Sales & Marketing Assistant – Mitacs Internship (Part-time) - Waterloo, Canada - OptiFab

Description

OptiFab is a Waterloo-based company and a pioneer in advanced 3D printing technologies, with a primary focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency and quality of manufacturing processes. Our flagship product, OptiScanTM, is the first AI-powered scan pattern generator designed to precisely control heat during the 3D printing process. This breakthrough technology addresses critical challenges in 3D printing by ensuring optimal print quality and reducing waste, thereby setting new standards in the industry.

Our mission is to revolutionize the 3D printing landscape by making it more scalable, affordable, and efficient for part manufacturers across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. We aim to empower manufacturers with the ability to produce high-quality parts on-demand, fostering greater innovation and sustainability within the manufacturing sector. OptiFab is committed to continuous innovation and excellence, leveraging cutting-edge technology and research to drive the future of manufacturing, making it more adaptable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

Describe the project.:

OptiFab's initiative revolves around OptiScanTM, an AI-powered scan pattern generator that optimizes heat management during 3D printing processes. This ground-breaking tool tackles a significant challenge in 3D printing—maintaining quality and safety by controlling heat like never before. The project marries innovation with research, targeting the aerospace, healthcare, and automotive sectors.

End Goal/Intended Outcome:

The primary goal is to position OptiScan as a leading solution in the 3D printing market, boosting its adoption across critical manufacturing sectors. The project aims to showcase the benefits of integrating AI into 3D printing to enhance efficiency and product quality, encouraging wider industry uptake.

Tasks for the Intern:

• Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to identify target customer needs and potential markets.
• Strategic Marketing: Develop and implement tailored marketing strategies that resonate with the specific demands of targeted industries.
• Business Development: Establish strategic partnerships and refine business models to facilitate the commercial rollout of OptiScanTM.
• Performance Evaluation: Assess the impact of marketing strategies and provide data-driven recommendations for further optimization.

Type of Innovation:

The project incorporates both product innovation (OptiScanTM technology) and process innovation through the development of new marketing and business strategies to introduce and scale the product.

Research Methodology:

The intern will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as competitor analysis, market surveys, and SWOT analysis, to provide a solid foundation for strategy development and decision-making. These efforts are designed to ensure that OptiScanTM's market strategies are well-informed and effectively executed.

Required expertise/skills:

The intern should possess a strong background in business development with a focus on high-tech industries, preferably with educational qualifications in business administration, marketing, or a related field. An understanding of engineering principles, particularly in 3D printing or manufacturing technologies, is highly advantageous.

Specific Skills:

• Market Research: Ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative market research.
• Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing innovative marketing strategies and business models.
• Data Analysis: Proficient in analyzing market data to inform strategy development. Familiarity with analytical software is a plus.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, necessary for presenting findings and strategies effectively to diverse audiences.

Software Proficiency:

• CRM Software: Experience with customer relationship management software is desirable.

• Analytics Tools: Proficiency in analytics platforms such as Google Analytics; experience with business intelligence tools like Tableau or similar is beneficial.

Optional Assets:

• Technical Acumen: Understanding of AI applications in industrial processes.
• Project Management: Experience in managing complex projects, particularly in a tech-driven environment, is an asset.