Development Technician

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality. Our award-winning products offer a best-in-class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon is also fortunate to operate on a world-wide scale.

The warmth and experience that a Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to enhance everyday living across the globe. Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

Job Title:   Development Technician

Reports to:   Assistant Product Engineering Manager

Location:    9 Napoleon Road, Barrie

Responsibilities:

• Perform preliminary performance testing, including but not limited to: input rates, leakage, combustion, surface, enclosure and component temperatures, BOC’s, POC’s, delayed ignition, and P.4.
• Develop aesthetically pleasing appliance, fire and media configurations.  Work collaboratively with designers to modify prototype designs and create parts and modifications directly using fabrication tools.
• CSA/UL Standard, drop test, airflow, speed voltage/current testing, control logic and function, PCB and electronical component/sub assembly testing etc.
• Review, understand and critique technical documentation; including assembly, installation and service procedures for appliances and accessories.
• Accurately use calibrated R&D equipment, including but not limited to:
• Mechanical: Data acquisition, Combustion Analyzer, Thermometers, Thermocouples, Voltmeters, Manometers, Flow Meters, Thermesthesiometer, IR Gun, IR Camera, Camera and 5G3.
• Electrical: Digital Multimeter (voltage, current, resistance, continuity, etc.), electrical safety compliance tester (hipot dielectric, ground bond, resistance tester, megger, etc.), function generator, oscilloscope, clamp ammeter, leakage current tester, power analyzer, ac / dc fixed and variable power supplies.
• Data collection, analysis and reporting focusing on accuracy and completeness for sharing with design and validation team. Store all raw data, photographs, processed data, videos, reports etc. correctly in company testing project folders. Appropriately record, analyze and interpret results to generate appropriate conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong focus on finding and recommending solutions and proving concepts to feedback to design group.
• Effectively collaborate with project coordinators / designers for product reviews, (DFM, DFA, DFI, DFS), benchmarking (competitors and existing products), design review, testing reviews and in doing so provide relevant data, recommendations and conclusions regarding manufacturability, performance, cost reduction or durability.
• Where applicable collaborate with QA to provide support for root cause analysis.
• Sheet metal layout and fabrication: create hand sketches for self or others to use for the purpose of making sample parts, limited prototypes and communicating changes to project coordinators or designers. Produce sample parts from sketches using R&D equipment.
• Build and assemble prototype units: Assemble prototypes from production parts, prototype, or modified components or samples. Modify parts as required for prototypes using a variety of techniques to improve performance, installation, appearance etc.
• Consistently report relevant findings and new information in company ‘Lessons Learned’ spreadsheet / database with a view to improve future products and/or test procedures.
• Plan daily, weekly and monthly work for assigned projects based on timing deadlines and test input from project coordinators, including determining the time and materials required to complete.  Where necessary, inform the project coordinator regarding constraints, resources required and recommendations to ensure on time completion at reasonable cost. Meet assigned deadlines, where necessary taking appropriate corrective actions to recover lost time or use of preapproved overtime.
• Safe use and operation (where applicable after training) of R&D construction equipment, power tools, hand tools and forklift (where licensed and authorized).  Use of company prescribed health and safety equipment and PPE appropriate for the activity being performed and/or work area.
• Ensure a safe and professional work area is maintained, including proper storage of all tools and equipment, work area to be clean, well-organized and presentable on a daily basis, considering the application of 5S. Promptly identify safety concerns to lab project coordinator, supervisor and or manager and advise other associates in the event of observing unsafe practices.
• Undertake certification testing for assigned projects in collaboration with project coordinator and 3rd party testing agency ensuring a focus on correct testing methods and procedures are utilized in accordance with the relevant standard.

General Daily responsibilities:

• Be on time and adequately prepared for all meetings
• Work to the project direction of their assigned PC or Technology manager during product development
• Report SR&ED time and materials weekly
• Keep assigned task list
• Know company's monthly core value and how it is intended to be applied
• Dress code compliance
• Technical support for production department
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment
• Work independently or in conjunction with Hearth R&D team
• Review and update work instructions and forms
• Provide occasional support for sample / show set-up for events within the company and at third party locations.

Experience:

• 2 years relevant experience, ideally as Engineering Technician/Technologist, 5 years with directly related experience in gas or HVAC products and applications and/or sheet metal manufacturing including product assembly.
• Certifications: Blue Print reading. Gas/Wood: G3 or WETT (to be completed within 2 years) National Fireplace Institute (NFI) gas, wood and/or pellet (superior candidates), G2 (superior candidate). HVAC: ODP Certificate.  Valid forklift license is an asset.
• Computer Software Requirement:  Microsoft Office, (strong Excel is a recognized asset; i.e. data analysis, charting, macros, formulas, etc.), Visual, Internet Research Skills, Solidworks fundamentals (is an asset), labview (superior candidates)

Specialized Skills: 

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude e.g. Welder/Fitter etc. (preferred), SolidWorks Fundamentals (preferred), GD&T Tolerance, trained in problem solving, (preferred), DFMEA, risk assessment six sigma (superior candidates)
• Demonstrated knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals, DC circuitry, PCB and power calculations for electrical technicians.
• HVAC: Clear understanding of refrigeration cycles, brazing, charging systems, refrigeration piping, layout, AC circuitry up to 600 volts.
• Must be capable of operating the following tools: welder, plasma cutter, band saw, drill press, glass cutter, belt sander, bench grinder, paint booth operation, metal shear, metal break, disc grinder, drills, air nailer, air riveters, jig saw, sawzall, circular saw, driver/gun, etc.

IGNITE YOUR CAREER, Some of our competitive benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation / Wages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Associate Purchase Programs, Product Discounts, In-house Sales
• Appreciation Events, Raffles, Draws, Fundraising, BBQ’s, Competitions
• Napoleon Cares – Associates helping Associates
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Napoleon Recognition Program
• GOevisits, virtual doctor visits
• And more!

The Napoleon Group of Companies is committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain Associates with disabilities. This includes providing accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle. Accommodation is available upon request.

We thank you for your interest in The Napoleon Group of Companies and for participating in our competition. Only those candidates selected for consideration will be contacted.