We are looking for a Manufacturing Design Lead to join the team to bridge the critical gap between initial product concepts and scalable physical production. In this high-impact role, you will be the driving force behind how our hardware is built and who builds it, owning the entire lifecycle of new product introduction for mechanical and mechatronic components. You will act as the central hub between our internal de sign team and external manufacturing partners, ensuring that our products are designed for agricultural operation (read: harsh environments!) and are practical to manufacture and can be delivered on schedule.

On the technical side, you will own Design for Manufacturability (DFM), optimizing for yield, reliability, and assembly. This involves diving into mechanical CAD models to review the overall design, tolerances, materials, and guide tooling/fabrication strategies. You will collaborate closely with others on the design team to refine designs and catch potential manufacturing risks early, acting as sign-off before designs are pushed to production.

You will be responsible for sourcing highly capable manufacturing partners, help negotiate component costs (with assistance, if needed), and actively managing the Bill of Materials (BOM) to prevent lead-time bottlenecks during prototype builds and production ramps. By managing the day-to-day relationships with our suppliers, you will ensure clear communication of technical requirements, oversee quality control during initial production runs, and work with vendors to ensure we are ready for season. We work primarily out of our Kitchener office.

As a result, some travel should be anticipated for this role; however, the amount of travel can be adjusted based on team member’s interest and focus. Want to work in a small and collaborative team where projects cut across disciplines and everyone takes ownership of our success.



Are comfortable in an early-stage and dynamic workplace where tasks and priorities can shift quickly.

Enjoy hands-on work , moving from board layouts and design reviews in the office, to fabrication and assembly in the lab, as well as supported lab testing and rework. Own your part of the design process and technical decision making , building a structure to the decision making process fit for your domain. Not blindly - we respect the risks and need to implement it smartly.

Done right, we've seen first hand how we can use AI to amplify what we do, not replace it.

Permanent

Develop scope of work plans, time and cost estimates, risk assessments, and other project information as needed to coordinate with the rest of the team. Design, prototype, integrate, and test mechanical components and assemblies. Yes, even with the manufacturing process, we view the ability to rapidly iterate a core function of the team.

Collaborate with other technical team members to design systems that integrate specific components like motors, sensors, actuators, electronics, wiring, etc. Coordinate with outside companies for design or fabrication services. Prepare drawings, BOMs, and other design documentation.

Assist the team in assembling and testing robotic systems in both lab and field environments, and use that feedback to rapidly iterate on mechanical designs. Proven ability to design systems that include mechanisms, actuators, motors, etc. Specific experience and training on design for manufacturing.

Competent using CAD software for 3D part modelling, assemblies, and analysis. Hands-on experience fabricating and assembling prototypes, developing and executing test plans (in both a lab setting and deployed environment), troubleshooting and learning from observed issues, and iterating to achieve objectives.

Experience managing relationships with outside contractors. Familiarity with autonomous robots or other software-controlled systems is a plus.

Experience within a production or manufacturing environment is an asset. #

📌 MANUFACTURING DESIGN LEAD (Waterloo)
🏢 Finiterobotics
📍 Waterloo