Design Manager

Summary 

Väderstad is looking for people who share our passion for farming. Our employees are the most important resource we have in achieving our goals. We provide great career opportunities for the right candidates in a rapidly evolving workplace with locations in ag markets across North America. Vaderstad is an equal opportunity employer, that values and respects diversity in its workforce. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit and business needs. 

As a member of the P&D Team, this role is responsible for all facets of assigned products including P&D project research, CAD design, prototype development and overall project management as well as product changes and improvements through the ECR/ECO process. The role will be managing one of Vaderstad’s design team.  

Education/Experience 

• University Degree in Engineering, P. Eng designation 

• Minimum 5 years of product development experience plus 1-2 years in a leadership capacity 

• Excellent computer skills are essential, good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite 

• Knowledge of Creo or equivalent CAD programs an asset 

• Project Management skills are an asset 

• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, and electrical circuits are assets 

• Knowledge of and experience with current farming practices and equipment an asset 

• Safety training an asset 

• LEAN training an asset 

Why Work with Us? 

• Four-day work week, every week is a long weekend! 

• Vaderstad offers a competitive compensation package including competitive salary, health benefits and pension matching. 

• Health, Dental, Vision and Prescription benefits are 100% paid by the Vaderstad. 

• Flexible work environment  

• Vaderstad provides you the opportunity to work with an ambitious, growth-oriented team that is driven to continuously improve. 

Core Competencies  

• Mentor junior employees 

• Possess confidence, imagination, initiative, creativity 

• Be goal oriented and have a desire to continuously learn 

• Must work well in both a group and individual environment with minimal supervision  

• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills as a major function will be the managing of the product team members, product projects and coordinating work with the other branches of the R&D group and company 

• Must be able to think critically and analytically 

• Continuously strive to create the highest quality product  

• Maintain membership to APEGS 

Accountabilities  

• Manage all Group activities and personnel 

• Manage all assigned product activities on new product development and released product ensuring that all product work is completed on schedule and in accordance with project parameters 

• Work with Director in planning, scheduling, and tracking all product design and support work 

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback to the product design team 

• Work with other departments and team members in scheduling all prototype work, testing, design changes and product releases 

• Manages the teams periodic written and verbal reports as required through the testing process 

• Manage stakeholder relationships and provide status updates  

• Monitor R&D processes to drive efficiency and best practices 

Work Conditions 

• Primarily a typical office working environment 

• Shop and field exposure is required during the prototyping and testing phases  

• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals 

• Work is performed in a combination of environments which require the usage of Personal Protective Equipment 

• This position may be exposed to elements such as noise, dust, odors, fumes and oils 

• Job anxiety, tension and mental stress can occur from time to time in meeting deadlines, confrontation, interruptions, long meetings and responding to general duties 

• Lifting or moving up to 50lbs may be required