Engineered Wood Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineered Wood Product Designer

Company: FRASER VALLEY BUILDING SUPPLIES INC.

Location: Mission, BC, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Operations - GTM Support / Product Design

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the technical design and layout of engineered wood floor systems for residential and multi-family housing projects.

• Interprets architectural and structural blueprints to create accurate TJI layouts and shop drawings, ensuring compliance with building codes and load transfer principles.

• Serves as a key technical liaison between the sales team, customers, and internal production, providing expert support throughout the design and order fulfillment process.

• Leverages design software proficiency and a strong understanding of construction practices to deliver precise, customer-ready designs and order specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Engineered Wood Product Designer" suggests a product development focus, the core responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a role focused on applying existing product designs to specific customer projects, acting as a crucial link in the Go-To-Market (GTM) process by translating sales needs into actionable production designs. This positions the role within the broader GTM Operations or Sales Operations umbrella, specifically supporting the sales and project delivery functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and generate detailed floor system layouts and shop drawings for single-family residences and multi-family complexes, utilizing TJI joists, LVL, and other engineered wood products.

• Accurately interpret architectural and structural blueprints, applying knowledge of local building codes, load transfer principles, and framing practices to ensure design integrity and compliance.

• Prepare comprehensive shop drawings and TJI layouts for production, ensuring all specifications are met for sales personnel and customer orders.

• Provide direct technical assistance and expert guidance to the Sales team and external customers, clarifying design details, product specifications, and construction methods.

• Manage and organize the job list, ensuring timely updates to designs, shop drawings, and as-built documentation as project requirements evolve.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales and production, to ensure designs align with project needs, material availability, and delivery timelines.

• Translate complex technical information into clear, understandable terms for diverse audiences, including trade professionals and less technical clients.

• Maintain meticulous records and documentation for all design projects, ensuring traceability and accuracy for order fulfillment and future reference.

• Uphold WorkSafeBC Standards and safety protocols in all design and documentation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design, customer-facing technical support, and internal process management, which are core to GTM operations that enable sales. The inclusion of "preparing TJI layouts for shipments" and "creating orders for sales personnel" directly links design output to the sales conversion and fulfillment pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in Design, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

• A professional certificate in a relevant technical discipline is highly valued. Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in reading and interpreting architectural and structural blueprints and working drawings.

• Minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience with CAD software, specifically AutoCAD, or specialized floor design software. Required Skills:

• Proficient in blueprint reading and interpreting structural working drawings.

• Demonstrated proficiency with AutoCAD and/or specialized floor design software.

• Solid understanding of framing and construction practices, including load transfer principles.

• Knowledge of local building codes and their application in structural design.

• Strong mathematical skills with a requirement for high accuracy in calculations.

• Excellent attention to detail with a methodical approach to design and documentation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset, capable of working effectively with sales and internal teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management and calculations. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with engineered wood products such as TJI joists, LVL, or similar structural components.

• Familiarity with other design or project management software relevant to the construction industry.

• Experience in a customer-facing technical support role within the building materials sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level combined with specific software and blueprint interpretation requirements points to a foundational role where practical application of learned skills is paramount. The emphasis on accuracy, detail, and communication highlights the critical nature of this role in preventing costly errors in production and sales.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct design projects, with a focus on engineered wood floor systems for residential or multi-family applications.

• Each project should clearly demonstrate your ability to interpret architectural and structural blueprints, leading to accurate TJI layouts and shop drawings.

• Include examples of how you applied load transfer principles and local building codes in your designs.

• Highlight your proficiency with design software (AutoCAD or similar) through visual representations of your layouts and shop drawings.

• Quantify the impact of your designs where possible, e.g., efficiency improvements, material optimization, or error reduction in previous roles. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of design workflows from blueprint interpretation to final shop drawing and order creation.

• Provide examples of how you would document design decisions, calculations, and any deviations from standard practices.

• Illustrate your approach to managing a project list and updating documentation as project requirements change.

• Explain your method for collaborating with sales and customers to ensure design alignment and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this experience level, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational skills and potential rather than extensive, complex project histories. The emphasis is on showing the process of design, the application of technical knowledge, and the clarity of documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD per year. This range reflects the specified maximum of $70,000 and assumes a starting point appropriate for an entry-level to junior designer role in the Mission, BC area, considering the technical nature of the work and the company's industry.

Benefits:

• Employee discount on retail products after the first three months of employment.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.

• Comprehensive benefits package (details to be confirmed during the interview process, but typically includes health, dental, and potentially vision coverage). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.

• Potential for some flexibility in start/end times, subject to team coordination and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the provided maximum of $70,000 CAD and typical entry-level to junior designer compensation in the construction/building supplies sector in British Columbia, Canada. Cost of living in Mission, BC, while generally lower than Vancouver, still supports this range for a technical role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials Supply / Manufacturing (Engineered Wood Products). Fraser Valley Building Supplies Inc. operates within a sector critical to residential and commercial construction, focusing on providing essential components for building projects. This industry demands reliability, precision, and strong supplier relationships.

Company Size: Likely a mid-sized to large regional supplier, given the mention of an Employee and Family Assistance Program and structured growth opportunities. This size suggests a stable operational environment with established processes, but also potential for individual impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established presence implies a history of serving the local community and building expertise in engineered wood products.

Team Structure:

• The Engineered Wood Product Designer will likely be part of a larger design, engineering, or operations department.

• Reporting structure probably involves a Design Lead, Operations Manager, or a senior member of the sales support team.

• Close collaboration with the Sales team is a primary function, requiring seamless communication and a shared understanding of customer needs and project timelines.

• Interaction with production or manufacturing teams may also occur to ensure design feasibility and quality control. Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Utilizing architectural plans and building codes to inform precise CAD layouts.

• Customer-centric approach: Prioritizing client needs and sales team requirements in design outcomes.

• Process optimization: Streamlining the design-to-order workflow for efficiency and accuracy.

• Community focus: Operating with a sense of local responsibility and team cohesion.

Company Website: https://www.buildingsupplies.ca/ (Inferred domain from typical company naming conventions and industry)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values "Customers First, Inspired People, and Community Connection" suggest a culture that balances client satisfaction with employee well-being and local engagement. For an operations role, this means a focus on delivering quality and efficiency while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior designer position within the GTM operations or technical support function. It's ideal for individuals with foundational technical skills looking to specialize in engineered wood products and construction design.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Manager, Lead Designer, or an Operations Manager who oversees technical sales support functions. The role requires close partnership with the Sales team.

Operations Impact: The Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency of the sales process, the accuracy of customer orders, and the smooth execution of production. Precise designs reduce errors, minimize material waste, and ensure client satisfaction, all of which contribute directly to revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in engineered wood products (TJI, LVL, etc.) and advanced design techniques.

• Senior Designer/Lead: Advance to a senior designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to process improvements.

• Technical Sales Support: Transition into a technical sales role, leveraging design knowledge to assist sales representatives and advise clients directly.

• Operations Management: Potentially move into operations management roles, overseeing design departments or broader GTM support functions.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training on new software, building codes, and product innovations within the engineered wood sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on growth opportunities and employee investment suggests that Fraser Valley Building Supplies Inc. is looking to develop talent internally. A candidate demonstrating strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn can build a long-term career in this specialized field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role within the company's facilities in Mission, BC. This likely involves a dedicated office space for design work, potentially within a larger building supply or manufacturing facility.

Office Location(s): Mission, British Columbia, Canada. This location offers a balance between accessibility and a strong connection to the regional construction market. Proximity to transportation routes is generally good in this area.

Workspace Context:

• A dedicated workspace equipped with necessary design software, computer hardware, and potentially access to relevant technical documentation and product samples.

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with frequent interaction with sales staff and potentially other design or engineering professionals.

• Access to company-wide communication tools and potentially project management systems for tracking design progress. Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, likely totaling 40 hours per week.

• As an on-site role, consistent daily attendance is expected to facilitate real-time collaboration and project management.

• The company culture values community and people, suggesting a workplace that supports work-life balance within the operational framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for direct collaboration with sales teams and access to physical resources. The workspace design will likely support focused technical work while allowing for easy communication and interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter, focusing on blueprint reading experience, software proficiency, and any relevant construction/design background.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A session to review your submitted portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain your design process, highlight challenges, and demonstrate how you applied technical principles. This may include a practical design exercise or problem-solving scenario.

• Behavioral Interview: Discussion focused on your collaborative approach, communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with company values (Customers First, Inspired People, Community Connection).

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Further discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical fit and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (blueprint interpretation, AutoCAD/floor design, understanding of codes/load transfer).

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Use visual aids (drawings, screenshots) extensively.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, mention specific metrics or improvements—e.g., "Reduced design time by X%," "Ensured 100% code compliance," "Facilitated faster sales approvals."

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples of how you worked with sales or other stakeholders to refine designs.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Know your projects inside and out. Be ready to answer questions about specific design choices, software commands, or code applications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Blueprint Interpretation: Practice reading various architectural and structural plans, identifying key elements like load-bearing walls, beam placements, and structural connections.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in AutoCAD or equivalent floor design software, possibly through a live exercise.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common design challenges, such as fitting complex layouts into tight spaces or accommodating unique structural requirements.

• Code & Principles: Refresh your knowledge of basic load transfer principles and common building code requirements relevant to floor systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. It serves as tangible proof of your ability to perform the core functions. Focus on demonstrating clear, accurate, and well-documented design work that aligns with the company's needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed 2D layouts and shop drawings. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Floor Design Software: Specialized software for engineered wood products (e.g., TEKLA Structural Designer, specific joist manufacturer software) may be used. Familiarity with such tools is a significant asset.

• Microsoft Excel: Required for calculations, data management, and potentially order preparation. Advanced formula and spreadsheet management skills are beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to extract data from designs for reporting (e.g., material take-offs, project timelines) is useful.

• Access to internal reporting dashboards for job tracking and sales performance metrics. CRM & Automation:

• Integration with a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is likely for managing customer information and sales pipeline stages.

• Potential use of project management or workflow automation tools to streamline the design-to-order process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AutoCAD and specialized floor design software highlights the technical nature of this role. Candidates should be comfortable with CAD environments and possess the ability to quickly learn and adapt to proprietary design tools used by the company.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customers First: Designing solutions that meet client needs precisely and efficiently, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.

• Inspired People: Fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where technical skills are honed, and individuals feel empowered to contribute.

• Community Connection: Operating with integrity and a commitment to local standards (like WorkSafeBC) and contributing positively to the regional construction ecosystem.

• Precision & Accuracy: A fundamental value for all operations roles, especially in design, where meticulous attention to detail prevents costly errors and ensures product quality.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve design processes and workflows for faster turnaround and better resource utilization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Sales to understand project scope and client requirements, and with production to ensure design feasibility.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and respectful communication to resolve design queries and technical challenges.

• Feedback Loop: Participating in a culture where feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and used for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on engineered wood products, design techniques, and software best practices with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are deeply integrated into the operational fabric of the business. Candidates should demonstrate how their approach to work aligns with these principles, particularly in how they prioritize customer needs, collaborate with colleagues, and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Detail with Speed: The need to produce highly accurate designs quickly to support sales cycles and meet project deadlines.

• Interpreting Ambiguous Plans: Dealing with architectural or structural drawings that may have inconsistencies or require clarification, necessitating proactive communication.

• Adapting to Evolving Codes & Products: Staying current with changes in building codes, new engineered wood products, and construction techniques.

• Communicating Technical Concepts: Effectively translating complex design specifications to non-technical stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on specific engineered wood products, advanced CAD techniques, and industry best practices.

• Code Updates: Opportunities to attend seminars or workshops on new and updated building codes.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced designers or engineering professionals within the company.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of the full range of engineered wood products and their applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for hands-on learning in a specialized and essential area of construction. By embracing the challenges and actively pursuing learning opportunities, an individual can build a strong foundation for a career in this industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to interpret complex blueprints. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on your process, attention to detail, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach communicating technical design information to someone without a technical background?" (Highlight your communication clarity and audience adaptation).

• "Imagine a scenario where a sales representative requests a design modification that you believe compromises structural integrity. How would you handle this?" (Demonstrate your commitment to technical standards while maintaining collaborative relationships).

• "Walk me through your process for creating shop drawings from architectural plans." (Showcase your workflow, software proficiency, and understanding of design stages). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with engineered wood products specifically?" (Show your genuine interest in the specialization).

• "How do you embody our company values of 'Customers First,' 'Inspired People,' and 'Community Connection' in your work?" (Provide specific examples related to design and collaboration).

• "How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Demonstrate your organizational and time management skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with an Overview: Briefly introduce your portfolio and the types of projects it contains.

• Deep Dive on 2-3 Key Projects: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role. For each, explain:

  • The project's scope and objectives.
  • How you interpreted the provided blueprints.
  • The specific software and techniques you used.
  • Any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The final design output and its impact.

• Highlight Metrics: If possible, present quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction).

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process and methodology rather than just showing final drawings.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software usage, and understanding of construction principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, as it's the most direct way to showcase your abilities. Frame your answers and portfolio examples around the company's values and the specific requirements of the Engineered Wood Product Designer role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineered Wood Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link, ensuring all requested fields are completed accurately.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with blueprint reading, AutoCAD/floor design software, construction practices, and any exposure to engineered wood products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 3-5 relevant design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to interpret blueprints, create accurate layouts/shop drawings, and apply technical principles. Include visual examples.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on explaining your process, challenges, and outcomes clearly and concisely. Practice using technical terms accurately.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Fraser Valley Building Supplies Inc., their products, and their stated values. Understand their position in the local market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.