R&D Mechanical Engineer

Location: Sydney, NS
Term: Permanent, Full-Time
Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Type: In-Office Only

• Does learning a new tool, material, or design method spark your curiosity rather than intimidate you?


• Do you thrive in environments where you can question assumptions, challenge constraints, and explore innovative approaches?


• Are you someone who notices small details others overlook—and sees them as opportunities for improvement?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Full transparency: we work a little differently around here.

This isn’t just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that’s just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don’t just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you’d want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us here: https://workdifferently.info/

About Us

Established in 2001, Protocase Inc. is a rapidly expanding company that focuses on combining advances in software with innovative manufacturing techniques to offer unique custom manufacturing to the engineering, design, and research industries. Using the expertise and dedication of 400+ employees (and counting), Protocase is proud to have a client base of more than 16,000 customers throughout North America and around the globe. Customers include Boeing, L3, Raytheon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, NASA, MIT and many more. We are proudly ISO:9001 certified and AS9100D registered, as well as ITAR compliant and registered with Canadian Controlled Goods.

At Protocase, we’re on a rapid growth curve, and we’re looking for driven individuals to help us accelerate. We’re not just another manufacturing company. Our entire business model is built around rethinking custom manufacturing by replacing the craft aspect with well-thought-out, repeatable processes. This approach allows us to deliver the highest-quality parts to our customers in just 2-3 days. Our customers are engineers, scientists and innovators, including Google, Apple, NASA, Tesla, and more! Our team is dedicated, innovative, and always looking for ways to improve.  With us, your work will make a significant impact, helping to shape the future of manufacturing.

About the Opportunity

This isn’t an ordinary Mechanical Engineering role, it’s a hands-on opportunity to explore, experiment, and bring new ideas to life. In our R&D team, curiosity isn’t just welcomed, it’s expected!

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Plan, run, and deliver complex R&D projects start to finish.


• Try new ideas, prove what works, and build it into how we operate.


• Keep projects moving—track progress and hit deadlines.


• Get on the floor, study the work, and use real data to see what’s working and what’s not.


• Spot patterns and fix problems to boost quality and output.


• Upgrade production stations to run faster, smoother, and better.


• Bring in new machines — select, install, and commission them. Depending on complexity, you’ll either handle it directly or work with specialists and oversee the process.

About You

Our ideal candidate is a flexible thinker with strong problem-solving skills who is passionate about machinery and driving continuous improvement.

This role is for you if…

• You don’t just accept the status quo—you push boundaries and constantly find smarter, faster ways to work.


• You thrive on curiosity, asking “why?” and “what if?” until you find a better path forward.


• You want to work in a culture where ideas actually matter, and where open communication, collaboration, and respect aren’t buzzwords—they’re how we operate.


• You’re action-oriented and want to be right in the mix: working directly with machinery, operators, and processes to make things run smoother and stronger.


• You take accountability for outcomes — owning successes and stepping up to improve when things don’t go as planned.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Education: A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.


• Experience: 2-5 years in an engineering role or similar experience is an asset, but open to all levels of experience.


• A natural curiosity to dig deep, test ideas, and challenge assumptions.


• Strong analytic abilities and flexibility in thinking.


• Experience and knowledge in manufacturing and/or CNC machining.


• The ability to work across disciplines to steer projects and implement process improvements.


• A self-starting attitude with excellent time management skills to ensure projects are completed on schedule.

Why Us?

At Protocase we believe in rewarding hard work and dedication. Besides a starting annual compensation package ranging from $55,000 to $100,000 CAD, here’s what else you can expect:

🏆 Training and Growth: Leadership Training and skills development opportunities, as well as regular coaching and opportunity for growth.

👩‍⚕️ Comprehensive Health Care Plan and Company RRSP: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Group Insurance benefits as well as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan at 6 months of full time employment.

🏡 Community Discounts: Enjoy discounts at local shops and restaurants.

🏋️ YMCA Membership: Access a cost-shared YMCA membership and a Pension Plan after three months of employment.

🏖️ Vacation: Two weeks of vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years, and four weeks after five years.

🎉 Social Events: Regular social events, including seasonal parties and monthly lunches.

🌄 Lifestyle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Live in a community with quick commutes, affordable homes on generous plots of land, beautiful scenery, and friendly people—a lifestyle that marries nature with a vibrant culture.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re excited about the opportunity to make a real impact in the world of custom manufacturing, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let’s start this journey of innovation together!