Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Ottawa, Canada (on-site)
Reports to: Manager, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality

Role status: New role

About RBR: Making waves since 1973

At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role

RBR is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This is a hands-on role; you will optimize the production process, improve product quality, and support the production-readiness of oceanographic instruments through RBR’s new product introduction process. This role will bridge design engineering and production, ensuring our instruments are manufactured efficiently while maintaining the high precision, initial quality, and continued reliability required by our customers.

What you’ll do

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for oceanographic instrumentation, including electronic assemblies, pressure housings, sensor systems, and mechanical components

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and assembly procedures

• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure products are designed for manufacturability, providing DFM feedback during product development

• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to improve yield and reduce defects

• Select and qualify manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures to support production requirements

• Establish and monitor quality control procedures and metrics for manufacturing processes

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, including prototype builds and production ramp-up

• Manage relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers for outsourced components and assemblies

• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and workflow optimization

• Train production staff on new processes, equipment, and quality standards

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree from a relevant discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in electronics, precision instruments, or similar technical product sectors

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, soldering, bonding, and test engineering

• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) and ability to read technical drawings

• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 9001 or similar)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with PLM/ERP/MRP systems

• Strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Nice to haves

• Experience with waterproof or pressure-rated assemblies

• Familiarity with marine, oceanographic, or environmental monitoring equipment

• Knowledge of IPC standards for electronic assembly

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

• Understanding of electronics testing and environmental testing protocols

• Experience in low-to-medium volume, high-mix manufacturing environments

Salary range: $70,000-$85,000 + bonus
The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you’re earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

🌴 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days

🩺 Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching

💰 Bonus program

🏋🏽 Annual fitness reimbursement program

🚴 Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)

🚗 EV reimbursement program + on-site charging stations

💝 Charitable donation matching

🌮 Weekly lunches (on us)!

🎉 Team events and social activities

🤝 Collaborative, supportive work environment

🧠 Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines

🌊 Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.