Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Avidbots is a pioneering leader in the field of robotics, dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous cleaning solutions for commercial and industrial environments. Our mission is to revolutionize the way cleaning and maintenance tasks are performed by introducing innovative, efficient, and sustainable robotic technologies. Avidbots is committed to delivering intelligent and autonomous robotic solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote a cleaner and healthier world.

Our groundbreaking autonomous cleaning robots, specifically the Neo 2 and Kas, are redefining the cleaning industry by offering state-of-the-art technology, advanced navigation, and data-driven insights to businesses across the globe. These robots are designed to perform tasks such as scrubbing and sanitization, and maintain cleanliness in a wide range of industries, including airports, shopping malls, warehouses, retail, and more.

Headquartered in Kitchener, ON, Canada, we are an employee-focused organization that has been certified a Great Place to Work® consecutively for the last 5 years and one of Deloitte's Fast 500 (2021). We are looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team and contribute to the development of our cutting-edge technology.

Position Overview:

As a Mechanical Engineering Manager, you'll wear two hats: you'll be a hands-on technical leader and the manager of a small, high-impact team that's poised for growth. You will play a critical role in the design, development, and improvement of our autonomous robots. You will be a key contributor to the mechanical engineering team, collaborating closely with other engineers, designers, and technicians to bring innovative ideas to life.

This is a hybrid role based a minimum of 3 days per week on site in our Kitchener HQ

Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Lead the mechanical design and development of robotic systems, subsystems, and components, from concept to production.
• Lead from the Front: We expect that 70% of time will be on design and development and 30% of time in management activities
• Prototyping and Testing: Build and test prototypes, conduct experiments, and analyze data to optimize designs and identify areas for improvement.
• DFM and Manufacturing: Collaborate with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly, and cost-effectiveness.
• Reliability Engineering: Apply reliability engineering principles (e.g., FMEA, HALT testing) to ensure robust product design and performance.
• Own the Process: Take ownership of our mechanical design processes, leading initiatives to streamline workflows, improve documentation, and enhance design reviews.
• Documentation: Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing improvement of our design processes, tools, and workflows.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and support to junior engineers and contribute to their professional development.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience managing and mentoring mechanical engineering teams, demonstrating strong leadership and team-building skills
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in the robotics or automation industries
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (On-Shape preferred)
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
• Experience in designing plastic components for manufacturability, durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and testing
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Successfully complete pre-employment onboarding requirements that may include criminal/civil background checks

Nice-to-Haves:

• Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding)
• Passion for robotics and a desire to work on cutting-edge technology
• A strong foundation in mechanical engineering with a demonstrated understanding of basic electrical, software, and firmware principles.
• Experience contributing to the design of systems that require cross-disciplinary knowledge
• Understanding of GD&T and its application in mechanical design
• Experience conducting FEA, thermal analysis, and other simulations to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and safety
• Experience in using Jira & Confluence
• Experience using PLM tools (like Arena PLM) to streamline engineering processes, improve collaboration, and ensure data integrity
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in good standing with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)

***Applicants must be currently authorized to work in Canada for any employer

Avidbots is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. We are a diverse Canadian company founded by international students, and we are proud of the strengths our diversity brings. We hold our executives to the same standards as all of our employees, and we believe work should be a safe space for all. Avidbots has an absolutely zero tolerance policy for discrimination or hate against members of any race, religion or sexual orientation. We also offer a professional working environment and culture and believe that work / life balance is critical to ensure the happiness/well-being of our people.

Upon request, Avidbots will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.