R&D Lab Manager

2 weeks ago

Dorval, Quebec, Canada Thorens Inc. Full time $125,000 - $135,000


COMPANY DESCRIPTION :

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION :

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 schedule 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
  • Enforce 5S principles.
  • 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.
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.
Team Leadership, People Development & Performance
  • 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.
  • Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng – OIQ).
  • 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.
Informations contractuelles

WORK CONDITIONS :
  • Salary range: $125,000 – $135,000, depending on experience with targeted annual bonus of 15% of base salary
  • 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 without prejudice to the feminine form.

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ROLE?




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

Check the contact information of our team here.

  • P&D Supervisor

    1 week ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada FedEx Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per year

    This is a frontline supervisor position that supports the FedEx Express (FXE) Safety Above All Culture and manages specific day-to-day operations, flex routes and assigned Flex Driver staff within a station. Responsible for ensuring safe and efficient B2C package delivery network through the supervision of flex drivers exclusively. The P&D Supervisor has...

  • Inside Sales Manager

    3 days ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Nice Group Full time $45,000 - $114,000 per year

    Embrace a career with purpose at Nice Canada, a subsidiary of Nice S.p.A., an Italian multinational leader in Home and Building Automation. Guided by our vision of creating A World Without Barriers, we develop cutting-edge solutions for smart home control, security, door and gate automation, access control, and more to achieve our mission of Simplifying...

  • Spécialiste en contrôle

    1 week ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Smardt Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    SMARDTPionnier et leader mondial des refroidisseurs sans huile à haut rendement. L'équipe SMARDT partage plus de 25 ans d'expérience de travail avec l'électronique de puissance, la technologie des paliers magnétiques et les refoidisseurs centrifuges sans huile. SMARDT, dont le siège social est à Montréal, est présent entre autres aux Etats-Unis, en...

  • Spécialiste en contrôle

    1 week ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Smardt Chiller Group Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    SMARDTPionnier et leader mondial des refroidisseurs sans huile à haut rendement. L'équipe SMARDT partage plus de 25 ans d'expérience de travail avec l'électronique de puissance, la technologie des paliers magnétiques et les refoidisseurs centrifuges sans huile. SMARDT, dont le siège social est à Montréal, est présent entre autres aux Etats-Unis, en...

  • Chef d'équipe

    15 hours ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Smardt Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    SMARDTPionnier et leader mondial des refroidisseurs sans huile à haut rendement. L'équipe SMARDT partage plus de 25 ans d'expérience de travail avec l'électronique de puissance, la technologie des paliers magnétiques et les refoidisseurs centrifuges sans huile. SMARDT, dont le siège social est à Montréal, est présent entre autres aux Etats-Unis, en...

  • Pricing Analyst

    3 days ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Air Canada Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.Based in the Air Canada Montreal Headquarters and reporting to the Senior Manager, Revenue Development - VFR Markets, the...

  • Agent(e) de Méthodes

    3 days ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada SOGECLAIR Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    [English version will follow]LES TÂCHES QUE VOUS ALLEZ ACCOMPLIR Ce que vous aurez à accomplir au titre de « Agent/e méthodes support aux opérations » :Horaire de travail de WEEKENDAgir en tant que leader dans la résolution de problèmes techniques en coordonnant les activités avec les autres services de soutien et en supportant techniquement tout le...

  • Agent(e) de Méthodes

    3 days ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada SOGECLAIR Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per year

    [English version will follow]LES TÂCHES QUE VOUS ALLEZ ACCOMPLIR Ce que vous aurez à accomplir au titre de « Agent/e méthodes support aux opérations » :Horaire de travail de WEEKENDAgir en tant que leader dans la résolution de problèmes techniques en coordonnant les activités avec les autres services de soutien et en supportant techniquement tout le...

  • Agent(e) de Méthodes

    3 days ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada SOGECLAIR Full time $100,000 - $120,000 per year

    [English version will follow]LES TÂCHES QUE VOUS ALLEZ ACCOMPLIR Ce que vous aurez à accomplir au titre de « Agent/e méthodes support aux opérations » :Horaire de travail de WEEKENDAgir en tant que leader dans la résolution de problèmes techniques en coordonnant les activités avec les autres services de soutien et en supportant techniquement tout le...

  • Agent(e) de Méthodes

    20 hours ago

    Dorval, Quebec, Canada Sogeclair Full time $60,000 - $120,000 per year

    [English version will follow]LES TÂCHES QUE VOUS ALLEZ ACCOMPLIRCe que vous aurez à accomplir au titre de « Agent/e méthodes support aux opérations » :Horaire de travail de WEEKENDAgir en tant que leader dans la résolution de problèmes techniques en coordonnant les activités avec les autres services de soutien et en supportant techniquement tout le...