Jr. Manufacturing Operations Engineer - Arbutus Medical

Arbutus Medical is a rapidly growing medical device venture developing a portfolio of procedure kits to  streamline surgery “outside the OR”, starting with orthopaedic trauma procedures in the ER.

We are looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented Jr. Manufacturing Operations Engineer to help keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly and continuously improving.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (budgeted base salary of $75,000-85,000) 
• An exciting opportunity to get in at the ground floor of a growing venture
• Flexible working hours
• Extended health benefits
• Professional development funding
• A purpose-driven workplace with passionate teammates who want to help patients and make a positive difference in the world

Detailed Role Description

In this role, you will own the day-to-day sustaining engineering activities that support reliable, efficient production. From maintaining manufacturing procedures and engineering drawings to troubleshooting technical issues, improving production fixtures, and supporting quality investigations, you will play a key role in ensuring our products are manufactured consistently and to the highest standards.

You will work closely with our production, quality, and R&D teams, spending time on the manufacturing floor to understand how things work, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical solutions.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, SolidWorks expertise, and a passion for hands-on problem-solving. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful projects, develop your technical expertise, and grow into a broader Manufacturing Engineering role.

Key responsibilities:

Manufacturing Engineering & Documentation

• Maintain, update, and improve manufacturing procedures, work instructions, and engineering drawings to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
• Use SolidWorks to modify existing product designs, update technical drawings, and establish appropriate dimensions and tolerances.
• Support engineering change control activities, including product updates, packaging configurations, labeling changes, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation accurately reflects current production processes and meets quality requirements.

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

• Work alongside assemblers to understand manufacturing processes, troubleshoot challenges, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Design, build, maintain, and improve production jigs, fixtures, and tooling using hands-on fabrication techniques, including 3D printing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day manufacturing challenges to minimize production interruptions.
• Collaborate with the Production Supervisor, Quality, and R&D teams to implement and verify manufacturing improvements.
• Support supply chain activities by investigating and resolving technical issues with vendor-supplied components.

Quality & Sustaining Engineering

• Investigate and resolve technical issues associated with Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs), nonconformances, and customer complaints.
• Identify root causes, develop practical corrective actions, and drive technical investigations through to resolution.
• Support product and process changes while ensuring compliance with established quality management processes.
• Maintain manufacturing equipment records, coordinate calibration activities, and ensure equipment remains properly maintained and ready for use.
• Identify recurring manufacturing issues and proactively implement solutions that improve long-term product quality and production reliability.

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2–4 years of experience in a manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, sustaining engineering, or related hands-on technical role. Strong co-op or internship experience will also be considered.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including modifying 3D models, updating engineering drawings, and working with dimensions and tolerances.
• Experience developing, writing, and maintaining manufacturing procedures, work instructions, or other technical documentation.
• Practical experience working in a manufacturing or production environment, with an understanding of how products are assembled and manufactured.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills, including experience with tools, mechanical assembly, and manufacturing equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate technical issues and implement practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a commitment to accurate documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a willingness to work directly alongside production teams.
• Ability to work on-site in Burnaby five days per week.

Nice to Have

• Experience in medical device manufacturing or another regulated industry.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS), ISO 13485, GMP, or related quality standards.
• Experience designing, building, or improving manufacturing jigs and fixtures, including using 3D printing technology.
• Experience supporting CAPAs, root cause investigations, or engineering change control processes.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.