Engineering R&D Lab Manager

Velan Inc.•Montreal, QC

97d•Onsite

About The Position

Velan is a global leader in the design and manufacture of industrial valves. Founded in Montreal, the company is recognized for the quality of its products, its technical expertise, and its human and collaborative corporate culture. We are currently seeking an Engineering Research & Development Lab Manager who will report to the Vice‑President, Engineering, and play a key role in overseeing and optimizing the operations, capabilities, and performance of our R&D laboratory. The selected candidate will ensure that lab activities, resources, and technical workflows effectively support Velan’s innovation roadmap, product development initiatives, and engineering experimentation programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
Member of Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)
Proven experience in a laboratory management role, preferably in a mechanical engineering setting
Proficiency in laboratory equipment and technology
Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Materials (especially steels), machining processes and mechanical assembly (strong)
Design and drafting standards, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (strong)
Word and Excel M (a must)
Functional bilingual (Oral and written)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering management is an asset
Valve design concepts, including actuation (electric, pneumatic and hydraulic) (an asset)
Product and life-cycle data management and configuration control concepts, principles and practices (asset)
FEA methods regarding stress analysis and computational fluid dynamics (an asset)

Responsibilities

Manage the lab backlog for the following activities: sales order, defective part analysis, product development, R&D testing
Lead a team of technicians and engineers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations
Ensure all laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning correctly. Coordinate repairs and upgrades, as required
Develop and enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions
Write procedures, approve test reports
Plan, coordinate, and oversee the execution of experiments and tests. Ensure adherence to scientific and technical standards
Manage inventory of lab supplies and equipment. Order and re-stock materials as necessary
Oversee the collection, analysis, and documentation of experimental data. Ensure accuracy and reliability of results
Develop and manage the laboratory budget, including forecasting and controlling expenses
Work closely with research teams and other departments to support project goals and ensure seamless integration of lab activities
Develop partnership with users, suppliers and outside labs
Organize and participate in follow-up meetings with customers
Coordinate all production-related tasks
Prepare weekly progress meetings