Industrial Engineer

The Opportunity

Drake Meats is at a pivotal moment. As a fourth-generation, family-owned meat processor, we're undertaking the most significant transformation in our 75-year history - opening a new manufacturing facility that will increase our capacity 5x while bringing Lean manufacturing principles to Canadian food processing.

We're looking for an Industrial Engineer to lead this transformation. This isn't about maintaining the status quo - it's about building something new. You'll be designing and implementing systems that don't exist yet, solving technical challenges that haven't been solved before in Canadian food processing, and creating a model that other processors can follow.

This role is funded through NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), reflecting the innovative nature of the work. You'll have the autonomy to drive real change, the support of leadership committed to transformation, and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life in a brand-new facility.

Why Drake Meats?A Company in Transformation

We're not a startup, but we have startup energy. With 26% year-over-year growth and a new $15M+ facility opening in November 2026, we're scaling fast while staying true to our roots. Our products are still hardwood smoked using real wood chips - we just need smarter systems to make more of them.

Real Impact, Real Ownership

In a company of 140 people, your work matters. You won't be a cog in a machine - you'll be building the machine. The systems you design will run our operations for decades. The continuous improvement culture you establish will outlast your tenure.

Innovation in a Traditional Industry

Food manufacturing has been left behind while automotive and aerospace embraced Lean principles. You'll be bringing proven methods to an industry that desperately needs them - and creating knowledge that can benefit all of Canadian food processing.

Our Values

•      Above & Beyond - We exceed expectations in quality, service, and effort

•      Own the Outcome - We're accountable for our work and take pride in the bigger picture

•      Built on Trust & Teamwork - We have each other's backs

•      Rooted in Community - We support our prairie roots with people-first leadership

•      Hard Work, Done Right - No shortcuts, no excuses

What You'll DoEquipment Integration & Automation

•      Design and validate integration architecture for Weber weSLICE 4500, SB 625 automated loader, and Multivac R 245 thermoformer

•      Develop timing synchronization and control logic for high-speed slicing line (1500 RPM capacity)

•      Work with equipment vendors (Weber, Multivac) on custom integration requirements

•      Create data exchange protocols between production equipment and ERP system

Statistical Process Control & Quality

•      Develop SPC framework adapted for variable-weight (catch-weight) meat products

•      Design and implement real-time production dashboards and control charts

•      Establish control limits and monitoring protocols for critical process variables

•      Integrate quality monitoring with CFIA regulatory requirements and HACCP

Capacity Modeling & Production Optimization

•      Extend validated D2 capacity model to provincial plant and new D3 facility

•      Develop predictive scheduling tools integrated with ERP system

•      Analyze yield variance and implement waste reduction initiatives

•      Support ERP go-live (July 2026) with production planning integration

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

•      Lead Lean assessment and develop implementation roadmap

•      Create standard work documentation for critical processes

•      Facilitate Kaizen events and build continuous improvement culture

•      Train operators on Lean principles, SPC, and standard work procedures

•      Document learnings for knowledge transfer to broader Canadian food processing industry

D3 Facility Launch Support

•      Support commissioning of new manufacturing facility (November 2026)

•      Validate equipment integration and production systems

•      Scale Lean practices to full facility capacity

•      Troubleshoot and optimize systems based on real production data

What You'll BringRequired Qualifications

•      Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Process Engineering

•      3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, or industrial engineering roles

•      Demonstrated experience with Lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work)

•      Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data-driven decision making

•      Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools

•      Excellent communication skills - you'll be training operators and presenting to leadership

•      Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments

Preferred Qualifications

•      Experience in food manufacturing, meat processing, or CFIA-regulated environments

•      Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

•      Experience with ERP systems (NutraSoft, SAP, or similar)

•      Knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation

•      Experience with equipment integration and production line design

•      Familiarity with HACCP, SQF, or other food safety management systems

What Success Looks Like

•      Equipment integration validated and running smoothly at D3 facility launch

•      SPC framework implemented with measurable reduction in process variability

•      Capacity models accurate and integrated with production scheduling

•      Continuous improvement culture taking root - operators identifying and solving problems

•      Documentation complete and transferable to future team members

What We Offer

•      Compensation: Competitive salary:

•      Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 based on experience, plus benefits

•      Term: 12-month contract with option to extend to 18 months; potential for permanent role

•      Professional Development: Training budget for Lean Six Sigma certification and relevant courses

•      Impact: Direct influence on company transformation - work with ownership and senior leadership

•      Innovation: NRC IRAP-funded R&D project - do work that matters for Canadian manufacturing

•      Culture: Family-owned company that values people - we're big enough to matter, small enough to care

•      Product: Employee discount on award-winning bacon, sausages, and jerky

Key Project Milestones

•      April 2026: Start date - Lean assessment and equipment integration design begins

•      July 2026: ERP go-live - support NutraSoft implementation and production integration

•      November 2026: D3 facility opening - commissioning and equipment validation

•      Q1 2027: Full capacity operations - scale and optimize

About Drake Meats

Drake Meats is a fourth-generation, family-owned meat processor headquartered in Saskatchewan. Since 1949, we've been crafting exceptional meat products with care, integrity, and innovation. Our products - including bacon, hams, sausages, smokies, and jerky - are made with Western Canadian pork and beef and naturally hardwood smoked.

With 140 employees, 200+ SKUs, and 26% year-over-year growth, we're at an exciting inflection point. Our new D3 facility in Saskatoon represents our largest-ever capital investment and will increase our capacity 5x. We're looking for people who want to be part of building something special.

Learn more at www.drakemeats.ca

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you're excited about this opportunity to:

Caileigh Beckman

Director of Operations

caileigh@drakemeats.ca

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.

Drake Meats is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.