Research and Development Manager (Agriculture Department)

Research and Development Manager (Agriculture Department)ATOM-JET INDUSTRIES is a custom machining and advanced manufacturing company in Brandon, Manitoba. Atom-Jet has been in business since 1962 and has a reputation for producing quality products.Job SummaryThe Research and Development Manager is responsible for the management of the research and development team to ensure the development, testing, and release of new agriculture products. The role requires hands-on work on the development of prototypes, ensuring fabrication, fitment on seeding equipment, and the collection of data from in-field testing. Working closely with the Atom-Jet Agriculture sales team and Manufacturing Manager, the candidate will oversee the department to ensure the development of a strategic product line to meet and exceed the requirements of end users in the global marketplace.Duties and ResponsibilitiesBasic practical knowledge of metalworking, some ability to fabricate prototypes on occasion.Coordinate a research & development strategy; analyzing current products and assessing market needs to establish a long-term plan to develop innovative products that provide value to the end user and improve market share for the organization.Use project management to ensure effective and timely completion of new product prototypes and other initiatives.Coordinate industry-accepted and statistically significant testing protocols to provide relevant data for comparison in product development and use by the marketing department.Communicate and work with internal sales team, end users, research facilities, and OEMs to improve current products and develop new products. This would include attendance at major trade shows.Coordinate all potential patents through to completion with applicable agencies.Provide support to production teams; ensure components in current production have accurate and complete bills of material, routers, production documents with drawings, efficient tooling, and production samples.Utilize the company ERP system to maintain part number data integrity within the operational software.Manage drawing control within the manufacturing department.Manage the R&D contribution to Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) regarding accurate tracking of inventory usage, wage cost allocation, and the scientific write-up of projects.Effective use of change management within the research and development team providing ongoing training & development and performance management to meet and exceed departmental and company standards.Conduct regular in-field testing in conjunction with prototype development, working on seeding equipment ensuring fitment and observing in-field operation recording results.RequirementsExperience: An agriculture background or experience is critical for this position. 5 years of progressive experience in the design/development of a manufactured product.Education: Degree or Certificate in Engineering, an asset. Proficient knowledge of AutoCAD Inventor.Skills:Strong interpersonal skills, detail-oriented; ability to interact with all levels of management.Advanced computer skills with proficiency in MS Office products.Strong analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills.Leadership with the ability to delegate, set expectations, and monitor progress.Attributes: The ideal applicant will have an agricultural background with some formal education in engineering. The candidate will be a key member of the management team continuing to drive the success and growth of the company.Please forward resumes via email to [email protected] attention, T. Dorratt Vice President Sales & Manufacturing Operations.About EmployerAtom-Jet Industries (A Division of Atom-Jet Group)2110 Park Avenue, Brandon(204) 728-8590http://atomjet.com #J-18808-Ljbffr