Lead, Development Engineering

WhiteWater; Richmond; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WhiteWater in Richmond, BC seeks a Lead, Development Engineering to manage a cross-functional team and bring new waterpark products from concept to commercial release. You will act as the technical authority, coordinate design, testing, documentation, and adherence to Stage-Gate processes while driving Lean improvements and strong collaboration across disciplines.

The role requires a BASc, P.Eng preferred, 5+ years in product design, and proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree from a Canadian university or foreign equivalent.
• Registered Professional Engineer in Canada (P.Eng.) or US (P.E.) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years experience in product design with design, fabrication and prototype testing.
• Experience with Stage-Gate and product development processes is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional core team to innovate new products using best practices.
• Ensure development aligns with WhiteWater’s Stage-Gate process and safety standards.
• Act as technical authority during development and commercialization.
• Coordinate schedules, budgets and resource requirements for products.
• Review designs, perform risk assessment, and approve documentation.
• Lead prototype testing and design verification for new products.
• Mentor team members to develop engineering and leadership skills.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Project management

Education

BASc (Canada)

P.Eng preferred

PMP asset

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM/ERP systems

MS Project

Product Data/Lifecycle Mgmt

Job description

WhiteWater makes products, but at our heart, we are a service business, and that means we are a people business. In this way, we excel and create value for our clients by listening to their needs, collaborating to create solutions, problem-solving and attending to the details. Our culture, as you would expect, reflects these traits. We are a diverse group of experts, from creative designers to talented engineers. Whatever the expertise we bring from all over the world, we listen and learn from each other because we are aligned behind a clearly understood purpose: together we create fun for families everywhere.

Shift: 40 hours | Full-time

Location:Richmond, BC, Canada (HQ relocating to Vancouver in 2027)

Reports to:Manager, Development Engineering

The Lead, Development Engineering will work in a product-focused environment to develop state-of-the-art products for the waterpark industry, helping to redefine product development in the industry. Reporting to Manager, Development Engineering, you are responsible for managing a cross-functional core team, bringing new concepts to life and into the hands of our customers. You will act as the technical authority for products during development through commercialization.

You will also work closely with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers, designers, and technicians in the design, prototyping, documentation, manufacturing, value engineering, and commercial release of new products. You will have a strong understanding of product design and release procedures, provide leadership to the team, and communicate across the organization.

YOUR ROLE

• Lead a cross-functional core team to innovate new products, using best practices, industry-proven processes and unique in-house solutions.
• Ensure products are developed in accordance with WhiteWater’s Stage-Gate process; meeting or exceeding applicable safety, regulatory, quality, manufacturing, engineering, installation, and ease of use requirements.
• Act as the technical authority for respective products during the development phase and serve as the primary point of contact for respective products.
• Communicate and collaborate regularly with internal and external stakeholders to foster a team-based approach.
• Prepare and maintain development schedules, budgets and resource requirements for respective products.
• Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of engineering documentation in accordance with WhiteWater’s Stage-Gate process.
• Provide technical direction and support to team members of various disciplines.
• Review product designs to evaluate risks, costs, estimated time to market, and fulfilment of requirements.
• Review and approve calculations, designs, and design documentation.
• Lead and participate in prototype testing and evaluation of new products.
• Lead and participate in the design verification and commissioning process of new products; coordinating any learnings to refine engineering design, or to prepare for full commercial release.
• Be accountable and responsible for the team’s ability to achieve set metrics.
• Identify, support, and cultivate lean initiatives and opportunities for continuous improvement of the product development process within the organization
• Coach/mentor team members to develop engineering and leadership skills for future advancement

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree from a Canadian university or foreign equivalent.
• Registered Professional Engineer in Canada (P.Eng.) or US (P.E.) is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years experience in product design environment; including experience with design, fabrication, prototype testing and analysis.
• Product Development and Stage-Gate process experience is preferred.
• PMP designation is considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of professionals to achieve high performance and operational excellence.
• Experience with the installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex mechanical systems is preferred.
• Experience with industry-accepted risk assessment techniques, including FMEA, is preferred.
• Project management experience; including estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and planning.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and Product Data/Lifecycle Management systems is preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project.
• Exceptional ability to listen with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy and ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Able to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, fun and professional environment.
• Able to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships with all levels in the organization.
• Build trust and maintain mutual respect, cooperation, and consideration.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Must be able to travel globally without restrictions.

WHITEWATER COMPETENCIES

• Accountability - We do what we say
• Collaboration - We work well together
• Customer Focus - We know and respond to our customers
• Communication - We listen to and understand each other
• Authenticity - We are honest and trust each other
• Resilience - We deal effectively with pressure, are persistent and optimistic
• Flexibility & Adaptability - We are willing and able to respond to changing circumstances.

WhiteWater is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of all employees and applicants and are strongly committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

We thank all the candidates who take the time and energy to apply. Given the volume of applications, it makes responding personally to each applicant difficult, but please know we are grateful for your interest. We look forward to connecting with you through this search or future ones. All the best in your job search.