Hardware Development Associate

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.