Manufacturing Planning Specialist
OperationsFull TimeEdmonton, AB
Join the Pioneering Team at Zero Point Cryogenics
Why Choose Zero Point Cryogenics?
At Zero Point Cryogenics, we are not just a company, we are a hub of cutting-edge scientific innovation. If your passion lies in pioneering technology and you thrive in an environment of deep technological exploration, we offer you a unique growth opportunity. As part of our rapidly growing team in Canada, you'll join a proud collective of educated and skilled professionals dedicated to solving some of the most complex problems in the field of cryogenics. We value each team member's unique contributions and ensure that work-life balance is not just a concept, but a practice.
What We Do
At Zero Point Cryogenics, we specialize in the development and commercialization of state-of-the-art dilution refrigerators – the cornerstone technology for quantum computing and research. Originating from a low-temperature physics research group at the University of Alberta, our focus on excellence and innovation is unwavering. We are committed to improving our existing systems and innovating new solutions to meet our diverse clientele's needs. ZPC’s clientele includes quantum computing companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories.
Who We are Looking for
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed below.
We are seeking a technically skilled and detail-oriented Manufacturing Planning Specialist to help bridge the gap between engineering design and manufacturing execution.
Working within our Project Management Office (PMO), this position will play an important role in translating technical designs and Bills of Materials (BoMs) into accurate, executable manufacturing plans, routings, work instructions, and Manufacturing Orders (MOs).
A strong understanding of fabrication processes, particularly welding and welded assemblies, will be important in ensuring technical designs are translated into practical, accurate, and executable manufacturing plans.
This opportunity is well suited to someone with experience in manufacturing planning, fabrication, production engineering, or technical manufacturing operations who enjoys solving complex problems and improving how work moves from design into production.
What Will You Do
Working closely with our Project Management, Design and Fabrication, you will help ensure technical designs are translated into clear and executable manufacturing requirements.
Your responsibilities will include:
Manufacturing Planning & Execution
- Translate engineering drawings, technical specifications, and Bills of Materials into executable manufacturing plans, routings, work instructions, and Manufacturing Orders.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing routings that accurately reflect the operations, materials, and processes required to fabricate components.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing plans and routings for welded assemblies and fabricated components, ensuring welding operations, material requirements, and production sequences are accurately documented.
- Identify appropriate manufacturing sequences and operational requirements based on the complexity and specifications of individual parts.
- Ensure Manufacturing Orders contain accurate component quantities, material specifications, work instructions, and required operations.
- Support the planning and prioritization of fabrication activities based on project requirements, operational capacity, and material availability.
Design & Manufacturability Coordination
- Review and interpret engineering drawings, welding drawings, weldment specifications, and design documentation to assess manufacturability, identify fabrication requirements, and address potential production challenges.
- Work closely with Design and Fabrication to identify discrepancies, missing information, or requirements that may result in manufacturing delays or rework.
- Provide practical manufacturing input to support design improvements and ensure components can be fabricated efficiently.
- Verify consistency between engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, product cards, and manufacturing routings.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to resolve technical discrepancies before Manufacturing Orders are released.
ERP & Manufacturing Order Management
- Create, maintain, and update Manufacturing Orders and related manufacturing information within Odoo.
- Ensure product cards, Bills of Materials, routings, and manufacturing operations accurately reflect approved technical requirements.
- Enter and coordinate purchase requisitions or Purchase Orders as required based on manufacturing and material needs.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work with Project Management to understand project schedules, delivery priorities, and upcoming fabrication requirements.
- Collaborate with Fabrication to ensure manufacturing plans are practical, accurate, and aligned with shop-floor capabilities.
- Coordinate with Design, Engineering, Procurement, Production, and Quality to resolve issues affecting manufacturing readiness.
- Communicate potential manufacturing constraints, material shortages, and technical concerns before they impact project delivery.
- Support Production Manufacturing Orders when required, with fabrication planning remaining the primary focus of the position.
Process Improvement & Quality
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing planning, work instructions, routings, and ERP workflows.
- Help reduce manufacturing errors, unnecessary rework, and delays caused by incomplete or inaccurate technical information.
- Support the development of standardized manufacturing documentation and planning practices.
- Contribute to improved coordination between Design, Project Management, Fabrication, and Production.
- Promote accurate manufacturing information and a proactive approach to quality and continuous improvement.
Preferred Experience and Education
- Experience in manufacturing planning, production engineering, fabrication, manufacturing engineering technology, or a related technical operations role.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication methods, production routings, and work instructions.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including welding drawings, weldment details, technical specifications, and Bills of Materials, and translate these into accurate manufacturing requirements.
- Practical knowledge of welding processes, welded assemblies, metal fabrication, and the manufacturing sequences required to produce complex fabricated components.
- Experience creating or managing Manufacturing Orders, production routings, or manufacturing work instructions.
- Understanding of manufacturability considerations, including material selection, fabrication sequences, tolerances, and operational constraints.
- Experience working with ERP or MRP systems; familiarity with Odoo would be considered an asset.
- Knowledge of manufacturing scheduling, production priorities, material requirements, and inventory coordination.
- Experience in a low-volume, high-complexity, or custom manufacturing environment would be particularly valuable.
- Familiarity with machining, metal fabrication, or precision manufacturing processes would be an asset.
- Post-secondary education in manufacturing engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, industrial engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline would be considered an asset.
- Equivalent combinations of practical manufacturing experience and technical education will also be considered.
What Will You Bring?
- Strong technical aptitude and an understanding of how engineering designs translate into physical manufacturing processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify discrepancies before they create downstream manufacturing issues.
- A practical, solutions-oriented approach to manufacturing challenges.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly when working with complex or highly customized components.
- The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting project deadlines.
- Confidence collaborating with engineers, designers, project managers, and fabrication personnel.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain clear and accurate manufacturing documentation.
- The ability to work independently, take ownership of manufacturing planning activities, and communicate issues proactively.
- A continuous-improvement mindset and an interest in improving manufacturing efficiency, quality, and operational workflows.
- Adaptability and a willingness to learn ZPC's specialized products, technologies, and manufacturing requirements.
Our Core Values
- Pursuit of Innovation: We embrace mistakes as stepping stones in our journey of discovery and innovation.
- Built Through Teamwork: Our best solutions and products emerge from collaborative efforts.
- Standard of Quality: We hold ourselves accountable to deliver only the highest quality in everything we do.
- Enjoy Life: We believe in finding daily satisfaction and purpose, balancing work with personal life.
Why Join Us
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education.
- Be part of a growth-mindset company that values innovation, teamwork, excellence, and work-life balance.
- Immediate eligibility for comprehensive group benefits including health & dental, paid vacation and paid statutory holidays
- Continuous learning and development opportunities with available funding for personal and professional development.
- Opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to your success.
- Relocation assistance is assessed on a case by case situation.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education
- 100% employer-paid group benefits, including:
- Health and dental
- $750 annual Health Care Spending Account
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Flexible Paid Time Off policy
- Paid statutory holidays
- Employee-paid life insurance and long-term disability benefits.
Location and Schedule
This position is based at our Edmonton facility located at 9773 45th Ave NW. Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and one of Canada’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs, known for its affordability, education sector, and vibrant cultural scene.
Accommodations
ZPC is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please contact hr@zpcryo.com for support. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
Safety Note
Please be aware of intermittent high magnetic fields in our facility, which may pose risks to individuals with certain medical implants. Contact us for more information regarding these safety considerations.
Apply now and embark on a journey of professional growth and discovery!