Product Line Engineer, Heating Merchandisers

Hardt is a food-service equipment manufacturer located in the west-end of Montreal. This long-established, privately-owned organization has been consistently profitable and is planning for future growth. Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Company focuses on quality, teamwork and commitment to outstanding customer service and support. The Organization’s values are reflected in its operating principles: communicate actively; voice and seek to resolve concerns; work cooperatively and respectfully and strive for improvements continuously. Hardt provides solutions to supermarkets and big box stores, and is the exclusive supplier of rotisseries and warming racks to over 90% of the big box retailers in the United States. Our company is customer-centric, as demonstrated by our mission to provide reliable solutions that meet our customers' needs. Hardt is currently seeking a: Product Line Engineer, Heating Merchandisers ROLE The Product Line Engineer leads the engineering modernization of Hardt’s Zone heated merchandiser product line, a full-scale redevelopment initiative that strengthens performance, manufacturability, and reliability while reducing cost and complexity. Building on Hardt’s proven design foundation, this role drives the next generation of thermal, electrical, and mechanical improvements to deliver products that are more energy efficient, ergonomic, and user friendly for retailers. This mandate extends beyond design improvements to encompass end-to-end engineering renewal — integrating advanced heating and control technologies, optimized airflow, LED lighting, and a minimalist, modular design approach that simplifies assembly and enhances scalability. It is a hands-on, highly visible technical leadership role at the center of Hardt’s modernization of one of its core product lines. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES Product Line Redevelopment • Lead the engineering redevelopment of the Zone heated merchandiser product line, ensuring improved thermal performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. • Translate product requirements, customer insights, and field data • Conduct competitive benchmarking and technology reviews to identify opportunities for differentiation. • Establish modular and standardized design practices that simplify assembly, reduce part counts, and shorten production time. • Enhance component reliability, product durability, and long-term performance. • Use expertise in stainless steel, glass fabrication, and aluminum to develop modular, durable, and cost-effective designs that meet Hardt’s high standards for manufacturability and thermal performance. • Perform field visits to customer and retailer locations to observe product performance and competitor offerings, gathering insights to inform design improvements and market positioning Thermal, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering • Re-engineer and optimize heating systems through the integration of advanced control technologies, efficient lighting, and airflow management strategies. • Ensure full understanding of certification requirements (UL, NSF, and other applicable standards), integrating them into design decisions and validation plans. • Promote design standardization by leveraging common components and assemblies. • Apply expertise in heat transfer, airflow, and material selection to enhance energy efficiency and long-term reliability. • Collaborate with Electrical Engineering to ensure proper integration of power, control, and safety systems. Challenge assumptions and contributing to design reviews Engineering Execution and Documentation • Manage engineering deliverables from concept through validation and release to production. • Lead the planning of prototype builds, testing, and organize/ lead design reviews to ensure technical quality and compliance. • Support PLM and ERP configuration control (Epicor preferred) for product lifecycle traceability. Cross-Functional Collaboration • This role serves as the engineering lead for the modernization of the Zone product line, working in close collaboration with existing product experts. • Collaborate with Manufacturing to resolve production challenges and validate design intent. • Partner with Supply Chain and suppliers to qualify materials, components, and fabrication processes. • Work closely with the Applications to ensure the merchandiser’s performance, temperature control, and usability meet customer and operator needs in foodservice environments. REPORTING STRUCTURE Reports to: Director of Engineering with daily tasks assignment and oversight from the Mechanical Product Designer, Lead Hand. Direct Reports: N/A EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS • DEC in Mechanical Engineering Technology, AEC/DEP in Mechanical Design, or a related technical diploma. • A valid Class 5 (Québec) driver’s licence is an asset (occasional offsite supplier visits or testing requirements). QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE • Experience: 5+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, drafting, and product development, ideally in sheet-metal fabrication and mechanical assemblies. Experience releasing full product packages from concept to production; familiarity with NPI processes. Experience leading technical workstreams or coordinating small teams is a strong asset. • Languages: English is required due to the nature of the role, which involves working with English-language technical standards (UL, NSF, ASME) collaborating with suppliers, clients, and external agencies located outside Québec, interpreting English engineering documentation, certifications, and test data. Functional French and Spanish is an asset. • Skills & Competencies: • CAD Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with 3D CAD software, specifically PTC Creo. • Fabrication Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of modern sheet-metal fabrication processes (bending, punching, laser cutting) and their limitations. • Drafting Standards: Strong experience creating mechanical fabrication drawings (parts and assemblies) according to ASME Y14.5 standards. • GD&T: Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T. • Materials & Fasteners: Proven ability in material and fastener selection (specifically regarding cost, reliability, and environmental factors). • PDM/PLM Management: Proficiency with PDM/PLM systems for managing CAD data, revision control, and engineering workflows. Experience with PTC Windchill is a strong asset. • Root Cause Analysis: Strong skills in troubleshooting manufacturing issues. • Microsoft Office: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word). • Advanced Analysis: Understanding of mechanical principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics) and analysis tools (FEA) is a significant asset. • Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of certification standards for commercial equipment (e.g., UL, CSA, NSF) is a significant asset. • ERP Familiarity: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor) for item and BOM creation is an asset. • Prototyping: Experience in the development and manufacturing of physical prototypes and safe use of basic shop tools. • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Information Gathering: Skilled at working with engineers, technicians, and product managers to gather missing details, validate technical information, and resolve inconsistencies. • Effective communication and ability to explain complex technical topics. • Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Strength Guidelines: Primarily an office-based design role with periodic movement within the R&D Lab or production area. Occasional lifting or handling of components, prototypes, or tooling up to 20–25 lbs, following proper ergonomic and safety practices. • Motion Parameters: Regular sitting, typing, and mouse use for CAD modelling and documentation work. Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and maneuvering around equipment, test benches, or prototypes in the R&D Lab. May occasionally require access to elevated, confined, or awkward areas when inspecting assemblies or verifying fit and function, with appropriate assistance and PPE. • Vision and Hearing Requirements: Requires excellent close-range vision for interpreting engineering drawings, reviewing CAD models, inspecting parts, and verifying tolerances. Adequate hearing is required for effective communication in office and lab environments where moderate background noise (machinery, tools, ventilation systems) may be present. • Psychological Demands: Requires sustained attention to detail, precision, and accuracy when designing, reviewing, or troubleshooting mechanical components. Involves periods of concentrated work, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and comfort working under occasional tight timelines. Frequent collaboration with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams is required, as well as resilience in problem-solving environments. WORKING ARRANGEMENT & TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS • Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, occasional overtime. • Primary Work Location: 1400, 50e Avenue, Lachine, Québec, H8T 2V3 OR • Hybrid (Privilege): This role is based on a 3 full days in-office and 2 days from home schedule. The ability to work remotely is offered as a company-provided benefit to support work–life balance; however, this benefit is not guaranteed and may be modified or withdrawn at the company’s discretion based on business needs. At times, employees may be required to work 5 days per week in-office to support departmental priorities with tight deadlines. • Travel Requirement: 5% for occasional visits to local suppliers. BENEFITS OVERVIEW • Complete benefits package offered: health care, dental care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD) insurance, all effective the first day of employment. • Virtual healthcare (telemedicine). • Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) matching plan. • Potential bonus (based on Company performance and individual performance). • Five (5) paid discretionary days per year.