Company Overview:
Freedom Concepts has been imagining, designing, and building adaptive bicycles for the special needs community for 35 years. We pride ourselves on manufacturing the highest quality products and delivering the best customer experience in our industry. In addition to our adaptive bicycles, we introduced our Chill-Out Chair line in 2006. Our alternative seating solutions are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, positioning, and a safe space for individuals with unique sensory and physical needs. Freedom Concepts is passionate about empowering communities and inspiring others to do the same! Our approach is hands-on, and allows us to deliver unique, tailored solutions – one person at a time. We are a growing company and are looking to add even more talent to our team!
If you are searching for that next great opportunity to grow your skillset and lean on your experience – then this is the job for you!
Role Summary:
We are seeking a Product Engineer who will be responsible for creating and enhancing our line of assistive technology and positioning products that fill a niche in the market and allow Freedom Concepts to remain competitive. The Product Engineer will be involved in new product development, ongoing product lifecycle maintenance and custom solution creation. The Product Engineer will also prepare and maintain technical records to document product development, log product issues and solutions.
Key job functions include product design creation and maintenance, project management and manufacturing support. The position requires excellent analytical and design skills with strong reliance on accuracy, control, monitoring, and co-ordination. As an integral part of the Operations team, the Product Engineer is accountable to the Production Manager of Mobility Solutions and Engineering Process Lead.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Product Design Responsibilities:
· Creating or improving products and features for our line of assistive technology and alternative seating through constant innovation and input from stakeholders. This position would be responsible for full support of a specific group of products
· Design one-off custom accessories and product modifications for specific customers
· Analyzing market research materials and sales data trends to determine if new products are viable, relevant and competitive with an acceptable return on investment.
· Collaborating with the development team to discuss product ideas and submitting proposals for evaluation.
· Creating digital design models, conducting theoretical testing and analysis to prove concepts
· Creating working prototypes to test designs for safety, functionality and durability
· Developing testing methodology to assess prototypes on objective requirements including strength, durability, and functionality to validate new designs.
· Creating full product design specifications and working drawings using Autodesk Inventor.
· Ensuring that products conform to market specifications, safety regulations and quality standards.
· Selecting components and raw materials and communicating with suppliers and contractors to determine material costs, supply timelines and MOQ’s
· Creating and updating product sales configuration guides using visual guide builder software, working closely with sales and marketing to support corresponding sales tools.
· Creating and Maintaining accurate BOM by entering or revising all product data in ERP system
· Creating clear and concise assembly documentation and instructions for use and communicating necessary changes to the marketing department.
· Prepare and maintain accurate Engineering Change Order documentation.
· Coordinating and supporting hand-off of final release product to production and developing manufacturing process.
· Providing prompt, professional technical input on product design, pricing and repair support to sales and marketing staff as well as directly to end-users through e-mails, phone and in person interactions.
Project Management Responsibilities:
· Analyzing problems or deficiencies within a project and providing solutions to resolve them.
· Defining project scope and ensuring budget and timeline objectives are met.
· Conducting experiments and evaluations to improve and innovate product designs.
· Maintaining research and activity documentation including accurate time sheets, project development notes to support experimental development technical narrative reports.
· Scheduling meetings with relevant departments and stakeholders to gather pertinent project information or input.
Manufacturing Support Responsibilities:
· Collaborating with operation manager, production staff and other engineers to develop plans that improve production processes, manufacturability of products using root cause analysis or similar problem-solving tools.
· Keeping current with advancements in engineering, product design, software, and production techniques, and sharing knowledge with necessary colleagues.
· Assisting with developing and implementing cost-saving measures and quality control systems.
· Providing software automation and programming support for manufacturing to streamline data collection and manipulation for accurate process analysis and reporting with thorough knowledge of ERP data.
Maintain Effective Relationships and Communication
· Develop and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with fellow employees
· Engage in corporate culture and volunteer activities
· Build, maintain and strengthen internal and external relationships
· Communicate ideas and information effectively
· Develop trust and confidence
· Manage personal priorities and professional development
· Participating in continuing education
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or BioSystems Engineering or a similar field.
· Minimum 5 years proven experience working in Product Design or Mechanical Engineering.
· In-depth knowledge of 3D modelling software, Autodesk Inventor experience an asset.
· Proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word and Excel.
· Knowledge in ERP systems, specifically Microsoft Great Plains.
· Advanced analytical and innovative design skills.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
· Knowledge of industry and manufacturing processes.
· Highly self-motivated and directed, process driven with keen attention to detail.
· Ability to visualize theoretical models and design ideas.
· Welding skills is an asset.
· Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment.
· Defined sense of diplomacy and sound judgement for decision-making
· Proven organization and project management skills with interest in developing leadership abilities.
· Accountable for fostering a safe work culture. Must recognize unsafe conditions and practices
· Knowledge of assistive technology or medical device industry is an asset.
· Knowledge of the biking industry is an asset.
Valid driver’s license.
Applicants must be legally able to work in Canada and have a valid driver’s license.
FCI welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment opportunities with us, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
**Please include a resume and cover letter when applying. **
** Salary will be determined based on qualifications and relevant experience**
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Application question(s):
- Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Biosystems Engineering or a similar field?
Experience:
- Product Design or Mechanical Engineer: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Location:
- Winnipeg, MB R3W 1S3 (required)
Work Location: In person
