Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
As Director, Engineering and R&D, you will be the technical backbone of our product development engine. You will oversee the engineering lab, lead a team of 4-5 project engineers, and evolve processes, standards, and cross-functional collaboration that transform innovative products into market-ready products in a reliable, safe, and timely manner.
This very hands-on leadership role is suitable for someone who is equally comfortable resolving a product failure, presenting a certification roadmap, or negotiating a technical resolution with an overseas supplier.
Your responsibilities
- Team and Department LeadershipManage, mentor and develop a team of 4-5 project engineers, including performance evaluations, hiring and team structure planning.
- Establish team priorities and allocate engineering resources across multiple product development programs.
- Plan for the growth of the department - headcount, capacity gaps, and laboratory infrastructure - based on business growth goals.
- Assume responsibility for the department's HR activities, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and problem solving.
- Laboratory Operations and TestingOversee all laboratory operations, including test schedules, equipment, security, and data integrity.
- Directs high-level product testing and approves results for marketing decisions.
- Manage and maintain the laboratory tracking tool and PLM system to ensure data is accurate, current, and accessible.
- Develop and maintain in-house tools and testing frameworks that improve laboratory capacity and the quality of decisions.
- Certifications and complianceOversee product certification programs, including UL, ETL, and Energy Star, from planning to approval.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements in all targeted markets, including Canada, the United States and relevant international markets.
- Track certification timelines and proactively flag risks to the product development roadmap.
- Collaboration with suppliers and internal teamsAct as the primary technical point of contact during supplier escalations, product defects, design failures, or product returns, and lead their resolution with local and overseas teams.
- Collaborate with procurement, product development, and industrial design to reduce the technical risks associated with new product launches.
- Coordinate major problem-solving efforts with manufacturing partners in Asia.
- Processes, Performance Indicators and Continuous ImprovementEstablish, manage, and continuously improve engineering processes and cross-functional workflows.
- Define and track engineering and lab performance indicators, including defect rates, certification cycles, lab utilization, and speed of escalation resolution.
- Identify tool, process, or data gaps and implement scalable solutions.
- Technology and innovationMonitor emerging technologies in lighting, home improvement, and related categories, and translate them into concrete product recommendations.
- Provide technical and feasibility assessments for new product categories under consideration.
- Collaborate with product management and the product development team during innovation pipeline reviews.
- Your profileAt least 7 years of experience in an engineering role, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management position.
- Proven experience in managing engineering teams and laboratory operations in a product or consumer goods manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of product certification processes including UL, ETL, CSA, Energy Star or equivalent.
- Experience working directly with overseas manufacturing suppliers, particularly in China, Vietnam or similar markets.
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
- Sufficient technical credibility to solve complex problems in a practical way, as well as good business acumen to assess the suitability of a solution.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, manage ambiguity, solve difficult problems, and build sustainable systems.
- Desired qualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related discipline.
- Experience in the lighting, ceiling fans or electrical products for home improvement sectors.
- Experience in developing smart or connected products, including RF, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth protocols.
- Familiarity with PLM systems.
- Bilingualism French-English.
- What we offerA high-impact, highly visible role, with direct influence on product, engineering, and business decisions.
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture within a company that is nationally recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies.
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance from day one.
- An RRSP-matched contribution plan from day one.
- A performance bonus linked to the company's objectives.
- Free parking is available on site.
- A collaborative environment on site, with four days a week in the office.
- Flexible days to use throughout the year.
- A gym and barista on site.
- A cafeteria with fresh dishes offered.
