Validation Lab Technician

Wolf Steel Ltd; Barrie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Barrie is seeking a Validation Lab Technician responsible for product validation to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards. Candidates should have a diploma in Engineering Technology and at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in HVAC. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive compensation, medical insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance and disability coverage

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years work experience in a related field.
• Experience in grills/hearth/HVAC and/or sheet metal fabrication is preferred.
• Gas/Wood certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct product validation testing and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Collect and analyze data to generate detailed test reports.
• Assemble prototypes and recommend design improvements.

Skills

Data analysis

Blueprint reading

Hands-on with tools

Testing and measurement

Education

Post-Secondary/College Diploma in Engineering Technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

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. Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

Title

Validation Lab Technician

Reports to

Validation Manager/Supervisor

Location

9 Napoleon Road, Barrie

Shift

Afternoon (3pm-11pm)

Job Purpose

Responsible for Product Validation; ensure products being tested meet or exceed applicable safety standards, and internal (WSL) performance, appearance, and durability requirements. Supports New Product Development by participating in all aspects of new product design, development, fabrication, assembly, and testing. Additionally, provides input as part of a cross functional team to aid in the resolution of field issues with current and past production units.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Set-up and conduct performance, safety testing and other activities related to product development validation and certification following internal and industry standards and test methods (CSA, ANSI, UL, ASHRAE, AHRI), including, but not limited to:
• Performance and Efficiency: input rates, burner operation, energy and fuel efficiency (P4.1, AFUE, FER, SEER, HSPF, etc)
• Safety: ignition tests, emissions, structural integrity and reliability, enclosure temperatures
• Electrical and control systems testing
• Environmental testing: wind, rain, hot/cold temperatures testing
• Technical documentation: review and validate technical data and specifications, assembly, installation and service procedures for appliances and accessories
• Accurate and appropriate data collection using various R&D calibrated equipment for pressure, flow, temperature, combustion products, and electrical parameters.
• Data storage including test sheets, raw data, photographs, processed data, videos, reports etc. correctly in company testing project folders.
• Data analysis and reporting focusing on accuracy and completeness. Recording, analyzing and interpreting results to generate thorough, accurate and detailed test reports including conclusions and recommendations based on engineering principles specific to respective product group.
• Collaborate with project / production coordinators for product reviews, benchmarking, design review, testing reviews and provide relevant data, recommendations and conclusions regarding manufacturability, performance, cost reduction or durability. Where applicable, collaborate with QA to provide support for root cause analysis and assist product built during engineering run by providing necessary training to assembly personnel.
• Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication: Creating hand sketches for self or others to use for making sample parts, limited prototypes and communicating changes to project coordinators or designers; producing sample parts from sketches using R&D equipment. Track consumables to ensure new order is placed for necessary quantities before those run out.
• Build and assemble prototype units: Assemble prototypes from production parts, prototype, or modified components or samples; modify parts as required for prototypes and record issues to propose design changes to improve manufacturability, performance, installation, service, or durability.
• Report findings in the company ‘Lessons Learned’ database to improve future products and/or test procedures. Provide guidance, training and coaching to Assistant Lab Technician, students, or co-ops on safe and effective work.
• Plan daily, weekly and monthly work for assigned projects based on timing deadlines and test input from project coordinators. Manage time and resources to meet deadlines and, if needed, coordinate corrective actions.
• Safe use and operation of R&D construction equipment and tools; ensure safe operation of forklift and other equipment as licensed.
• Use of company prescribed health and safety equipment appropriate for the tool and/or work area.
• Maintain a safe and professional work area, including proper storage of tools and equipment, and apply 5S principles. Promptly identify safety concerns and advise supervisors of unsafe practices.
• Undertake certification testing for assigned projects in collaboration with project coordinator and 3rd party testing agency, ensuring correct testing methods and procedures to the relevant standard.

General Daily Responsibilities

• Be on time and adequately prepared for all meetings
• Work to the project direction of their assigned PC or manager during product development
• Report SR&ED time and materials weekly
• Keep Task Board up to date
• Know the company core values and how they are applied
• Adhere to dress code
• Provide technical support for Production Department
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment
• Work independently or with the R&D Engineering team; review and update work instructions and forms
• Provide occasional support for sample/show set-up for events within the company and at third party locations

Education And Experience

Minimum Education: Post-Secondary/College Diploma in Engineering Technology - preferably with Mechanical focus or equivalent and/or Directly Related Experience in Grills/Hearth/HVAC respectively. Directly applicable demonstrated experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Minimum Years Of Experience

• Minimum 5 years work experience. A minimum of 2 years related experience in grills/hearth/HVAC products respectively and/or sheet metal fabrication, manufacturing including product assembly etc. Greater experience in a related field may be considered.

May Be Reduced To

• 1-year related experience with 2-year College Diploma in a related field of study; OR
• 1-year related experience preferred with a 3-year College Diploma in a related field of study.

Certifications Required

Gas/Wood: G3 or WETT or National Fireplace Institute (NFI) gas, or ODP Certificate (to be completed within 2 years), wood and/or pellet (superior candidates), G2 (superior candidate), 313 (superior candidates).

Computer Software Requirement

Microsoft Office, strong Excel (data analysis, charts, macros), Visual, Internet Research Skills, SolidWorks fundamentals (an asset), LabVIEW (superior candidates).

Specialized Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of tests and measurement including data collection and analysis. Blueprint reading. Hands-on with tools and equipment.
• Welder/Fitter (preferred), SolidWorks Fundamentals (preferred), GD&T, WSL Forklift License (preferred), trained in problem solving, DFMEA, risk assessment six sigma (superior candidates).
• Knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals, DC circuitry, PCB and power calculations for electrical technicians.
• HVAC: Refrigeration cycles, brazing, charging systems, refrigeration piping, layout, AC circuitry up to 600 volts.
• Gas: Understanding of combustion and related analysis; knowledge of basic gas appliance operation and safety procedures.

Ignite Your Career — Benefits

• Competitive Compensation / Wages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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
• GOeVisit s, 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.

We thank you for your interest in The Napoleon Group of Companies and for participating in our competition. Only those candidates selected for consideration will be contacted.