AI Hardware Lead

Ironbelly Studios•Waterloo, ON

41d

About The Position

We have a growing hardware and software focused department that builds and develops smart vision solutions for quality assurance in manufacturing environments. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, this product team employs a talented and dynamic team of R&D and Applications Engineers who provide unique engineering development activities in design, prototyping and testing to drive new technology development, build innovative products, and maintain and support our deployed solutions. As the AI Hardware Lead, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing our cutting-edge automated inspection and AI-based hardware technologies. You will oversee and guide a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers while remaining hands-on in all aspects of system design, integration, and implementation. Your responsibilities will span Electrical and Mechanical Design, PLC & HMI Programming, Robotics and Vision Systems Programming, and system integration — merging traditional industrial automation with AI-based technologies. You will ensure project success from concept to commissioning, supporting both internal initiatives and external customer projects. This role requires occasional travel for customer site installations and commissioning. Your technical expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving company goals related to Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronics is preferred)
Minimum of 10+ years of engineering & design work experience
Proven experience leading and managing technical teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment
Proficient in PLC & HMI programming, with experience across multiple PLC brands to demonstrate flexibility and depth of control systems knowledge (experience with Mitsubishi, Keyence, or Allen Bradley is a strong asset)
Skilled in AutoCAD, Solidworks Electrical, or Solidworks Mechanical, and interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics or drawings
Strong knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), auditing workplace processes, and electrical best practices
Well versed in the Canadian Electrical Code, with a focus on Industrial practices
Familiarity with mechanical design and integration principles
Experience with Robotics and Robot programming (including both collaborative and traditional robots such as FANUC)
Experience with robot simulation tools such as FANUC Roboguide
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Self-motivated, resourceful, and well organized
Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills
Self-starter with a proactive, driven mindset
Independent worker capable of taking initiative and ownership of tasks
Strong organizational and project management abilities
Effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadline
Flexible with good time management
Strong technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance hands-on engineering work with team leadership and project planning
Uphold company policies and integrity.
Be a champion of our Philosophy.
Follow all safety procedures & instructions.
Active involvement in company and department goals.
Follow "5S" principles, quality, environmental, and health & safety systems.
Interact with all working peers in a respectful and pleasant manner.

Nice To Haves

Experience with discrete electronics and PCBA design is an asset
Experience with programming languages such as Python and C for data handling, automation scripting, or embedded system integration is an asset
Experience with CSA and PSHSR requirements for safeguarding of equipment is an asset
Experience with industrial Cameras, Vision systems, or AI-based vision applications is an asset

Responsibilities

Lead and support a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers with internal and external customer projects through the design, build, test, and commissioning phases
Prepare and deliver business plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports
Accountable for the planning, scheduling, execution, and overall success of projects
Lead and review project requirements and specifications throughout the project lifecycle
Manage engineering development through continued learning and industry best practices
Lead equipment procurement, calibration, and maintenance activities
Work closely with the Hardware Applications, Engineering, and Production teams for project alignment and execution
Collaborate with department managers and teams to determine business needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
Prepare Bill of Materials for automation projects and relevant documentation for machine manuals
Align testing requirements with industry and Musashi standards, considering customer specifications
Lead the preparation of machines for ESA & PSR inspections to ensure they meet all requirements
Spearhead the design, programming, testing, and deployment of PLC & HMI programs, Electrical Panels, Robotics Applications, and Mechanical Systems
Merge insights from Optical Engineers and AI Software Developers to integrate electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems — including discrete electronic components and PCBA systems — with AI-enabled inspection hardware to deliver cohesive, cutting-edge solutions
Collaborate with machine builders and contractors to verify hardware, mechanical, and software functionality
Deploy machinery at customer facilities, test and commission projects on-site, and provide post-installation support and troubleshooting
Travel for customer and business requirements as needed