Jobs

Role and Responsibilities

The Project Leader (PM Leader) is responsible for driving and coordinating New Product Development and Product Line Extension projects across the Engineering & Development (E&D) organization and its cross-functional stakeholders. The Project Leader ensures execution from intake through closure, working within defined governance, phase-gate, and decision-making frameworks. The role combines project leadership, technical coordination, and delivery accountability, while relying on discipline Leads and Specialists (Mechanical, Electrical/Software, Lab & Validation, Technical Writing) for detailed design and execution ownership. The Project Leader is a member of the Engineering & Development department and reports to the Project Management Supervisor.

What we need your help with

Project Leadership & Governance

• Serve as Project Driver for assigned New Product or Product Line Extension projects, from request intake to project closure.
• Lead project initiation and planning, including scope definition, deliverables, high-level costing, timeline, resource needs, risks, and communication strategy, in alignment with NPI and PMP processes.
• Plan, maintain, and communicate integrated project schedules, tracking milestones, dependencies, risks, and mitigation actions.
• Coordinate and prepare phase-gate reviews (M0–M5), ensuring readiness of technical deliverables, test evidence, and decision inputs.
• Ensure compliance with established E&D core processes, including documentation, change control, and artefact management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution, product reliability, and development efficiency.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate activities across Product Management, Engineering, R&D Lab & Product Validation, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Service.
• Facilitate weekly or milestone-based project meetings, driving decisions, action closure, and escalation when required.
• Ensure alignment between product requirements, technical solutions, testing plans, certification needs, and manufacturing readiness.

Technical Oversight (Coordination Level)

• Maintain a system-level understanding of assigned products to support informed decision-making and prioritization.
• Coordinate design activities led by Mechanical, Electrical/Software, and UX teams; ensure timely reviews and approvals.
• Participate in and coordinate design reviews, ensuring risks, manufacturability, serviceability, reliability, and cost are addressed.
• Support prototype builds, field trials, and pre-production builds in collaboration with Engineering teams and the R&D Lab.
  Note: The Project Leader does not replace discipline technical authority; detailed technical ownership remains with Engineering Leads and Specialists.

Testing, Validation & Certification Coordination

• Drive the creation and maintenance of the Project Master Test Plan, ensuring coverage of functional, performance, safety, sanitation, and certification requirements.
• Coordinate testing execution with the R&D Lab Manager, Product Validation team, and Engineering Leads.
• Ensure test results, deviations, and corrective actions are documented and resolved prior to phase-gate approvals.
• Support coordination of third-party certification activities (UL, CSA, CE, NSF) as applicable.

Documentation & Communication

• Ensure creation, review, and approval of required project deliverables (charters, schedules, reports, test plans, meeting minutes, lessons learned).
• Provide clear, concise status reporting to E&D leadership and stakeholders.
• Contribute to technical documentation reviews in collaboration with Technical Writers.
• Follow all Health & Safety requirements, including proper use of PPE, safe handling of tools, and maintaining a hazard-free work area. Participate in mandatory safety training as required.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Project Management Supervisor
• Direct Reports: N/A

What we are looking for

Education, Licenses, Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline.
• Licensed member in good standing with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) strongly preferred; candidates actively pursuing membership may be considered.
• Valid Class 5 (Québec) or equivalent driver’s license.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of engineering project management experience leading a project team; specifically in product development and continuous improvement projects.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment or mechanical engineering.

Languages

• Fluency in French (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is highly preferred, due to frequent interactions with suppliers and customers outside Québec.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with the discipline to define scope, set timelines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, able to engage effectively with cross-functional teams, translate technical concepts clearly, and lead meetings with various teams and management.
• Analytical and cost-conscious problem solver, balancing technical solutions with manufacturability, serviceability, and long-term reliability.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills, with knowledge of Lean, DFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Solid understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to troubleshoot with minimal guidance.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing specifications.
• Strong technical writing skills for producing manuals, procedures, and training materials.
• High attention to detail when testing, documenting, or inspecting parts/products.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks required; AutoCAD an asset).
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) for BOMs, routings, and process documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, MS Project).
• Knowledge of certification standards (UL, CSA, NSF) considered an asset.

Mental and Physical Requirements

• Light to moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs) of tools, prototypes, or components as required during testing or validation.
• Alternating between desk work and hands-on testing, including standing, walking, bending, and handling tools or equipment. Occasional assembly or disassembly of parts may be required.
• Visual acuity to interpret technical drawings, review data, and inspect components, as well as hearing ability to collaborate effectively and follow safety instructions.
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving under tight deadlines, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Must be adaptable to evolving technologies and maintain a collaborative, organized approach.

Working Environment/Conditions

• Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, occasional overtime.
• Primary Work Location: Lachine, Québec.
• Hybrid option: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote (subject to business needs).
• Travel Requirement: ~5%.
• Complete benefits package: health care, dental care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD) insurance.
• Virtual healthcare (telemedicine).
• RRSP matching plan.
• Potential bonus based on performance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Three weeks paid vacation per year, plus one week at Christmas.
• Five paid discretionary days per year.