Product Engineer(ing) Hearth

Wolf Steel Ltd; Barrie; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company seeks a Product Engineer to create designs that align with strategic goals while collaborating with marketing and manufacturing teams. The role involves managing product developments from concept through mass production. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in engineering, particularly in 3-D modeling and design processes. Competitive compensation and various benefits are available for successful applicants.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)

Tuition Allowance

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum three-year college diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• At least five years of design, development, or manufacturing experience.
• Proficient in 3-D modeling software like SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Develop product designs to meet strategic goals and market needs.
• Conduct market research and analyze competitive products.
• Plan and manage multiple product development projects.

Skills

3-D modeling software proficiency

Mechanical system design knowledge

Project management

Organizational skills

Education

Minimum three-year college diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering

Five years of related industry experience

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Tools

SolidWorks

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality. Our award‑winning products offer a best‑in‑class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon also operates on a world‑wide scale. The warmth and experience that a Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to enhance everyday living across the globe.

Title

Product Engineer(ing)

Reports To

Assistant Product Engineering Manager

Location

9 Napoleon Road, Barrie (hybrid)

Job Purpose

Create a product design that fulfills the Company’s strategic goals while integrating the needs of marketing, sales and manufacturing departments. Product Engineering designs and develops new and improved appliances from concept, drafts specifications for components, assemblies and manufacturing, directs the creation of prototype models or samples, and fine‑tunes designs until they are ready for production. Plan and manage multiple new product developments from initial concepts through to mass production, ensuring technical requirements, deadlines and cost targets are achieved, and maintain or upgrade the current product line‑up where necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Product or Engineering Manager with specifying market requirements for current and future products by conducting comprehensive market research and maintaining ongoing customer visits and meetings.
• Make recommendations based on research for the development and ongoing maintenance of a detailed product portfolio strategy and roadmap.
• Provide and maintain an in‑depth analysis of market, industry, regulatory environment and competition.
• Develop knowledge of competitive products, organize benchmarking and maintain technical analysis of competitive strengths and weaknesses.
• Support market assessments and competitive analyses to identify product opportunities.
• Conduct research independently and collaboratively with other cross‑functional teams.
• Define the technical concept that meets technical requirements, aesthetics and target production cost.
• Review designs to ensure progress toward technical goals and deadlines.
• Ensure that design and peer reviews are completed prior to each stage gate and after each test phase.
• Document all issues and define recovery plans to resolve them.
• Optimize design for manufacture, service and installation; validate suitability with Validation, Customer Solutions and end‑customer feedback; conduct risk assessments.
• Focus on design to cost, estimating and maintaining cost from conception to production; coordinate outsourcing and procurement for cost reduction and capacity utilization.
• Plan and manage prototype phases.
• Assist in creation and assembly of functional prototypes and fabricated parts.
• Develop a test scope and propose a product development plan that ensures compliance with safety, performance, robustness and emissions requirements; prepare documentation for third‑party testing and certification.
• Evaluate at each development stage using test‑to‑failure, field testing and analysis tools.
• Collaborate closely with quality, validation and product evaluation teams.
• Plan and manage engineering production run and/or samples to validate the product design and drawings.
• Ensure new product introductions meet WSL expectations for appearance, fit, finish and robust operation; evaluate at each phase using analysis tools.
• Ensure all stage gate deliverables are completed up to Gate 3 and support the project launch manager for Gates 4 and 5; schedule gate reviews and chair meetings.
• Champion completion of clear manuals, leaflets and technical marketing support; develop drafts with technical writers and validate accuracy.
• Maintain current product line‑up; champion change notices to improve product robustness and correct quality issues.
• Facilitate the set‑up of appropriate service parts, new kits and plan all accessories for launch.
• Research product–specific technical standards, regulatory requirements, safety and emissions requirements and ensure future compliance.
• Sketch and model simple 3‑D concepts, render images, and prepare technical scope documents for project approval.
• Produce detailed 3‑D models suitable for prototype and mass production, including DFA/DFM/DFS analysis.

Education & Experience

• Minimum three‑year college diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering (or equivalent). A university degree is an asset. Directly applicable work experience and/or skilled trade qualifications are acceptable.
• Minimum five years of demonstrated work experience in a directly related industry (design, development or manufacturing) with at least three years of technical design experience. Must possess knowledge of material and manufacturing processes and some hands‑on mechanical or fabrication experience.
• CEET, P. Eng. licence, or working towards one is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel). Superior candidates will also be proficient in Microsoft Project.
• High level proficiency in 3‑D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks). CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) is preferred, or willingness to achieve this within six months of onboarding.

Specialized Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of metal fabrication and processing.
• Proficient with laboratory testing equipment.
• Knowledge of injection moulding.
• Understanding of market functions, needs and concepts.
• Knowledge of load calculations, energy modelling and mechanical system design.
• Knowledge of electrical and control systems.
• Skilled in manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Project management.
• Ability to articulate equipment features, function and design.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills for a fast‑paced, multi‑functional environment with changing priorities.

Competitive Benefits

• Competitive Compensation/Wages
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)
• Tuition Allowance
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Associate Purchase Programs, Product Discounts, In‑house Sales
• Appreciation Events, Raffles, Draws, Fundraising, BBQs, Competitions
• Napoleon Cares – Associates helping Associates
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Napoleon Recognition Program
• Goevisits, virtual doctor visits
• And more!

The Napoleon Group of Companies is committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain Associates with disabilities. This includes providing accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle. Accommodation is available upon request.