Manufacturing Innovation Engineer

TagsforHope; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet product manufacturer located in St. Thomas, Ontario, is seeking a Manufacturing Innovation Engineer to tackle production challenges creatively. This hands-on role focuses on designing custom machinery and improving efficiency through automation. Applicants should have strong CAD and fabrication skills, along with a keen maker mindset. The company offers competitive compensation, bonuses, and an inclusive, pet-friendly workplace culture that values creativity and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive Benefits

Creative Freedom

Hands-On Environment

Growth Opportunities

Pet-Friendly Workplace

Meaningful Mission

Qualifications

• Strong skills in Fusion 360 or SolidWorks for designing parts and machinery.
• Hands-on experience operating CNC mills and laser cutters.
• Proficient in additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping.
• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLCs, or similar systems.
• Proven ability to work with wood, metal, and mixed materials.
• Physical product manufacturing experience from prototype to production.
• Creative solutions from previous roles.

Responsibilities

• Identify bottlenecks in production and design creative solutions.
• Design custom machinery, jigs, and fixtures.
• Implement robotics and automation systems.
• Prototype product ideas using 3D printing and CNC machining.
• Maintain and modify existing equipment.
• Source suppliers and research new technologies.
• Experiment with novel production methods.

Skills

CAD Proficiency

CNC & Fabrication

3D Printing

Electronics

Hands-On Building

Manufacturing Experience

Problem-Solving Track Record

Job description

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario Position Type: Full-Time Department: Manufacturing, Innovation & R&D

Build, Innovate, and Problem-Solve in a Hands-On Manufacturing Environment

At TagsforHope, we design and manufacture premium pet products that make the world a better place for animals. Proudly based in St. Thomas, Ontario, we’re a growing team of makers, engineers, designers, and dreamers who believe in craftsmanship, innovation, and purpose.

We're looking for a resourceful, hands-on Manufacturing Innovation Engineer who thrives on solving real-world production challenges with creativity, ingenuity, and a maker's mindset.

This isn't a typical corporate engineering role. You'll be the go-to person for manufacturing bottlenecks, automation projects, custom machine building, and turning ambitious ideas into tangible solutions, often with limited budget and maximum creativity. If you love getting your hands dirty, working across disciplines, and seeing your solutions impact production immediately, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Solve Manufacturing Challenges: Identify bottlenecks in our production process, design creative solutions, and implement them yourself, from concept to completion.
• Build Custom Machines & Tools: Design, fabricate, and assemble custom machinery, jigs, fixtures, and automation systems using wood, metal, electronics, and whatever materials get the job done.
• Automate & Optimize: Implement robotics and automation systems using PLCs, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other electronics to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor.
• Prototype Rapidly: Take product ideas from digital design to physical reality using 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and hands-on fabrication.
• Maintain & Modify Equipment: Keep our diverse machinery running smoothly, including CNCs, laser cutters, sewing machines, fabric cutting systems, and custom-built equipment. Modify existing machines to better fit our needs.
• Source & Research Solutions: Find the right suppliers, components, and equipment for our evolving production needs. Research emerging technologies and manufacturing methods that could benefit our operations.
• Experiment & Innovate: Test novel production methods, new materials, and experimental automation approaches. Not everything will work, and that's okay.
• Build the Factory: Help physically build out our manufacturing space as we continue to grow and expand capabilities.

Who You Are

• A True Maker & Hacker: You find creative, unconventional solutions to problems with limited budgets, but you also know when the conventional approach is the right one.
• Exceptionally Resourceful: You don't say "we can't afford that", you say "how can we build that ourselves?"
• An Insatiable Learner: New software? New machine? New material? You learn it quickly and confidently.
• Comfortable Everywhere: You're equally at ease designing in CAD software, soldering circuit boards, welding metal, programming PLCs, or operating power tools.
• Engineering Mindset: You might have an engineering degree, or you might not, but you definitely think like an engineer and approach problems systematically.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You thrive in fast-paced, startup‑like environments where you wear many hats and own projects from start to finish.

Required Skills & Experience

• CAD Proficiency: Strong skills in Fusion 360 or SolidWorks for designing parts, assemblies, and machinery.
• CNC & Fabrication: Hands‑on experience operating CNC mills, laser cutters, and general manufacturing equipment.
• 3D Printing: Proficient in additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and tooling.
• Electronics: Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLCs, or similar systems for automation and control.
• Hands-On Building: Proven ability to work with wood, metal, and mixed materials using shop tools and equipment (drills, saws, welders, etc.).
• Manufacturing Experience: You've made physical products before and understand how things go from prototype to production.
• Problem-Solving Track Record: Examples of creative solutions you've implemented in previous roles.

Bonus Skills (Not Required, But Awesome)

• Robotics experience or automation projects
• Injection molding or advanced manufacturing processes
• Mechanical or electrical engineering degree
• Forklift certification
• Welding, soldering, or advanced metalworking
• Experience in a startup or small manufacturing environment

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: We pay above market value and are happy to pay more for proven experience.
• Bonuses: Performance bonuses and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Creative Freedom: A supportive, innovative culture where you have the freedom and tools to invent, build, and solve real problems.
• Hands-On Environment: Work in a fully‑equipped shop with CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, robotic arms and more.
• Growth Opportunities: As we scale, your role will evolve with us. There's tremendous room for professional development.
• Pet-Friendly Workplace: Bring your furry friend and enjoy complimentary TagsforHope™ products.
• Meaningful Mission: Everything you build helps support animals in need.

How to Apply

Please click "Apply To Position" and submit:

• Your resume
• A few examples of cool projects you've designed, built, or fixed
• A cover letter introducing yourself and telling us about the most interesting or complex thing you've ever made or solved To help us spot your application and confirm you've read through our posting, please include the year our company was founded at the top of your cover letter.

About TagsforHope

TagsforHope has become a top Canadian brand for stylish, durable, and thoughtfully designed pet products. Started by two brothers in their parent's basement, we've proudly served nearly a million customers worldwide. Our passion is manufacturing quality pet accessories locally and building a global community dedicated to animal welfare. Join us at this exciting stage - this is just the beginning of our journey.

EEO Statement

TagsforHope is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that respects diversity, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment free from discrimination and harassment.

We appreciate all applicants, but please note that only candidates selected for the next steps will be contacted.