Manufacturing Innovation Specialist

Calian GNSS is an Ottawa-based producer of products and components used for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).  

For more than 40 years, Calian has been solving the world’s most complex problems by pairing the brightest minds with powerful technology. Calian solutions impact the world; from the satellites in space that connect us to the farms that feed us, from the medical professionals who care for us to the governments, schools and companies that make the world better every day. 

Position Overview 
 

Calian GNSS is seeking a Manufacturing Innovation Specialist to optimize high-volume production processes through robotics, automation, and innovative solutions. This newly created role will evaluate current workflows, identify automation opportunities, and implement systems that reduce manual effort, improve yield, and deliver measurable efficiency gains. The role reports to the Director, GNSS Systems, and offers the chance to see the immediate impact of your work in a close-knit, collaborative team.

Responsibilities 

• Analyze production processes for bottlenecks and inefficiencies, recommending robotics or automated solutions.
• Lead the acquisition, programming, and deployment of automation systems, including robotics integration.
• Collaborate with operators to shadow workflows and ensure automation is practical and effective.
• Design custom tooling, fixtures, and test systems using MCAD and EDA tools.
• Collect and analyze production data, presenting ROI and cost-saving recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated systems while supporting production operations.
• Ensure all processes comply with workplace safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Qualifications 

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing automation role.
• Hands-on experience with robotics, automation, and programmable control systems.
• Strong knowledge of electronic product assembly, including SMT processes.
• Skilled in MCAD and EDA tools for designing and implementing test and production fixtures.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to communicate technical and financial impact to all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, hands-on environment with both operators and leadership.