management, including ownership of Score Card Process in collaboration with the Quality (QA) department.

Ensure supplier issues are resolved (such as technical issues, RMR’s, pricing issues etc). Work closely with QA on supplier issues, audits, SCAR’s etc.

• Monitor key players, trends, industry announcements, etc. in technology domains that could drive step changes in products' performances and manufacturing productivity to stay abreast of changes in the players, threat & opportunities, and competitive landscapes.
• Order samples / prototype parts for assessment and prototypes. Review product specifications / drawings, country specific regulations and forecasts etc., as required.
• Effectively communicate the technology to the key stakeholders and address any questions to drive alignment around the recommended actions and decision.
• Work closely with the Purchasing group, following the procedures where applicable and communicating frequently, to ensure vendors and partners are managed through the correct processes.

Education and Experience :

• Must have a University Degree in Mechatronics (or equivalent).
• Minimum two years’ demonstrated experience in a directly related industry; or completion of a 16-month R&D Engineering internship at Wolf Steel.
• PMP designation would be considered an asset.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Superior candidates will be proficient in Microsoft project.

Demonstrated proficiency in 3-D modeling software, (e.g. Solidworks etc.) is considered an asset. CSWA, (Certified Solidworks Assciociate).

• Ability to communicate in Mandarin (verbal and written skills) is preferred.
• Must be proficient at reading engineering drawings, G, D&T and technical specifications.
• Knowledge and practical experience of electronics, including PCB layout, manufacturing, programming, connectivity, battery technology, software, firmware is considered an asset.
• Technical understanding or experience with one or more radio technologies including Cellular, Wifi, Bluetooth is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and prior experience with the Canadian SR&ED program.
• Familiar with the concept of IoT (Internet of Things).
• Ability to deal with dynamic and rapidly changing environment requiring efficient and timely decision making.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, including capability to drive executive meetings.
• Mandarin language considered an asset.

IGNITE YOUR CAREER, Some of our competitive benefits include :

• Competitive Compensation / Wages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP / DPSP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Associate Purchase Programs, Product Discounts, In-house Sales
• Appreciation Events, Raffles, Draws, Fundraising, BBQ’s, Competitions
• Napoleon Cares Associates helping Associates
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Napoleon Recognition Program
• GOevisits, virtual doctor visits
• And more!

The Napoleon Group of Companies is committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain Associates with disabilities.

This includes providing accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle. Accommodation is available upon request.

We thank you for your interest in The Napoleon Group of Companies and for participating in our competition. Only those candidates selected for consideration will be contacted.