Engineering Manager

Smiths Interconnect is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in critical applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world's most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of the Smiths Group. For more than 170 years, Smiths has been at the forefront of engineering progress for a better future. We serve millions of people each year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive world, and better connected in four global markets: energy, security and defense, space and aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in more than 50 countries.

The Engineering function at Smiths Interconnect Canada is responsible for delivering innovative solutions in rugged photonics and advanced micro-electronics for commercial, defense and aerospace applications. This team ensures that all engineering activities, from design and development to process optimization, meet business objectives, regulatory standards, and customer expectations.

As Engineering Manager, you will provide leadership and direction to the Montréal rugged photonics Engineering Department. Establishing engineering strategies, ensuring their execution under sound engineering practices, customer satisfaction standards, and excellence in design and manufacturing. This includes developing proactive technology roadmaps to support long-term growth, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, ensuring compliance with quality management and regulatory standards, reliability requirements and regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g. ITAR, CGP), and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills to deliver operational excellence and support strategic business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop the Montréal rugged photonics Engineering Department, providing strategic leadership and direction for photonics products and advanced micro-electronics assembly technologies.
• Lead employees using a performance management and development process that engages contributions through goal setting, feedback, and development planning.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to plan and execute staffing decisions that sustain technical competitiveness.
• Establish local department goals in alignment with site management, manufacturing teams, and the Global Engineering Director.
• Manage resource capacity, including assignments, training, leave management, and administer continuous performance review programs to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity.

• Work with Operations to integrate manufacturing processes into new designs and technologies, ensuring manufacturability and alignment with business needs.
• Analyze current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Use data-driven approaches to monitor process performance and identify trends.
• Prepare reports and present findings to senior management.

• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance product and production capabilities.
• Stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Develop a long-term technology roadmap for rugged photonics components (multi-lane digital and analog transceivers), focusing on innovation in materials, manufacturing processes, and product designs.
• Monitor progress of NPI projects, confer with team leaders and engineers, and ensure development progresses according to schedule.
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g., universities) to support long-term technical roadmaps and manage intellectual property from these partnerships.

• Coordinate with project teams to ensure milestones are achieved and risks mitigated.
• Manage and review activities, budgets, costs, and forecasts to track progress toward goals.
• Prepare periodic operating reports highlighting innovation, team performance, and resilience.
• Lead process improvement projects from concept to implementation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

• Ensure compliance and participation in all Smiths Health and Safety programs, policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Ensure processes meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards (e.g., ITAR, CGP, MIL standards).
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Bachelor's Degree required
Master's Degree Preferred
Electrical Engineering or related field

OIQ Member, asset
Optonique Member, asset

Ability to travel domestically and internationally <25%

Significant experience leading a team of highly technical employees (minimum 15 years).

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Well-versed in micro-electronics assembly processes and packaging (die attach, wire bonding, flip-chip, fiber alignment).
• Strong knowledge of photonics technologies; prior experience with optical transceivers is an asset.
• Strong engineering management abilities in an advanced manufacturing setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of engineering and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
• Knowledge of MIL-PRF-38534, MIL-STD-803, ISO/AS9100, and ESCC standards.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement tools.
• Understanding of export control, fair trade and anti-bribery/corruption law.
• Familiarity with ITAR and CGP regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing software.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to define strategic paths and proactively engage senior leadership, and delegate effectively to drive results.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to organize work for maximum efficiency, prioritize tasks, and evaluate strategic options.
• Ability to write concise reports, highlight issues, and make recommendations.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for change, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing cost-reduction strategies within the department to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Controlled Goods and Technology

A part of this position, you will be required to examine, handle, or transfer highly confidential equipment and technologies, including technical data or any technical assistance (such as instructions, training, etc.) classified as controlled goods. These goods have military or strategic significant, are critical to national security, and are strictly regulated under the Defence Production Act (DPA), and the Controlled Goods Regulations (CGR), as part of Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

As a condition of an offer of employment, you must agree to undergo a security assessment conducted by Smiths Interconnect Canada designated official, in compliance with the CGP and DPA requirements. This screening includes the verification of proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, a criminal record and other security check. The disclosure of controlled goods to unauthorized persons is a criminal offense under Canadian law, therefor, you will be required to strictly comply with all Canadian laws that apply to controlled goods.

Planning and Decision Making:

• Assignments are objective-oriented and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Work is evaluated based on achievement of strategic objectives and adherence to timelines.
• Decisions carry significant impact on processes, project outcomes, and future business activities; errors can result in critical delays and operational disruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound, effective and timely decisions on challenging matters by sourcing and analyzing critical information, exhibiting strong judgement.
• Applies extensive experience, analytical capacity, problem-solving tools, and sound judgment to plan and accomplish complex goals.

Scope and Complexity: 

Plans and directs all aspects of engineering activities within Smiths Interconnect – Montreal’s team of approximately 25 employees, ensuring projects, initiatives, and processes conform to organizational policies and objectives.
Establishes operating policies and procedures that impact multiple departments and subordinate work units, while interpreting company-wide standards for local application.
Develops and manages budgets, schedules, and performance standards to meet strategic and operational goals.
Contributes to the definition and achievement of functional KPIs and supports Environment, Health, Safety, and Security programs.
Collaborates across multiple sites and geographies, influencing decisions and resource allocation beyond the local organization.
May oversee reporting relationships in multiple locations, requiring coordination across diverse teams and disciplines

Liaisons: 

Engage regularly with multiple stakeholders internally (Operations, PLM, Sales, Quality), externally (customers, suppliers, partners) and senior leadership to align engineering priorities with business objectives.
Lead technical briefings and collaborate with external partners, including customers, suppliers, and universities, to support innovation and product development.
Represent the engineering function in cross-functional teams, customer meetings, and supply chain interactions.
Provide training and technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders on products and capabilities.

Health, Safety and Environment Requirements:

• Must be able to sit for extend periods of time; a minimum of 2 hours.
• Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the office.
• Must be able to lift up and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Must have the manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment
• Must be able to simultaneously manage several objectives and reassign priorities.
• Must be able to tolerate changing priorities, and complete assignments despite frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English and French.
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Company’s goals.
• Lifting in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines, where applicable the Company will provide suitable lifting equipment.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistent with supporting the company’s environmental performance goals.
• Complete, and actively participate in all other EHS training requirements.
• Work environment is typically considered within a Smiths location during normal or extended business hours to include offices, manufacturing plants and repair facilities. Work environment may also include customer sites including oil well sites, and meeting venues. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and approved PPE is required when on the factory floor.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)