Hardware Development Associate

Hardware Development Associate

Location: Vancouver, BC
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: VP of Innovation & Operations

About Keycafe

Keycafe builds smart key-management systems used by organizations around the world. Our products combine custom hardware, electronics, cloud software, and mobile applications to help customers securely manage physical keys and assets.

We are looking for a capable, curious, and hands-on Hardware Development Associate to join our Vancouver team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who wants broad exposure to physical product development. You will contribute across mechanical design, prototyping, testing, assembly, product documentation, and supplier coordination. As you develop product and operational knowledge, the role offers a path toward increased responsibility for manufacturing and supply-chain operations.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with mechanical design and product-development work for Keycafe hardware products.
• Build, modify, and evaluate prototypes and early production units.
• Support product testing, troubleshooting, validation, and design improvements.
• Assist with hands-on assembly, functional checks, quality inspection, and packaging of hardware products.
• Help develop and improve assembly instructions, test procedures, inspection criteria, and related documentation.
• Coordinate prototype parts, production components, packaging, and samples with suppliers and internal teams.
• Learn and use Keycafe’s internal ordering and production platform to support purchasing, inventory, production records, and operational planning.
• Help maintain relationships and day-to-day communication with hardware, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers.
• Support practical investigations into product quality, component fit, manufacturability, cost, shipping, and supply availability.
• Take on a broad range of technical and operational projects as the company and product line evolve.

Growth Opportunity

This role is intended for a strong early-career generalist who wants to develop broad skills in hardware development and operations.

Over time, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to take increasing ownership of supplier coordination, purchasing, inventory, production planning, and manufacturing operations. The role has a potential growth path toward a Manufacturing Lead position.

Why Join Keycafe

• Work on real, globally deployed physical products..
• Gain exposure across the full product lifecycle: design, prototyping, testing, assembly, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Take on meaningful responsibility early and grow alongside an expanding hardware business.
• Work closely with an experienced team in a practical, fast-moving environment.

Keycafe is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

What We’re Looking For

• A related degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Design.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in physical products, mechanical systems, electronics, and hardware development.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on environment and willing to build, test, inspect, and troubleshoot physical products directly.
• Able to organize work independently, follow through on details, and operate effectively in an evolving environment.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Comfortable using spreadsheets and learning new internal systems and software tools.
• Able to work collaboratively with engineers, operations staff, suppliers, and external manufacturing partners.

Nice to Have

• Experience working for a company developing and shipping a hardware or electronic device.
• Experience building or testing prototypes, working in a lab or workshop, or assembling electro-mechanical products.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, supplier communication, purchasing, inventory, quality control, or shipping.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in a hardware, product-development, manufacturing, or related technical role.
• Experience using SolidWorks or another CAD/drafting package.

• Work Equipment: We provide an Apple MacBook for work use, as well as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse
• Music Streaming: We cover your subscription for Spotify, Apple Music, or another major provider
• Cell Phone Plan: We cover typical single-person plans
• Wellness Budget: Enjoy an annual budget for physical or mental wellness expenses, such as a local sports league, gym membership, fitness classes, mental health apps, counseling, etc
• Career Development Budget: Enjoy an annual budget for career development courses, programs, or activities
• Paid Time Off: 18 days of PTO annually for holiday or sick days, in addition to all of your local statutory holidays
• Birthday Off: Celebrate your special day with an extra day off
• 2 Year Sabbatical: After 2 years at Keycafe, enjoy 2 extra weeks of PTO in your 3rd year
• 5 Year Sabbatical: After 5 years at Keycafe, enjoy 5 extra weeks of PTO in your 6th year. Recurs every 5 years
• Maternity / Paternity Leave: 4-week paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers, with flexible usage within the first year of the child's arrival

Note: Eligibility for benefits begins upon successful completion of a 3- or 6-month probationary period.