Senior Mechanical Engineer

WHO WE ARE

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc. is one of Manitoba's fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People our team is what makes us special
• Passion from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we'll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

The Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the mechanical design and development of complex products and components from concept through production. This role provides technical leadership across mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, testing and manufacturing implementation, with a strong focus on vehicle-related applications. The successful candidate will make key technical decisions, solve complex engineering challenges and ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality and cost requirements. As a senior member of the engineering team, this position will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continued development of SMG's engineering practices and capabilities.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex products, components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Design mechanical components and systems for vehicle-related applications, considering performance, durability, integration and operating conditions.
• Define technical requirements, product specifications and engineering acceptance criteria for new and existing products.
• Perform and review vibration, load and structural analyses to validate design performance and identify potential risks.
• Create and review detailed 3D models, mechanical assemblies, drawings and bills of materials using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Apply design for manufacturability and assembly principles to improve product quality, production efficiency, reliability and cost.
• Develop verification and validation plans and participate in hands-on prototype and product testing.
• Lead design reviews, technical investigations and root-cause analyses to resolve complex product and manufacturing issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and other cross-functional teams to support sourcing, production readiness and product launch.
• Support the transition of products from engineering development to manufacturing and field implementation.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentorship to junior engineers and other members of the engineering team.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, design practices and technical documentation.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Mechanical designs meet defined performance, vibration, load, reliability and safety requirements.
• Products and components are designed for manufacturability, assembly, quality and cost from the beginning of the development process.
• Engineering analyses, calculations, models and drawings are accurate, complete and supported by sound technical judgment.
• Design risks and technical issues are identified early and resolved through analysis, testing and cross-functional collaboration.
• Verification and validation activities demonstrate that products meet technical and customer requirements.
• Products transition smoothly from development into manufacturing with minimal rework or production disruption.
• Engineering projects and deliverables are completed within agreed timelines, budgets and quality expectations.
• Junior engineers receive practical guidance, constructive feedback and opportunities to strengthen their technical capabilities.
• Technical decisions, risks and recommendations are communicated clearly to engineering teams, leadership and other stakeholders.
• Engineering standards and processes are consistently applied and improved based on lessons learned.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, preferably in product development, vehicle component design or an OEM manufacturing environment.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba or eligible to obtain registration.
• Extensive experience designing mechanical products, components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Demonstrated experience designing components or systems for automotive, commercial vehicle or other vehicle-related applications.
• Strong experience performing vibration, load and structural analyses using appropriate engineering methods and analysis tools.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD software, including complex assemblies and production-ready drawings.
• Strong knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, engineering drawing standards and controlled design-release processes.
• Demonstrated experience applying design for manufacturability and assembly principles.
• Experience developing and executing product verification and validation plans and conducting hands-on product testing.
• Experience with plastic component design and applicable manufacturing processes is strongly preferred.
• Experience with optical components or systems is an asset.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up or similarly fast-changing environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to coach and mentor junior engineers while contributing effectively within a collaborative team.
• Strong technical judgment, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound technical decisions and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Willing and able to travel within Canada, the USA and internationally as required.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

We believe that a healthy, supported team is key to our success. That's why we offer a benefits package that prioritizes work-life balance, financial wellness, and overall well-being.

Our team members enjoy:

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive group benefits package
• Employer-paid Health Care Spending Account
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and paid sick days
• Company-paid holiday shutdown from Christmas to New Year's
• Company-matched RRSP plan

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.