Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Engineer

Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Engineer – Windsor, ON

Location: Windsor, Ontario

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Crop Defenders Ltd.

Crop Defenders Ltd. is a pioneering biological crop protection company dedicated to producing and supplying ecological alternatives to pesticides for consumable crop growers. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions by enabling growers to produce ecologically grown crops that are safer for farmers, consumers, and the ecosystem.

Through continuous innovation in product development, operational optimization, and trusted partnerships, we help growers across North America adopt sustainable practices that support food security and environmental health.

Job Purpose

The Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Engineer plays a key role in advancing Crop Defenders' manufacturing capabilities through process innovation, engineering, and technology integration.

This position combines industrial and manufacturing engineering with automation, robotics, machine vision, controls, and emerging technologies to develop practical solutions that improve production efficiency, scalability, reliability, and safety.

Working closely with Production, Operations, and other cross-functional teams, the engineer will identify improvement opportunities, design and prototype solutions, evaluate technologies, and lead engineering initiatives from concept through successful implementation.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, multidisciplinary engineer who combines strong analytical capabilities with practical problem-solving skills and a passion for transforming manufacturing processes.

Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Process Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify constraints, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop innovative solutions to simplify, standardize, and optimize production activities.
• Apply industrial engineering and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance production performance.
• Evaluate opportunities for mechanization and automation while prioritizing practical, sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with production personnel to understand operational challenges and develop effective improvements.

Automation & Advanced Manufacturing

• Design, evaluate, and implement automation solutions for manufacturing and production operations.
• Explore and integrate technologies such as robotics, collaborative robots, machine vision, industrial sensors, and control systems.
• Assess emerging technologies, including Physical AI and intelligent automation, for potential manufacturing applications.
• Develop or modify manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers, automation integrators, and engineering partners to deliver technical solutions.

Engineering Design & Prototyping

• Translate operational challenges into engineering concepts and practical solutions.
• Design and develop prototypes, experimental setups, and proof-of-concept systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies, testing, and technical evaluations to validate proposed solutions.
• Use engineering analysis, experimentation, and data to guide design decisions.
• Refine solutions based on testing results, operational feedback, and technical requirements.

Project Implementation & Systems Integration

• Lead engineering and automation projects from initial concept through implementation and operational stabilization.
• Coordinate equipment installation, integration, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Work with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and equipment specifications.
• Support the transfer of technical knowledge to Production and Operations teams.

Equipment Safety & Reliability

• Ensure new and modified equipment meets applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
• Incorporate machine guarding, ergonomic considerations, and safe operating practices into engineering designs.
• Support equipment risk assessments, safeguarding evaluations, and applicable Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance personnel to improve equipment reliability and maintainability.

Continuous Innovation & Collaboration

• Stay informed about advancements in manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, and engineering practices.
• Identify opportunities to apply emerging technologies to real manufacturing challenges.
• Promote a culture of experimentation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Collaborate across departments to develop solutions that support long-term operational excellence.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of improvement initiatives.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Educational background in Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation, Controls, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, or another relevant multidisciplinary engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, automation, robotics, or related technical fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex operational challenges into practical engineering solutions.
• Experience with engineering design, prototyping, experimentation, or equipment development.
• Familiarity with industrial automation technologies, including robotics, PLCs, sensors, machine vision, or control systems.
• Ability to manage technical projects and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and adapt to evolving technical challenges.
• Willingness to work directly in manufacturing environments and engage with production personnel.

Preferred Qualifications & Assets

• Hands-on experience implementing automation or advanced manufacturing solutions.
• Experience with CAD software, mechanical design, tooling, or equipment modification.
• Knowledge of industrial controls, PLC programming, robotics, or systems integration.
• Experience with machine vision, computer vision, or AI-enabled automation technologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or the Theory of Constraints.
• Experience commissioning manufacturing equipment and supporting production operations.
• Knowledge of industrial machine safety standards and Ontario occupational health and safety requirements.
• Experience working with external equipment suppliers or automation integrators.
• Experience in biological production, agriculture, food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory environments, or other production settings involving sensitive materials.

Experience specifically in biological control or insect production is not required. We welcome candidates from diverse engineering backgrounds who demonstrate strong technical capabilities, adaptability, and an interest in learning new manufacturing systems.

Core Values

A special note before you apply:

We are replacing hierarchy with self-managed teams where authority is distributed instead of centralized. Before applying, please reflect on whether this structure aligns with your personal values.

We are building a culture of high engagement and performance at Crop Defenders. If you are driven by ownership, collaboration, and accountability, you'll thrive here. If not, we respect your honesty in recognizing this is not the right fit.

Ideal candidates will align with these values:

1. Truthful and trustworthy
2. Reliable and dependable
3. Humble and courageous
4. Collaborative and team-oriented
5. Altruistic and selfless in priorities
6. Committed to high standards
7. Embraces change
8. Process- and improvement-minded
9. Empowers others
10. Driven and productive
11. Mindful of impact on team energy
12. Focused on creating value

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Opportunities for professional development through training and certification
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment
• The opportunity to work with advanced manufacturing, automation, and emerging technologies
• The chance to contribute to global food security through sustainable agriculture

Join Our Team

If you're a passionate engineer who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing challenges, developing innovative technologies, and turning ideas into practical solutions, we invite you to apply for the Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Engineer position at Crop Defenders Ltd.

Join us in advancing sustainable agriculture through engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement.