Manufacturing Engineer

We think every breath is as important as the next. That’s why we create better systems to improve the air around you, producing healthier environments for happier families. With quality air comes quality care.

About Airia:

Airia Brands inc. is part of the Zehnder Group AG, Switzerland a global leader in creating energy-efficient solutions for a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. Airia is the market leader in the manufacture and marketing of residential and commercial HVAC solutions including HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilators).  We refresh the indoor air you breathe and exhaust the stale air for a healthier home environment. Our ERV/HRV products are marketed under the Lifebreath brand name. Visit our website at www.lifebreath.com.

Job Summary: 

The Manufacturing Engineer leads capital projects and drives continuous improvement initiatives by developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective products through process improvements, equipment upgrades, and Lean initiatives. Key responsibilities include designing tooling and layouts, improving manufacturability, and collaborating across functions to support operational excellence. Success in this role requires proactive problem-solving, cross-functional teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Capital Project Management

· Lead large-scale manufacturing engineering projects from concept to implementation, including equipment selection, procurement, and installation.

· Manage capital budgets for equipment, tooling, and plant upgrades.

· Ensure projects meet defined cost, schedule, and performance targets.

· Collaborate with engineering, operations, and procurement teams to ensure successful execution.

· Evaluate and integrate new manufacturing technologies and tools.

• Process Engineering & Optimization

· Develop and implement manufacturing processes that enhance product quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

· Identify and resolve manufacturing issues to reduce downtime and waste.

· Execute process improvement initiatives, including trials, documentation updates, and procedural changes.

· Optimize workstation and plant layouts for better material flow and ergonomic efficiency.

· Create and maintain work instructions and SOPs using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Tooling & Equipment Design

· Design fixtures and work with suppliers to develop tooling and custom machines to support production needs.

· Improve existing tools and jigs to enhance manufacturability, ergonomics, and performance.

· Recommend production methods and tooling enhancements to improve throughput, reduce costs, and maintain product quality.

• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

· Lead Lean initiatives and kaizen events focused on waste reduction, rework elimination, and productivity improve-ment.

· Analyze production data to identify performance trends and support data-driven decisions.

· Research and apply best practices, technologies, and methods to foster innovation and continuous improvement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Product Support

· Work closely with design, production, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability of products.

· Provide input during design reviews and collaborate with customers as needed.

· Evaluate and recommend design modifications to improve reliability, ease of assembly, and performance.

· Align manufacturing operations with broader business goals.

• Additional Responsibilities

· Perform other duties as required to support strategic manufacturing and operational objectives.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with expertise in assembly, machining, and fabrication processes
• Demonstrated success leading capital projects including equipment procurement and integration
• Proficient in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
• Experience optimizing manufacturing processes for cost, quality, and productivity
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, procurement, and quality teams
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills to convey technical information effectively
• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD for tooling and equipment design
• Solid understanding of manufacturing and assembly operations, including material flow and ergonomic principles
• Skilled in Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, and value stream mapping
• Experience in creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation (e.g., SOPs, work instructions)
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Excellent root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with a focus on cross-functional collaboration
• High level of accountability and ownership for project outcomes and assigned tasks
• Strong critical thinking and structured troubleshooting approach
• Commitment to workplace safety, including hazard identification and adherence to safety protocols
• Self-driven and motivated to learn, innovate, and improve continuously.

How to Apply: 

How to Apply: Qualified applicants are invited to submit their application to Human Resources by email to darlene.bear@zehndergroup.com.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please advise Human Resources.