Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager
Company: Samuel, Son & Co.
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full time
Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management
Date Posted: January 16, 2026
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and guide the technical execution of engineering projects, ensuring adherence to schedule, quality, and cost objectives within a GTM (Go-To-Market) framework.
• Lead and mentor design teams, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and robust stakeholder relationships to support business objectives.
• Manage department capacity and resource allocation, including personnel, inter-business unit sharing, and external contractors, to align with revenue targets and project demands.
• Drive continuous improvement in design procedures and standards, directly impacting operational efficiency and product quality.
• Act as a key representative for the company externally, cultivating relationships with partners, vendors, and customers to support business development and marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Mechanical Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily imply a role that bridges technical design leadership with operational oversight and GTM support. The emphasis on managing capacity for revenue targets, interdepartmental communication, and external representation suggests a strategic operational component beyond pure technical design. This role likely requires a strong understanding of how design processes impact broader business goals and market success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise project execution from a technical standpoint, ensuring alignment with schedule, quality, and cost goals to meet business objectives.
• Lead and support design teams, fostering an environment of excellence, trust, integrity, and respect to build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Manage department capacity to meet revenue targets by optimizing employee utilization, resource sharing across business units, and strategic contractor engagement.
• Oversee work assignments, conduct performance assessments, administer rewards, and manage conflict resolution within the team.
• Coordinate work schedules efficiently and facilitate seamless interdepartmental communications to ensure project flow and alignment.
• Provide expert guidance during design reviews to enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and overall client satisfaction.
• Guide the Engineering Design Process from technical concept review to final customer acceptance, including conducting formal Design Review Sessions as required by ISO standards.
• Provide expert advice on staffing, conduct interviews, and perform technical screening during the hiring process to build a high-performing team.
• Establish and enforce design procedures and standards, driving continuous improvement in design practices and operational workflows.
• Develop and execute team members' development plans and conduct regular performance reviews to foster professional growth.
• Foster an open and collaborative environment that encourages idea exchange and boosts employee engagement by promoting organizational values and facilitating regular communication.
• Play an active role in short and long-term strategic and budgetary planning to ensure the company's strategic goals are met.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety practices and maintain a secure working environment for all team members.
• Author and maintain the Samuel Automation Design Specification document, serving as a critical reference for the design process and operational standards.
• Evaluate design concepts for technical soundness and adherence to internal aesthetic and operational standards.
• Conduct thorough analysis of activity reports and cost statements to assess project progress and implement necessary revisions for efficiency.
• Nurture robust relationships with partners, vendors, and distributors through professional community events and effective communication.
• Represent the company externally at events, traveling to meet customers and partners to cultivate essential connections and contribute to marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, people management, and strategic operational planning. Emphasis on "capacity to support revenue targets," "interdepartmental communications," and "external representation" points to a role with significant GTM and operational impact, requiring the manager to align design output with broader business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, OR equivalent relevant industry experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a technical leadership role within a sizable division or company, demonstrating progressive responsibility and impact.

Required Skills:

• Project Execution Oversight: Proven ability to supervise technical project execution, ensuring delivery against schedule, quality, and cost targets.
• Team Leadership & Development: Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring, and developing engineering teams, including performance management and conflict resolution.
• Capacity & Resource Management: Skill in managing departmental capacity, aligning resources (personnel, contractors) with revenue goals and project demands.
• Design Process & Standards: Expertise in establishing and enforcing design procedures, standards, and conducting formal Design Review Sessions (e.g., ISO).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong mechanical aptitude, creativity, and the ability to visualize in three dimensions; practical experience with SolidWorks is essential.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills to individuals and groups, and proficient report writing.
• Business Acumen: Sound business judgment and ability to contribute to strategic and budgetary planning.
• Problem-Solving: Proficiency in analyzing intricate technical specifications and applications, applying advanced mathematical principles.
• Safety & Compliance: Strict adherence to safety practices and familiarity with machine safety regulations.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with "Shop Floor" practices and production processes.
• Experience with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and modern automation solutions.
• International travel experience and comfort representing the company externally.
• Experience in managing relationships with partners, vendors, and distributors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in mechanical engineering and design, coupled with extensive leadership experience. The inclusion of "capacity management to support revenue targets" and external representation skills suggests that candidates with a blend of technical depth and business/operational acumen will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 3-5 complex mechanical design projects, detailing problem statements, design challenges, engineering solutions, and implementation phases. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, quality improvements).
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Evidence of designing and implementing new design procedures, standards, or workflows that led to measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness.
• Team Management & Development Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you've developed team members, managed performance, and fostered a collaborative team environment.
• Strategic Planning Contribution: Examples of involvement in departmental or strategic planning, including contributions to budgeting, resource allocation, or long-term goal setting.

Process Documentation:

• Design Specification Mastery: A sample or description of a "Samuel Automation Design Specification" document, demonstrating your ability to author comprehensive technical documentation that guides the design process and ensures consistency.
• Design Review Documentation: Examples of formal Design Review Session materials or summaries, highlighting how technical concepts were evaluated against ISO standards and business requirements.
• Workflow Optimization: Evidence of analyzing activity reports and cost statements to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the design process and implementing corrective actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only showcase technical design prowess but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, lead teams effectively, and contribute to broader operational and strategic goals. The emphasis on "capacity management for revenue targets" and "external representation" means portfolio examples should highlight business impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $123,120 - $153,900 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or variable pay.
• Travel opportunities for customer and partner engagement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be required to manage project deadlines, interdepartmental coordination, and international stakeholder engagement, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is in USD. Given the location is Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, this conversion implies either the company operates on a USD payroll for this role or the range is an approximation. For a candidate in Canada, it would be prudent to clarify the currency and potential for local Canadian dollar adjustments based on cost of living and market rates. Standard benefits are assumed for a full-time managerial role in a company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Metals Industry, with a specialized focus on Automation Solutions through Samuel Automation. The company leverages over 170 years of success in the metals sector while innovating in manufacturing automation, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a large company size (typically 1001-5000+ employees for Samuel, Son & Co.), suggesting a structured environment with established processes and resources, offering stability and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. Founded: Samuel, Son & Co. was founded over 170 years ago, indicating a long-standing history, deep industry expertise, and a strong foundation in its core markets. Samuel Automation, a specialized division, focuses on modern integration of automation solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Mechanical Design Manager will likely lead a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and potentially technicians within the Samuel Automation division.
• This team will operate within a larger engineering or operations framework, requiring close collaboration with other departments such as sales, manufacturing, project management, and potentially other Samuel business units.
• The reporting structure would typically place this role under a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership position.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires analyzing activity reports and cost statements to inform project progress and revisions, reflecting a data-driven approach.
• Process Optimization: A core function involves establishing and enforcing design procedures and standards, driving continuous improvement in design practices and operational workflows.
• Collaborative Innovation: The culture encourages idea exchange and fostering an open environment, suggesting a collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation in automation solutions.

Company Website: https://www.samuel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in metals, coupled with its forward-looking Samuel Automation division, presents a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The operations manager will need to navigate this dual focus, ensuring design efforts align with both established company values and the cutting-edge demands of the automation sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, responsible for leading a critical function (Mechanical Design) that directly impacts product development, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction within the Samuel Automation division. It sits at the intersection of technical expertise and operational leadership. Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering or operations executive (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Operations). They will, in turn, manage a team of mechanical engineers and designers, influencing their career trajectories. Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly affecting the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of automation solutions. Success in this role contributes to Samuel Automation's ability to meet revenue targets, enhance manufacturing processes for clients, and maintain a competitive edge in the automation market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level engineering or operational leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a broader GTM strategy role overseeing multiple technical disciplines.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in advanced automation technologies (e.g., AMRs, robotics integration) or gain broader experience in strategic business planning and P&L management.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into roles focused on product management, business development, or global operations management within Samuel, Son & Co.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established organization. The combination of technical leadership and operational responsibility provides a strong foundation for advancing into more strategic business leadership positions, particularly within the growing automation sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Waterloo, Ontario, at a physical office location. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): 815 Bridge Street West, Waterloo, ON N2V 2M7, Canada. This location is within a developed industrial or commercial area, likely offering good accessibility. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on fostering an open and collaborative environment, encouraging idea exchange, and promoting organizational values suggests a dynamic workspace where teamwork is prioritized.
• Tools & Technology: The role will have access to standard engineering design tools, likely including SolidWorks, and potentially other project management and communication software. Access to modern automation lab or prototyping facilities may also be available.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers in other departments (sales, project management, manufacturing), and potentially external partners and clients.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical.
• However, the nature of project management and team leadership in an engineering context often requires flexibility to meet deadlines, address urgent issues, and collaborate across time zones or with international partners, which may involve occasional work outside standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and direct team oversight. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment that supports team cohesion and operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, leadership experience, and alignment with team/company culture.
• Technical/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio case study or engage in a technical problem-solving exercise related to mechanical design or process optimization.
• Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders, potentially including peers, direct reports, or senior leadership, to assess broader fit and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with a senior executive to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Business Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem it solved, the design solution, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, improved quality, revenue support).
• Showcase Process & Leadership: Include examples demonstrating your ability to develop and implement design procedures, manage team capacity, and foster team development.
• Tailor to Samuel Automation: Research Samuel Automation's work with AMRs and other automation solutions. Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills align with their specific technology focus.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact area, with clear summaries for each piece. Be prepared to walk through your most impactful projects in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, considering constraints, stakeholder needs, and efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Prepare to articulate how you would analyze and improve an existing design process or workflow to enhance efficiency or quality.
• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing team performance, resolving conflicts, and motivating engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership style, operational thinking, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates tangible business impact and leadership capabilities will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: Essential for 3D mechanical design, modeling, and potentially simulation. Proficiency is a key requirement.
• CAD/CAM Software: Beyond SolidWorks, familiarity with related CAD/CAM suites may be beneficial for manufacturing integration.
• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.
• ERP/MRP Systems: Understanding how design integrates with enterprise resource planning or manufacturing resource planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting. Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards on project performance or team metrics could be a plus.
• Performance Tracking Systems: Familiarity with systems or methods for tracking team performance, project progress, and key operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Salesforce, Dynamics 365): Understanding how design outputs support sales cycles and client requirements managed within CRM systems.
• Automation Technologies: Familiarity with robotics, AMRs, and industrial automation principles is directly relevant to the Samuel Automation division.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong proficiency in SolidWorks is a hard requirement. Beyond that, candidates should highlight experience with tools that support project management, data analysis, and the integration of design with broader business systems and automation technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Respect: Core values of the company, emphasizing ethical conduct, transparency, and valuing diverse perspectives within the team and in external interactions.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in design, project execution, and product quality, driving continuous improvement.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an open environment for idea exchange, encouraging cross-functional cooperation, and valuing collective achievement.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Driving continuous improvement in design practices and operational workflows, while also exploring and implementing innovative automation solutions.
• Safety & Responsibility: Ensuring adherence to safety practices and maintaining a secure working environment, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires extensive collaboration with sales, project management, manufacturing, and potentially other business units to ensure design solutions meet market needs and are manufacturable.
• Process-Oriented Feedback: An environment where design procedures and standards are regularly reviewed and improved, requiring open feedback loops between design, operations, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across the team and potentially wider organization to drive collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. For this role, demonstrating how you uphold these values while driving operational efficiency and technical excellence in design will be key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth and Operational Oversight: Effectively managing both the intricacies of mechanical design and the broader operational demands of capacity planning, team management, and revenue support.
• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating cutting-edge automation technologies (like AMRs) into design processes, while managing legacy systems or client requirements.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between the design team and other departments, such as sales, manufacturing, and client services, to meet dynamic business needs.
• International Travel Demands: Managing international travel requirements for client meetings and partner engagement while balancing on-site team leadership and project oversight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Technologies: Opportunities for specialized training and hands-on experience with the latest in robotics, AMRs, and industrial automation integration.
• Strategic Management Skills: Development in areas of strategic planning, budgetary management, and P&L oversight within the context of a growing division.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to company-sponsored leadership training and mentorship programs designed to advance managerial and executive capabilities.
• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry events, conferences, and potentially professional certifications related to mechanical engineering, automation, or operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to grow both technically within the advanced automation space and operationally/strategically within a large, established company. Successfully navigating the challenges will be key to unlocking these growth potentials.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage department capacity to meet fluctuating revenue targets. What strategies did you employ, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on resource allocation, contractor management, and impact on financial goals).
• "How do you ensure your design team's work is closely aligned with sales and client requirements, especially when dealing with international clients?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional collaboration, communication protocols, and client engagement).
• "Walk us through your process for establishing and enforcing design standards and procedures. How do you drive continuous improvement in these areas?" (Highlight your approach to process documentation, implementation, and change management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Our company values integrity and respect. How do you foster these values within your engineering team, and how do they influence your leadership style?" (Connect your personal values and leadership philosophy to the company's stated values).
• "Samuel Automation integrates modern automation solutions. How do you stay current with emerging technologies and ensure your team is equipped to design with them?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and technology adoption).
• "How do you contribute to strategic and budgetary planning for your department and the broader organization?" (Be ready to discuss your experience in financial planning and long-term objective setting).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For your chosen case studies, clearly present the problem, your solution, and the measurable results. Use metrics like cost reduction (%), efficiency increase (%), project completion time saved (days/weeks), or revenue impact.
• Focus on Leadership & Process: Select examples that demonstrate not only technical design skills but also your ability to lead teams, manage processes, and contribute to operational objectives.
• Address Samuel Automation: If possible, tailor your examples to demonstrate experience relevant to automation solutions, AMRs, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your projects and contributions. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your methodology and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical leadership, operational acumen, and strategic thinking. Be ready to illustrate your impact with specific, quantifiable examples, particularly those related to driving revenue, managing resources, and fostering team excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link on the Samuel, Son & Co. careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights 3-5 key mechanical design projects. For each, clearly articulate the business problem, your technical solution, and quantifiable results such as cost savings, efficiency gains, or revenue impact. Ensure your portfolio also includes examples of process improvement initiatives and team development strategies.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of technical leadership experience, explicit mention of SolidWorks proficiency, and any experience relevant to automation, AMRs, or industrial manufacturing. Use keywords from the job description, such as "project execution," "capacity management," "design standards," and "stakeholder relationships."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with strategy questions related to capacity management for revenue, cross-functional alignment, and process improvement. Prepare to present your portfolio case studies with a focus on business impact and leadership.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Samuel, Son & Co. and the Samuel Automation division. Understand their market position, key technologies (especially AMRs), and company values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.