Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Inc. - "for those who work on the water"
About Us
Zodiac Hurricane Technologies (Also known as Zodiac Milpro) is a world class and industry leader in the manufacturing of quality and versatile Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and inflatables. We have been building custom designed boats for more than 30 years for those who work on the water. We are an expanding company with a portfolio of strong growth projects.
As the mission profiles of our clients become increasingly complex, Zodiac continues to innovate and develop new products to ensure our client’s success. Over the years, we have developed products for military and marine operations, Coast Guard and Customs, law enforcement, search and rescue, yacht tenders, offshore industry and eco-tourism.
We strive to learn and improve while fostering a positive work culture that we can be proud of. As a customer-focused company, our custom boats are manufactured from start to finish by hand at our four plants located in Delta, BC.
Come join our team at Zodiac, an ISO 9001 company, where we offer innovative technology, designs and solutions that have helped build a reputation for excellence.
The Job
Zodiac Hurricane has an opening for a Mechanical Design & FEA Specialist with an Intermediate to Senior level of mechanical and structural design experience, specializing in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Ideally, the candidate would have relevant experience and/or expertise applicable to designing high-speed boats ranging from 5 m to 13 m (16 ft to 42 ft).
We are seeking individuals with a positive mindset and an attention to detail to join our team. Candidates must be willing to work hard in a fast-paced team environment and under pressure to meet deadlines. This position is permanent, full-time.
Job Purpose:
- The Mechanical Design & FEA Specialist is a senior member of the Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Ltd. (ZHT) Engineering Department (Engr Dept), responsible for contributing to the design, development, optimization, and manufacturing of ZHT RHIBs.
- The Mechanical Design & FEA Specialist is a technical leader within the Engr Dept focused on boat platform design and construction (Structural Design, Hulls, Consoles, Frames, Masts/Arches, Towing Posts, Equipment Mounts, etc.).
- The Mechanical Design & FEA Specialist is responsible for assessing mechanical structures for strength, ensuring designs are fit for purpose. This includes the use of hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Strength-Weight optimization and validation testing also falls into the purview of the role.
- The Mechanical Design & FEA Specialist must set an example for the junior member by upholding and exemplifying a ‘can-do’ and ‘will-do’ approach to addressing technical challenges and opportunities as well as ensuring work practices and behaviours align with the company’s vision, mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Design and Development:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including naval architects, mechanical & electrical engineers, fabricators, and assembly technicians, to design and develop systems and components for ZHT RHIBs;
- Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed 2D and 3D models of boat components, ensuring adherence to design standards and manufacturing requirements;
- Identify appropriate materials for boat components and systems, considering factors such as weight, durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness;
- Produce concise, complete and comprehensible manufacturing drawings or other necessary design documents to allow for manufacturing and/or fabrication of components;
- Maintain accurate records of design specifications, test results, and project progress. Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate design concepts, analysis results, and recommendations to stakeholders;
- Use hand calculations and FEA software to assess structural integrity and strength of structural and mechanical designs;
- Perform engineering analysis, simulations, and calculations to evaluate and optimize the performance and efficiency of mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices;
- Perform real-world testing to validate simulations and predictions;
Technical Knowledge:
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge and expertise regarding the platform technical knowledge base including, but not limited to, the design and production of: Hull shapes/forms, Aluminum/Stainless Steel/Fiberglass Structures, Transoms, Consoles, Seating, Masts/Arches, Rope Guards, Decking, Hardware, Fasteners, Adhesives, Ballistics, Tow and Hoisting systems;
- Maintain design standards and engineering best practices pertaining to Mechanical Systems;
- Maintain awareness of all relevant codes and standards including but not limited to ISO, ABYC and Transport Canada;
- Manage the assessment and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) procedures and methodology; and
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance (QA) team to define testing activities, conduct tests, analyze results, and provide feedback to ensure the RHIB meets desired performance and compliance standards.
Research and Innovation:
- Contribute to Research and Development (R&D) projects by assisting in experimental setups, data collection, analysis, and reporting, supporting the team's efforts to innovate and develop new technologies;
- Conduct research to identify innovative solutions applicable to RHIB manufacturing;
- Create prototypes of mechanical systems and components as well as conduct necessary testing and analysis to validate performance, functionality, and reliability
- Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in boat engineering.
Project Management Support:
- Collaborate with ZHT Technical-Commercial (TecCom), Production and Quality Assurance (QA) departments to ensure the on-scope, on-time, on-cost, and on-quality delivery of RHIB projects;
- Maintain a working awareness of all the projects and initiatives, both pending and active, impacting the Engineering Department and ZHT overall;
- Report to the Engr Dept Director and the other Engineering Department Team Leaders regarding work activities, tasks and initiatives within the Platform Team;
- Review and approve engineering documents for release to Production; and
- Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as required to support the overall success of the Engr Dept and Zodiac Hurricane.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Completed post-secondary engineering or design-oriented equivalent education related to mechanical and/or marine design and/or engineering;
- Five (5) years of progressive experience in the boat-building industry or combined with other applicable manufacturing or production experience (i.e. interactions with manufacturing personnel);
- Professional designation or registration such as EIT or P.Eng.;
- Demonstrated experience managing engineering projects;
- Excellent customer service focus, including strong communication skills in a professional and respectful manner with internal and external stakeholders;
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to troubleshoot and make decisions. Ability to prioritize and set clear objectives while working effectively and independently in a high-performance team culture;
- Ability to multitask, be well-organized and detail-oriented, coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams and different stakeholders while operating in a fast-paced and demanding environment, managing multiple tasks and projects;
- Fluent in reading, writing and speaking English;
- Fluent in reading, writing and speaking French;
- Intermediate to Advanced level of computer-aided design (CAD) software experience (e.g. SolidWorks, Rhino, AutoCAD, and/or an equivalent);
- Intermediate to Advanced level of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software experience (e.g. SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys, and/or an equivalent); and
- Intermediate level Office software experience, including the MS Office suite, Google Workspace, and an ERP system.
Note: the employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties and responsibilities to this position.
What We Offer
- Compensation is based on experience. (Please state your compensation expectations.)
- Benefits include extended health, dental, life insurance, employee assistance program and RSP plan contribution match.
- Employee social events
- Family-oriented, inclusive culture
- Free on-site parking and located close to the bus stop
Kindly note only those applicants legally authorized to work in Canada and selected for an interview will be contacted.
- **No phone calls or agencies please**
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Delta, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you legally authorized to work in Canada? If yes, please specify: Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Work Permit, Etc
- What are your salary expectations for this role?
Experience:
- hands-on FEA: 1 year (required)
Language:
- English fluently (required)
Work Location: In person
