Design Engineer
NOVAIR – Simplifying Oxygen, Nitrogen, Medical Air and Vacuum
About NOVAIR
Novair USA Corp is a diversified manufacturing company with its headquarters and production facility located in North Tonawanda, NY USA. Novair USA operates as a fully owned subsidiary of Novair Groupe, a global leader in manufacturing of oxygen and nitrogen generating systems for industrial and medical applications.
Novair USA Corp is committed to profitably producing quality products and attaining a high level of customer satisfaction. To achieve this, we are honest, we treat each other respectfully, we are open to change, and we strive to continuously improve.
NOVAIR USA Vision, Mission, and Values
- NOVAIR USA’s MISSION – NOVAIR USA Corporation provides reliable onsite gas generating solutions to save lives and improve industrial processes worldwide.
- NOVAIR USA’s VISION – To be the world’s top-ranked onsite healthcare and industrial gases provider in quality, customer, and employee satisfaction.
- NOVAIR USA’s VALUES – NOVAIR employees have CHARM:
- Customer-centric
- Honorable
- Accountable
- Reliable
- Motivated
- Customer-centric
Job Description - Position Overview
JOB TITLE – Design Engineer
JOB LOCATION – NOVAIR North American Headquarters, North Tonawanda, NY
JOB SUMMARY – NOVAIR USA Corp is looking for a hands-on Design Engineer requiring a Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering degree with a solid design engineering background, preferably within medical gas systems, industrial gas generation, or a related manufacturing industry. The Design Engineer serves as a key liaison between customers, vendors, sales, and the manufacturing floor.
Key Responsibilities
Priority is placed on design ownership, product development, and engineering excellence:
- Design new product lines, redesign legacy products or develop complete custom systems for customers based on specifications provided by the sales team. Create complete drawing packages including 3D models, detailed drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and Bills of Material.
- Create, correct, and revise part drawings, assemblies, subassemblies, and top-level product drawings using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
- Lead and participate in hands-on R&D projects for new product development, product improvement, cost reduction, and new product implementation.
- Participate in the creation of Design History Files (DHF) for product lines in preparation for FDA 510(k) submissions for medical devices when applicable — including identification of user needs, design inputs/outputs, design verification/validation, risk assessment, and design traceability matrices.
- Drive continuous improvement of company productivity and efficiency by reducing total production costs through improved design, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), ease of fabrication, and qualification of alternative vendors/components.
- Source, test, and implement new componentry as part of cost-savings and performance-improvement initiatives.
- Attend and participate in Job Feasibility and Contract Review meetings. Review job specifications and provide engineering sign-off for approval or rejection of contracts.
- Provide Engineering Change Notice (ECN) and Temporary Deviation authority and approval.
General Engineering & Sustaining Support Responsibilities:
- Maintain and update Bills of Material (BOM) on drawings — verify correct parts, quantities, and part numbers; ensure Master BOM owners are notified of changes.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, specifications, scope of supply contracts, and customer-generated reports.
- Utilize the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) system and Product Data Management (PDM) software to ensure only current and correct drawing versions are used.
- Follow ISO Design Procedures (ISO 9001 / ISO 13485) and contribute ideas for continuous improvement of those procedures.
- Direct and assist in the assembly of product manuals and improve the manual creation process.
- Monitor and review drawing packages, engineering documentation, and procedures; intervene to prevent release of inaccurate documentation.
The role involves standard design, test, and product-improvement engineering duties together with product support and Design for Manufacturing responsibilities.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering required.
- 5+ years in a similar design engineering position preferred; strong 3–5 year candidates will be considered. Must have existing engineering job experience.
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of hands-on design engineering experience in:
- Demonstrated ability to design products from concept through production release and to improve existing product designs.
- 3D modeling — SolidWorks strongly preferred; fluency in professional 3D CAD software required.
- 2D CAD for schematic generation (AutoCAD or equivalent).
- Implementing lean / Six Sigma concepts is a plus.
- Knowledge of programming and operating 3D and resin printers is a plus (used for R&D projects).
- Background in ISO 9001, ISO 13485, FDA 510(k), and/or medical devices is highly preferred but not limiting.
Additional required attributes:
- Superior organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Strong project management and multi-tasking ability; manages time effectively and adapts to a fast paced environment.
- Effective listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Team player who works productively with a wide range of people.
- Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, use of AI tools for enhancing productivity and some familiarization with SAP or other ERP system.
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Relationship builder.
- Problem solver.
- Ability to work with a diverse group.
- Positive attitude.
- Works well independently.
- Follows policies and procedures.
- Embraces new ideas and change.
- Follows core values: mutual trust and respect for all, consistency of purpose and process, ethical in everything we do, and customer focus.
Note: Entry-level engineering candidates are not eligible for this Design Engineer role.
Work Environment
How Success is Measured
Success will be measured by specific quantitative goals, including but not limited to:
- % On-time delivery of engineering documents (actual vs. committed date), hitting project milestones on time and on budget.
- % Reduction in production costs (COGS for similar models) year over year if project goal specifies this metric.
- % Reduction in engineering time to produce floor-ready packages.
- Quality and completeness of Design History Files and drawing packages released.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, travel-related reimbursements/per diems, and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge medical gas technology in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.
- Be part of a company that's expanding and innovating in the healthcare sector.
- Career advancement potential for leaders who demonstrate excellence and initiative.
Contact Person
- Loyd Weldy, Engineering Manager, loyd.weldy@novair-usa.com
Equal Opportunity Employment
NOVAIR USA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 716-564-5165 (ext. 109)
NOTE – The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. The above statements are not meant to be all inclusive. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.