Engineering Program Manager

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc. is one of Manitoba's fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we'll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

The Engineering Program Manager leads the successful introduction of customer products into manufacturing by combining manufacturing engineering expertise, technical program leadership, and collaborative design support. Working closely with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams, you will evaluate product designs, identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, and guide engineering programs from quotation through full-scale production.

As the technical lead for customer programs, you will provide practical engineering guidance that balances design intent with manufacturing capability, quality, cost, and schedule. By identifying manufacturing risks early and developing practical production solutions, you will help ensure products launch successfully while strengthening SMG's reputation as a trusted manufacturing partner.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Lead engineering programs from customer engagement through production launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and ready for manufacturing.
• Review customer designs for manufacturability (DFM), recommending practical design improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, simplify production, and maintain design intent.
• Partner directly with customers to provide technical guidance, manage expectations, and resolve engineering and manufacturing challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver seamless product launches and production readiness.
• Work with suppliers to validate manufacturing capability, resolve technical issues, and identify effective manufacturing solutions for complex components and processes.
• Lead project planning, resource coordination, risk management, and launch execution across multiple engineering programs.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to assess technical risks, evaluate supplier recommendations, and make informed decisions that support quality, manufacturability, and customer success.
• Coach and develop the Engineering Programs team while promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, engineering program management, product industrialization, or New Product Introduction (NPI) within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading products from design through manufacturing launch.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, GD&T, and production methods.
• Experience collaborating directly with customers and suppliers to solve technical and manufacturing challenges.
• Proven ability to lead multiple engineering programs while balancing technical, commercial, and operational priorities.
• Proficiency with project management tools (Jira, Smartsheet) and CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Engineering programs are delivered on time, within budget, and transition smoothly into production.
• Customer designs are optimized for manufacturability without compromising performance or intent.
• Manufacturing risks are identified early and resolved before impacting quality, cost, or delivery.
• Customers and suppliers view SMG as a trusted engineering and manufacturing partner.
• Cross-functional teams remain aligned, engaged, and focused on successful product launches.
• The New Product Introduction team continuously improves processes, collaboration, and launch performance.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

We believe that a healthy, supported team is key to our success. That's why we offer a benefits package that prioritizes work-life balance, financial wellness, and overall well-being.

Our team members enjoy:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Group insurance plan with health spending account
• Paid Vacation
• Company-paid shutdown from Christmas to New Years
• Matching RRSP program

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.