R&D Integration, Testing and Prototyping Technician

R&D Integration, Testing and Prototyping Technician

Montreal, QC (On-Site/Hybrid) Full-time

Job Summary

The R&D Integration, Testing and Prototyping Technician plays a central role in the manufacturing, integration, and validation of preliminary prototypes of Thales' uncooled thermal imagers and associated optronic equipment. In addition to supporting troubleshooting and laboratory testing activities, this position involves direct participation in the hands-on assembly of prototypes as well as training production personnel on appropriate assembly methods, tooling, and best practices, both for existing thermal imaging products and new developments.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Prototype assembly and industrialization support — assembling first-draft and engineering prototypes, documenting manufacturing steps, validating assembly sequences, and passing this knowledge to production teams through structured training and practical demonstrations.
• Thermal testing and performance characterization — participating in the thermal evaluation of imagers (MTF/focus, NETD, image quality, etc.) by characterizing performance as a function of temperature and assisting engineering in executing tests and interpreting data.
• Environmental and mechanical testing — using the electrodynamic shaker for spot or qualification testing (ESS, shock, vibration), and participating in mechanical fit and function evaluations.
• Mechanical prototyping and jig fabrication — using prototype machining equipment (lathe, milling machine, CNC) to fabricate jigs, modify parts, and support the engineering modifications necessary for prototype construction.
• Electronic assembly and troubleshooting — performing spot electronic assembly tasks such as soldering (surface mount, through-hole, jumpers), wiring, and debugging electronic assemblies to support technical development and industrialization activities.

The technician must adopt a methodical, rigorous, and detail-oriented approach, and possess a solid understanding of optronic design, assembly processes, and industrialization workflows. To succeed in this role, it is essential to collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team and ensure effective knowledge transfer to production staff to guarantee a smooth transition from prototype to manufacturing-ready product.

The person will be part of the engineering team, supporting prototype development and debugging of ongoing products. He/she contributes to the various phases of the development cycle by performing checks, diagnostics, and tests to identify and correct electromechanical malfunctions.

In addition, he/she plays a first-tier support role for production: assistance during problem resolution, collaboration with field teams, and contribution to continuous improvement. He/she works in close coordination with engineers to ensure the reliability and progression of prototypes, without being responsible for overall development steering.

Essential Functions

• Assembly training and prototype production — assembly of engineering prototypes of uncooled thermal cameras and sub-assemblies, documentation of manufacturing steps, validation of assembly sequences, and training of production personnel on correct assembly methods, tooling, and quality control points, for both existing products and new products developed.
• Thermal testing and performance analysis — performing thermal characterization of imagers (MTF/focus, NETD, image quality, behavior as a function of temperature), assisting engineering in structured test execution, data collection, and troubleshooting performance anomalies.
• Mechanical prototyping and machining — using prototype machining equipment (lathe, milling machine, CNC, etc.) to fabricate jigs, modify parts based on fit and functionality, and facilitate rapid engineering iterations during prototype development.
• Electronic assembly and CCA troubleshooting — performing electronic assembly tasks, notably soldering (surface mount, through-hole, jumpers), wiring, rework, and fault isolation on CCAs to support engineering builds, prototype validation, and preparation for industrialization.
• Use of laboratory equipment and diagnostic assistance — using standard laboratory tools (microscopes, verniers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, etc.) to perform measurements, diagnostics, and verifications during prototype assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Minimum Requirements

• Technical training certificate issued by a recognized higher education institution or CEGEP
• 3 to 5 years of experience in the manufacturing sector or in technical development environments
• Ability to communicate in English and French

This position requires a good knowledge of English for writing technical documents, to interact, support and/or provide services to international clients, employees and/or partners as well as to foreign government authorities who do not speak French.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.

• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.

• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.

• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.

• Employee Discounts on insurance (home, and auto).

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.