Who We Are
Labforge designs and builds perception systems that fuse imaging, radar, depth, acoustic, seismic, and RF sensing into unified situational awareness for industrial and defence use cases.
We started in 2013 with a leading team of software and hardware engineers from the University of Waterloo. We have a history of strong affiliations with the University, including joint projects.
Our Values
We believe that innovation should be a driver for a safer, more sustainable world, and that the best ideas happen when diverse viewpoints are welcomed and shared. We build relationships on partnership and respect for expertise – not exploitation. Our work is grounded in scientific rigour and tangible, real-world value.
Transparency. Respect. Inclusivity. Integrity.
“Science is more than a body of knowledge; it is a way of thinking.” Carl Sagan
Open Positions
Following are the positions currently available. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your resume. However, while we appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Field Electrical & Mechanical Technician
The Role
As a Field Electrical and Mechanical Technician, you will be in charge of installing sensors. You will work with the engineering team during iterative testing and deployment. You will be in charge of deploying and maintaining sensors in the field for data collection and experimentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Power System Installation: Size, select, and deploy off-grid solar arrays, wind-turbines and battery storage systems.
- Analyze sensor pack power draws to ensure they fall into the power budget accounts.
- Install robust grounding solutions for power systems to protect them and sensitive electronics from surges.
- Fabricate and install custom wire harnesses, above- and underground conduit.
- Fabricate and install electrical enclosures and panel boxes.
- Site preparation: excavating, foundation work to prepare for the installation
- Conduct power quality testing and thermal validation to ensure the system meets reliability and wiring standards.
- Maintenance and operation of highly sensitive instrumentation in the field.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AC/DC system installation, solar charge controllers, and battery management systems with 120VAC backup.
- Knowledge of lightning protection standards specifically for steel structures and towers.
- Experience with electrical schematic tools
- Cable design, connector selection, and harness assembly
- Foundation laying for outdoor energy harvesting systems
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in solar panel, generator, electrical installations
- Ability to prototype harnesses, and use diagnostic tools like oscilloscopes and thermal cameras
Preferred Qualifications
- Specialized photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine-based system designs for off-grid applications.
- Jack-of-all-Trades Mentality: Transform a hole in the ground to the bolts in the base
- History of maker-type projects (link to portfolio or project repository required!)
- ESD safety training and handling of sensitive electronic assemblies
Junior Mechanical Designer
The Role
Labforge has an opening for a Junior Mechanical Designer to join our team in Waterloo, Ontario. The position provides an opportunity to join a fast-paced elite team whose primary mission is to develop sensing technologies to protect critical assets in the Arctic. As a Junior Mechanical Designer, you will be responsible for designing parts and enclosures to host electronics and support the rapid deployment of sensors. Our sensors come in different sizes and for deployment in very challenging environments. This role will therefore play a critical part in supporting the design and development of the mechanical and structural aspects of the sensors. The ideal candidate is hands-on, thrives on detail and accuracy, is able to manage their time, and is able to take direction or take the lead. The successful candidate will leverage previous experience for the development and carrying out of a variety of challenging and new concept projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate requirements into functional 3D mechanical designs for 3D printers or CNC machining.
- Design and prototype parts to host new electronic components.
- Support assembly, installation, and on-site troubleshooting.
- Develop and maintain detailed documentation including drawings, BOMs, and operating manuals.
- Participate in design reviews and team meetings.
- Develop testing processes, and perform testing and validation of new designs
- Plan, conceptualize, and create mechanical designs for new parts and improve upon existing prototypes
- Perform detailed documentation to track project development and design process
- Ensure project timeline is met and project stays within budget
- Work in a collaborative environment with other team members and staff
- Apply design and fabrication knowledge to ensure project functionality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost goals are achieved
- Investigate equipment failures and make recommendations to installation/field service technicians.
- Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair to ensure that equipment is installed and functioning according to specifications.
- Develop requirement specifications and documentation, perform project risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and prepare product operating instructions and manuals.
- Willingness to work indoors and outdoors during testing
- Execute component/assembly-level design tasks while keeping the team regularly informed on progress and issues encountered. Ensure all designs are peer reviewed by the team.
- Engage local CNC machine shops for fabrication or use 3D printers for prototyping.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or related field.
- Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
- Good communication, organization, prioritization, and teamwork skills.
- Experience using CAD and modelling tools such as Fusion 360 and Blender
- Experience with 3D rendering
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience designing for CNC machining and/or 3D printing
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with materials properties and selection for outdoor equipment
- Proficiency in the Fusion 360 CAD environment
- Knowledgeable in structural analysis techniques
Nice To Have
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence required.
- Must be eligible to obtain and/or maintain a Secret security clearance.
Prototype Technician
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Prototype Technician to join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will be working with the Engineering team to support the timely delivery of product prototypes and concepts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of technological advancement, contributing directly to pioneering projects and cutting-edge solutions.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical input into new designs and concepts. Support the research of new materials, processes, tooling and equipment.
- Outdoor installation and testing of prototypes at local and remote test sites in all weather conditions.
- Interpret and create schematics, CAD drawings (Fusion 360), and mechanical design documentation to guide assembly and troubleshooting.
- Support the development and implementation of new products, processes and fixtures.
- Operate Laforge’s prototype manufacturing facilities, such as 3D printers, hand tools, CNC machines and lathes to manufacture early-stage prototypes and validate design concepts.
- Working with external vendors such as machine shops and contract manufacturers to establish small-volume prototype manufacturing.
- Responsible for planning, scheduling, and communicating with external vendors to realize the cost-efficient and timely delivery of prototypes.
- Perform maintenance and repair on prototypes that are deployed at local and remote sites.
- Maintain a small parts inventory for onsite prototyping needs.
- Responsible for communicating and reinforcing a safe work environment. Accountable for working in accordance with safety laws and regulatory requirements to promote a safe work environment for all employees.
- Accountable for promoting shop cleanliness, upkeep and tool maintenance to ensure seamless operation and adherence to safety standards.
Qualifications
- Strong technical and mechanical aptitude.
- Excellent organizational and verbal communication skills to manage multiple prototype projects efficiently while meeting deadlines.
- 2+ years hands-on experience in 3D printing, CNC fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, welding, soldering, and/or lathe operation
- Ability to interact with CAD/CAM software to turn technical drawings into prototypes
- Can-do attitude to install and maintain prototypes at outdoor test sites in potentially challenging weather conditions
- Knowledge of health and safety rules and the enforcement of company rules and applicable government regulations
- Strong interpersonal skills to liaise with external manufacturing partners and the Engineering team to support prototype manufacturing and scheduling
- Experience working with precision measuring instruments like calipers, micro-metres and dial gauges
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using CAD and modelling tools such as Fusion 360 and Blender
- Knowledge of schematics creation and interpretation for electrical systems
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Previous experience working at heights
- Must be eligible to obtain and/or maintain a Secret security clearance.
Contact
DEMO?
Interested in our products? Feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
ADDRESS
103 Bauer Pl, Suite 6,
Waterloo, ON, Canada
N2L 6B5
CONTACT
contact@labforge.ca
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