Technical Lead

At MistyWest, our Technical Lead is a senior engineering leader who delivers best-in-class client experience by planning and leading the product’s overall architecture (the “what”) and technical direction (the “how”) to address the client’s business problems.

They have the ability to identify the core system-level requirements of a project based on the client’s needs, create the project estimate, sell the project to the client through confidence building, envision the architecture, drive the system design process, and communicate and collaborate on it with the project team. They will work closely with a project manager and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, and designers to complete both product development and research tasks in a variety of industries and market segments.

This role requires expertise in Firmware and Electronics Engineering and the ability to get deeply involved in the technical aspects of the project, including system design and hands-on involvement with the project, especially with sensors, optics, motion control, and various communication protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Client Vision & Product Definition: Understand the client’s business goals and problems, defining product requirements to create an integrated solution.
• Technical Leadership & Guidance: Provide technical direction, assist in implementation, and troubleshoot issues for successful project execution.
• Project Planning & Task Management: Define technical tasks, detailing the “what” and “how”, ensuring alignment with product requirements.
• Stakeholder Communication & Expectation Management: Regularly update internal and external stakeholders on project status, wins, and losses while managing client expectations.
• Client Check-Ins & Roadmap Alignment: Conduct weekly check-ins with client leadership, ensuring alignment with expectations and tracking the product/client roadmap.
• Scope & Risk Management: Identify scope changes early and communicate them to business development and project management teams to prevent misalignment.
• Quality & Performance Assurance: Ensure deliverables meet technical accuracy, scientific integrity, and relevance to customer needs, evaluating final product performance.
• Technical Trade-offs & Decision Making: Balance client needs, risks, budget, and quality to optimize system design and project outcomes.
• Collaboration & Team Efficiency: Facilitate efficient communication between internal teams and clients, ensuring smooth workflow and team productivity.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor junior and intermediate engineers, contribute to leadership processes, and advocate for best practices in technical operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or a related multidisciplinary field (diplomas or certificates accepted).
• 5+ years of experience in hardware product design.
• 2+ years of experience in a client-facing engineering role.
• Experience in electronics, firmware, and embedded software is a must.
• Multidisciplinary expertise across mechanical, electronics, firmware, and software is required.
  
  Technical Skills & Tools
• Experience designing system architectures, test plans, and assessing risks based on client requirements.
• Experience with integrating sensors, optical systems, motion control, and communication protocols.
• Knowledge of imaging hardware (cameras, microscopes, lens systems) and optical simulation (ray tracing).
• Experience with embedded Linux development (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
• Proficiency in Altium for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Experience with firmware development for microcontrollers (FreeRTOS preferred).
• Background in microfluidics or micro-mechanical design.
  
  Leadership & Collaboration
• Proven leadership in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with contract manufacturers (CMs) and regulatory bodies.
• Previous experience managing high-volume production (>1,000 units delivered).
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to navigate complex projects and drive product success.
  
  Other Requirements
• Valid passport and willingness to travel internationally when required.

MistyWest offers a competitive and dynamic total compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. In addition to a competitive base salary for comparable roles in Vancouver, we offer:

• Banked Time: Paid for every hour worked over 37.5 hours per week, paid out quarterly.
• Paid Time Off: 4 weeks paid vacation (with rollover!) and 5 sick days annually.
• Support Leave: An additional 2 weeks of support leave for parents, caregivers, and bereavement.
• Subsidized Parental Leave: 18 weeks at full pay, 36 weeks prorated.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental & vision plan from Sun Life.
• Flexible Spending Account: Covers gym memberships, lift passes, apparel, childcare, and more.
• Professional Development: $1000 discretionary budget per year, plus 3 paid days off for professional development or volunteering.
• Flexible Work: Flexible work schedule and hybrid work arrangements.
• Resources: Access to a full laboratory and workshop for personal projects, a well-stocked corporate library.
• Office Perks: Attractive, bright, open-plan, dog-friendly office in Mount Pleasant (on the Metrotown bus line) with secure bike parking, office snacks, and a fancy espresso machine with bird-friendly and single-origin coffees.
• Travel Opportunities: Opportunities to travel to professional conferences like CES, SXSW, Siggraph, and more.

We encourage you to apply if you are a talented and passionate Project Manager looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity.

The base salary range for this role is CAD$127,000-$145,000, depending on the competency level in TL competency.