R&D Lab Manager

Thorens Inc.; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Montreal is seeking an experienced R&D Lab Manager to oversee all prototyping and testing activities. This role drives efficiency by managing governance, scheduling, and workload, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in test or reliability engineering and strong leadership skills to supervise a multidisciplinary technical team. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including a targeted annual bonus and health insurance.

Benefits

3 weeks of vacation plus 1 week at Christmas

15% annual bonus

Group health and dental insurance

Retirement RRSP matching program

5 paid discretionary days

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in test engineering or reliability engineering.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Deep knowledge of testing methods for complex electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee prototyping and testing activities ensuring compliance with standards.
• Manage test programs that validate product reliability and safety.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team, ensuring timely outputs and compliance.

Skills

Test Engineering

Reliability Engineering

Data Analysis

Statistical Reporting

Bilingual in French and English

Lean Principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial Engineering

Additional certifications in Test Engineering or Reliability Engineering (e.g., ASQ CRE)

Tools

Microsoft 365 Suite

ERP systems

SolidWorks/AutoCAD

Job description

• Pays Canada
• Code postal H9P

COMPANYDESCRIPTION :

Our client is a well-established, privately owned manufacturing company with decades of experience in the design and production of high-quality equipment for large-scale commercial environments. The company is preparing for upcoming product launches and remains focused on delivering customized solutions that support the operations of major North American retailers and multi- site businesses.

JOBDESCRIPTION :

The R&D Lab Manager oversees all prototyping and testing activities in the R&D lab, ensuring safety, consistency, and compliance with regulatory standards. By managing governance, scheduling, and workload, this role drives efficiency and delivers high-quality prototypes and accurate results. The manager provides leadership in test engineering, maintaining rigorous procedures, equipment, and documentation standards. They uphold 5S principles, ensure lab safety, and develop a multidisciplinary technical team. Reports to VP, Engineering & Development.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Testing Operations & Deliverables

• Participate in the development and/or review of test plans and procedures.
• Manage the development and delivery of functional prototypes, and custom test jigs and fixtures.
• Manage the preparation, setup, and execution of tests according to established procedures and protocols.
• Act as test engineer on select strategic tests.
• Manage the reporting to provide accurate test results, and clear and concise conclusions and recommendations.
• Lead test programs that simulate real-world conditions to validate reliability, maintainability, and safety of commercial products.

Product Validation Operations & Deliverables

• Participate in the development and/or review of product validation plans.
• Manage the preparation, product configuration, and execution of product validation plans according to established procedures and protocols.
• Lead product validation plans that simulate real-world conditions using commercial products.
• Manage the reporting to provide accurate validation results, and clear and concise conclusions and recommendations.

Lab & Process Management

• Develop, implement and maintain:
• Lab new organization and layout;
• Preventive and corrective maintenance plan and schedule for the lab
• Calibration plan and for test instruments.
• Testing process (protocols, procedure, flowchart, templates, database)
• Product validation process (protocols, procedure, flowchart, templates, database);
• Guidelines to purchase lab materials, equipment, tools, test instruments, and any required supplies.
• Monitor progress against key milestones and KPIs, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Capture lessons learned from past tests and integrate them into process revisions.

Safety, Cleanliness & 5S

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
• Ensure proper handling, labeling, and storage of hazardous materials .
• Ensure lab compliance with safety standards (CSA, UL, CE, NSF, ServSafe).
• Conduct regular audits and corrective actions to uphold lab standards.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support Sales, Service, or Production by overseeing the troubleshooting of R&D Technicians when complex issues arise.
• Support Sales, Service, or Production with training on new products, or products changes.
  
• Own the governance of all prototyping and testing activities: prioritize, schedule, and align resources.
• Supervise and coordinate a multidisciplinary team, assign tasks and ensure timely outputs.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning.
• Assess skills, implement training, and provide coaching and feedback for growth and retention.
• Manage performance with clear objectives, reviews, and corrective actions when needed.
• Ensure a safe, compliant work environment under Québec law (LSST) and company policies.
• Drive change initiatives by engaging employees and embedding new processes and technologies.
  

Profil

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial Engineering.
• Additional certifications (preferred): Test Engineering or Reliability Engineering (e.g., ASQ CRE, ISTQB). PMP, Lean/Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in test engineering, reliability engineering, or validation within a manufacturing or industrial equipment environment.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Deep knowledge of prototype, performance, endurance, reliability, and validation testing methods for complex electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in compliance with CSA, UL, CE, NSF standards.
• Strong data analysis, root cause investigation, and statistical reporting skills (e.g., MTBF, DOE, FMEA).
• Experience implementing 5S, lean principles, and continuous improvement in test environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite and ERP systems
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) sufficient to interpret engineering design intent.
• Bilingual in French and English.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Ability to occasionally lift components, test fixtures, or products up to 25 lbs.
  

WORK CONDITIONS :

• Salary depending on experience with targeted annual bonus of 15%
• Vacation: 3 weeks of vacation from the start plus 1 week at Christmas (starting in 2026), and 5 paid discretionary days.
• Group health and dental insurance.
• Retirement: RRSP matching program.
• Occasional travel.

Note: The masculine is used to lighten the text withoutprejudice to the feminine form.

ANYQUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ROLE?

Contact the assigned recruiter (see at the top of the page)
514.842.7846