Manufacturing Applications Specialist

About Innovative Automation Inc.:

Located in Barrie, Ontario, Innovative Automation designs and builds custom automation solutions for leading manufacturers around the world. Our primary focus being the automotive and life science’s industries. We’re a team that takes pride in doing great work, solving interesting problems, and helping customers improve the way they manufacture.

Our culture is built on teamwork, respect, safety, and community. We invest in our people through training, growth opportunities, and a workplace where employees can feel supported and appreciated. We also like to have fun, with team events, fundraisers, golf tournaments, holiday celebrations, and other ways to connect outside of the day-to-day work.

What we offer:

• Employer Matched RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Program)
• Flex-time Policy (flexible start and end times)
• Extended Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Paramedical, EFAP Benefits
• Healthcare Spending Account
• Employee Events
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Professional Dues Reimbursement
• Costco Membership Reimbursement
• Safety Boots and Safety Glasses Allowance

General Purpose of the Job:

An Applications Specialist develops automated manufacturing equipment concepts and process layouts in response to customer RFQs. This includes preparing automation concepts, sequence timing charts, and supporting documentation using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Excel.

Applications Specialists develop and quote their own concepts by referencing internal systems, applying lessons from previous projects, and working with suppliers to estimate costs for major capital equipment. They work closely with the Sales Account Manager as the primary internal contact while also supporting customers directly as a technical resource.

The role includes preparing customer-facing documents and presentations for internal and external use, including concept presentations delivered in Microsoft PowerPoint. Clear communication, professional customer interaction, and relationship-building skills are important to success in this position.

This position requires managing multiple projects at once, typically 9 to 15 active quotations, with turnaround times that can be as short as two weeks. It is well suited to someone who is organized, technically capable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

This intermediate-level role is intended for an applicant who can manage moderately complex quoting work with direction when required, while taking ownership of assigned concepts, communication, and deliverables. This is for an existing vacancy. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• RFQ Review and Scope Definition: Analyze customer RFQs, specifications, quotations, and supporting documentation to define scope, requirements, and technical risks.
• Concept Development: Develop competitive automation concepts with minimal supervision, including cell layouts, process layouts, mechanical concepts, and sequence timing charts using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Visual Components.
• Technical Validation: Validate process concepts with cross-functional teams, including Design, Controls, and Manufacturing.
• Costing and Proposal Support: Prepare cycle time charts, pricing spreadsheets, supplier quotation requests, and customer proposals using costing tools and historical job data.
• Customer Review and Technical Support: Review technical proposals with customers to confirm scope, timing, and pricing.
• Risk Management: Support technical confirmation of design concepts and risk mitigation strategies with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Project Handoff and Execution Support: Lead knowledge transfer from sales/applications to design teams at project kickoff, participate in design reviews, and support Project Managers throughout the design lifecycle, including ECN quoting activities.
• Communication and Continuous Improvement: Communicate project status, risks, corrective actions, and solutions, while reviewing completed projects to capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement.
• Life Science and GAMP Support: Support business development efforts in the life science sector and contribute to IAI’s ongoing efforts to align proposals, concepts, and project approaches with applicable GAMP compliance expectations.
• Quality, Safety, and Professional Conduct: Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety practices, and procedures, represent the company professionally, and complete other duties as assigned. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Soft Skills:

• Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to adjust to changing priorities, customer requirements, and project conditions while maintaining ownership of assigned work.
• Communication: Communicates technical concepts clearly to internal teams, suppliers, and customers, while adapting communication style to suit the audience and situation.

• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively across sales, mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and project teams to develop practical automation solutions.
• Problem Solving: Applies sound technical judgment to identify risks, analyze options, and propose practical solutions with moderate independence.
• Time Management: Prioritizes multiple quotations and project demands effectively, manages deadlines, and communicates risks or resource needs early.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 3–5 years of work experience in the manufacturing or automation sectors.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and MS Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge and application of relevant safety codes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-first mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ontario G Driver’s Licence.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally.
• Mechanical design experience is an asset.
• Life science manufacturing experience, including familiarity with GAMP compliance expectations, is an asset.

For more information, visit our website at www.innovativeautomation.com.

If you require any accommodation during our recruitment process, please let us know. 

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