Product Development & Prototype Specialist

Sonova Group; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exciting work environment

Collaborative culture

Continuous self-improvement

Flexible hybrid model work environment

Diversity and inclusion

Benefits plan

Mentorship program and career dev

Job summary

Sonova Canada, based in Kitchener, seeks a driven Product Development & Prototype Specialist to lead prototype creation, testing, and qualification. This hybrid role bridges concept and manufacturing across global sites.

You will build prototypes, support production trial runs, and provide manufacturability feedback while working with R&D and operations. Excellent communication and multi-project management are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a prototype, manufacturing, development, or related technical role.
• Experience working cross-functionally across multiple global groups.
• Strong problem-solving with an analytical, conceptual, and process-oriented mindset.
• Ability to positively influence others and build strong teams.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience in regulated industry or medical device environment is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build, test, and verify initial prototype models for potential new products.
• Participate in Production Trial Runs, document insights, and recommend product or process improvements.
• Build and modify specialized components for R&D team leads, Operating Centres, and Group Company labs.
• Provide feedback on manufacturing feasibility, assembly challenges, and design for manufacturability.
• Assist in preparing clear assembly instructions and engineering drawings.
• Maintain the prototype area’s parts inventory and proactively request replenishments.
• Support process optimization and continuous improvement activities as needed.

Skills

Prototype development

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Regulated industry experience

Job description

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At Sonova, we envision a world where everyone can enjoy the delight of hearing. This vision inspires us and fuels our commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve hearing health and human connection - from personal audio devices and wireless communication systems to hearing aids and cochlear implants. We're dedicated to providing outstanding customer experiences through our global audiological care services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage fully with the world around them.

Here you’ll find a diverse range of opportunities that span both consumer and medical solutions and the freedom to shape your career while making an impact on the lives of others. Join us in our mission to create a more connected world, where every voice is heard and every story matters.

Product Development & Prototype Specialist

Product Development & Prototype Specialist

Sonova Kitchener is seeking a driven, self-starting Product Development & Prototype Specialist to lead the physical creation, testing, and process qualification of next-generation products. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and full-scale manufacturing by building and verifying prototype models and supporting Production Trial Runs across global sites.

Responsibilities:

• Build, test, and verify initial prototype models for potential new products


• Participate in Production Trial Runs, document insights, and recommend product or process improvements


• Build and modify specialized components for R&D team leads, Operating Centres, and Group Company labs


• Provide feedback on manufacturing feasibility, assembly challenges, and design for manufacturability


• Assist in preparing clear assembly instructions and engineering drawings


• Maintain the prototype area’s parts inventory and proactively request replenishments


• Support process optimization and continuous improvement activities as needed

More about you:

• 5+ years of experience in a prototype, manufacturing, development, or related technical role


• Experience working cross-functionally with the ability to collaborate across multiple global groups


• Strong problem-solving skills with an analytical, conceptual, and process-oriented mindset


• Ability to positively influence others and help build strong teams


• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills


• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience in a regulated industry or medical device environment is highly preferred

What we offer :

• Exciting and challenging work environment


• Collaborative culture


• Opportunities for continuous self-improvement


• Opportunities for flexible hybrid model work environment


• A company that values diversity and inclusion


• Rich benefits plan including wellness benefit, paramedical (massage therapist, naturopath, etc.) and competitive compensation including variable component and employer match on pension contributions


• Mentorship program and career development plans

This role's pay rate is: $48,000 - $60,000 CAD annually. This role is incentive eligible.

Sonova Canada is now a certified Great Place to Work® May 2024- May 2025.

How we work:

At Sonova, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and foster an inclusive environment that promotes engagement and collaboration. Our team-customized hybrid work model empowers teams to balance individual needs with business goals, offering flexibility and individualized time management. We recognize the importance of life outside of work and strive to create a supportive and motivating workplace where innovation thrives.

Sonova is an equal opportunity employer.

We team up. We grow talent. We collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds to win with the best team in the market place. We guarantee every person equal treatment in regard to employment and opportunity for employment, regardless of a candidate’s ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or marital status, gender, genetic identity, age, disability or any other legally protected status.