Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Development

Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and development of heavy-duty equipment for the forestry industry, focusing on mechanical engineering solutions.

• Collaborate with established engineering and manufacturing teams to enhance existing products and launch new innovations.

• Apply a strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skillset to design, analyze, and validate complex equipment components.

• Utilize expertise in fluid power, engine, electrical, electronic, and drive train systems to create robust and efficient product designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Product Designer" but the description heavily emphasizes mechanical engineering and design for heavy equipment. Therefore, the "Category" is classified as Engineering/Product Development with a strong mechanical focus, rather than a typical GTM or RevOps role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for equipment operating in rugged forestry environments.

• Conduct calculations and create prototypes to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and rigorous industry standards.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials considering mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, manufacturing personnel, and quality control, to ensure seamless design integration into production.

• Perform and analyze results from tests such as stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis to validate designs and optimize performance, strength, and response characteristics.

• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed design specifications and accurate bills of materials (BOMs).

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and improvements in manufacturing efficiency.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during fabrication and assembly processes as needed.

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and identify areas for design improvements based on real-world performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed based on the provided job duties, emphasizing the hands-on and analytical nature of mechanical product design within an industrial manufacturing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics preferred.

Experience: Previous design experience within heavy-duty equipment industries such as construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, or farming is considered an asset.

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and manufacturing processes.

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, specifically 3D modeling.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving capabilities.

• Effective communication and reasoning skills for cross-functional team collaboration.

• Adaptability to changing work environments and competing demands.

• Ability to balance aesthetics with practicality in product design.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with fluid power systems, engine systems, electrical and electronic systems, and drive train systems.

• Understanding of structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and dynamic simulation of machine components.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and Simulation for FEA.

• Design experience in:

  • Welded steel fabrications (manual and robotic welding).

  • Hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing, including advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems, sensors, and controllers.

  • Diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train transmission/axle component selection.

  • Integration of attachments with heavy equipment, considering load distribution, stress analysis, material selection, and ease of installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications are structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, drawing directly from the "Skills and Experience" and "Qualifications" sections of the input. The emphasis on specific systems (fluid power, engine, etc.) and software (SolidWorks, FEA) is highlighted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed mechanical designs, including 3D models and 2D drawings, demonstrating proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks.

• Include case studies of problem-solving initiatives where design challenges were overcome through analysis and innovation.

• Present examples of technical documentation created, such as specifications and bills of materials, highlighting accuracy and completeness.

• Demonstrate experience in analyzing and selecting materials, with explanations for choices based on performance, cost, and manufacturing constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for new product development cycles, from concept to production readiness.

• Documentation of material selection processes, including justification criteria.

• Records of design validation processes, including testing methodologies and results analysis.

• Documentation of collaboration processes with manufacturing and quality control teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a design role, the portfolio should focus on tangible design outputs and the engineering processes behind them. The "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section is tailored to reflect this, emphasizing design artifacts and analytical methodologies rather than typical RevOps/SalesOps process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Cambridge, Ontario region, a competitive salary range could be estimated between CAD $65,000 - $90,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of heavy equipment design and the requirement for a Bachelor's degree.

Benefits:

• Family-Oriented Company Culture with social events, BBQs, and pizza parties.

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing, celebrating financial success together.

• RRSP Matching Program to support retirement planning.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement for pre-approved industry-related learning opportunities.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits, including coverage for massages, physiotherapy, and vision.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) offering free programs and support.

• Active Social Committee organizing events like annual picnics, Christmas parties, theatre outings, and sporting events.

Working Hours: Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on regional data for similar engineering roles and the specified experience level. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided "What We Can Offer You" section.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, specifically focused on the forestry industry. Tigercat is known for designing and manufacturing high-quality, durable machinery for demanding environments.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries group of companies is a significant player in its niche, suggesting a medium to large enterprise size with established operational structures.

Founded: While the exact founding date for Tigercat | MacDonald Steel isn't provided, Tigercat Industries was founded in 1992. This indicates a company with decades of experience and a stable market presence.

Team Structure:

• The role involves working closely with an established engineering team, implying a structured department with specialized roles.

• Collaboration extends to manufacturing and quality control, indicating a matrixed or integrated team structure common in product development.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on hands-on, creative, and self-motivated work within a team setting.

• Designs are driven by engineering principles, material science, and user feedback from rugged environments.

• Problem-solving and continuous improvement are core to the design process, aiming for enhanced performance, cost reduction, and efficiency.

• A focus on validating designs through rigorous testing and analysis.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the brand "Tigercat" and its known industry focus. The description of "family-oriented" and "tight-knit family" is incorporated to reflect the stated company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Product Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It requires a Bachelor's degree and hands-on experience in mechanical design and specific systems. The scope includes enhancing existing products and contributing to new developments, indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will work closely with an established engineering team and likely report to a senior engineering lead or manager. Collaboration is expected with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially field support teams.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the individual's work directly impacts the performance, durability, and market competitiveness of Tigercat's heavy machinery. Successful designs contribute to operational efficiency for customers, product reliability, and the company's reputation for quality and innovation in the forestry equipment sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like hydraulics, engine integration, or structural analysis within heavy machinery.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design projects for new equipment or significant product updates.

• Senior Design Roles: Advance to Senior Product Designer or Lead Engineer positions, taking on more complex challenges and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Potentially move into roles within manufacturing engineering, product management, or R&D based on acquired skills and experience.

• Continuous Learning: Leverage the company's training reimbursement for advanced certifications or specialized engineering courses.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career path analysis is inferred from the experience level and the nature of product development in a specialized manufacturing sector. The emphasis is on technical growth and project responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Cambridge, ON, with a mention of a move to a new facility at 100 Savage Drive. This suggests a modern, purpose-built engineering and manufacturing environment.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. The description also mentions a current location at 140 Consolidated Drive, Paris, ON, indicating potential for future office moves or expansions.

Workspace Context:

• A dedicated on-site role, fostering direct collaboration and hands-on interaction with physical prototypes and manufacturing processes.

• Access to engineering tools, including CAD software (SolidWorks) and FEA simulation tools.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams, promoting a collaborative problem-solving environment.

• A dynamic workspace where designs are directly translated into tangible heavy equipment.

Work Schedule: Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday. This structured schedule allows for consistent workflow and integration with other operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the provided location details and the nature of heavy equipment design, which typically requires on-site presence for prototyping, testing, and manufacturing collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, experience with relevant systems (hydraulics, engines, etc.), and CAD/FEA proficiency.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of mechanical engineering principles, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions on stress analysis, material selection, and system integration.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of design projects from the portfolio. Focus on explaining design choices, challenges overcome, calculations performed, and outcomes achieved.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Assessment of communication skills, teamwork capabilities, and ability to collaborate effectively with manufacturing and other engineering disciplines.

• On-site Visit/Final Interview: Potentially a tour of facilities and a final discussion with hiring management to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your design approach, the tools used (CAD, FEA), calculations performed, and the final solution.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced weight, increased durability, cost savings).

• Highlight Specific Systems: Include projects demonstrating experience with hydraulic systems, engine installations, drive trains, or welded fabrications as mentioned in the requirements.

• Explain Material Choices: Be prepared to justify why specific materials were selected for particular applications.

• Demonstrate Troubleshooting: If applicable, include examples where you identified and resolved design issues, perhaps through field support or fabrication feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge where you might be asked to outline your approach to designing a specific component or solving a given problem.

• Technical Problem Solving: Practice solving common mechanical engineering problems related to stress, strain, fluid dynamics, or thermodynamics.

• SolidWorks/FEA Application: If possible, review your proficiency with SolidWorks and FEA simulation tools, as you may be asked to discuss their application or even perform a small exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is tailored to a mechanical engineering design role, emphasizing technical depth, practical application, and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: SolidWorks (explicitly mentioned for 3D modeling).

• FEA/Simulation Software: Simulation (explicitly mentioned for FEA). This could include SolidWorks Simulation or other industry-standard FEA packages.

• CAD Software: General familiarity with CAD principles and software beyond SolidWorks may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this engineering design role, as the focus is on product development rather than sales or customer relationship management. However, familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems could be an asset for managing design data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is directly derived from the "Qualifications" section, focusing on the explicit mention of SolidWorks and FEA software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation and Excellence: A commitment to pushing boundaries in equipment design and delivering high-quality, reliable products.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges through analytical thinking and hands-on solutions.

• Durability and Reliability: A core value reflecting the demanding nature of forestry equipment, ensuring products are built to last.

• Continuous Improvement: Dedication to enhancing existing designs and processes for greater efficiency and performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams is essential for seamless product development and integration.

• Effective communication and reasoning skills are critical for working on projects involving multiple team members and stakeholders.

• A willingness to participate in hands-on troubleshooting and provide field support indicates a practical, boots-on-the-ground approach to collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company values are inferred from the industry, product focus, and explicit statements about being a "family" and "tight-knit." The collaboration style is drawn from the responsibilities and skill requirements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for extreme environments and rugged terrain requires robust solutions that can withstand harsh conditions, demanding high levels of engineering rigor.

• Balancing performance requirements with cost-effectiveness and manufacturability for heavy-duty equipment.

• Integrating complex systems (hydraulics, engines, electronics) into a cohesive and reliable product.

• Staying ahead of technological advancements and adapting designs to meet evolving industry needs and environmental regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specialized areas like advanced hydraulics, engine technology, or structural dynamics.

• Software Proficiency: Gaining expertise in advanced simulation techniques or new CAD/FEA software.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing professional engineering certifications or specialized training relevant to heavy equipment design.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers within the team on complex design challenges and project management.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and field operations to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the specific demands of designing heavy machinery for the forestry industry, aligning with the role's responsibilities and the company's product focus.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Approach: "Describe your process for designing a new mechanical component for heavy equipment, from concept to final specification." (Focus on methodology, validation, and collaboration.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you encountered a complex mechanical design challenge. What was the problem, how did you analyze it, what solutions did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight analytical skills and engineering judgment.)

• System Integration: "How would you approach integrating a new hydraulic control system into an existing machine platform, considering factors like space constraints, power requirements, and safety?" (Assess understanding of system interactions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry specifically?" (Show genuine interest in the sector.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing teams to ensure a design is manufacturable and cost-effective?" (Demonstrate teamwork and practical considerations.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the design process, key challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Visuals: Use clear CAD models, drawings, and potentially simulation results to visually support your explanations.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the underlying engineering principles, material science, and calculations that informed your design decisions.

• Conciseness: Present projects efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects and demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on questions relevant to mechanical design, problem-solving, and system integration, with specific advice on how to present a design portfolio effectively for this type of role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.dayforcehcm.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with mechanical design, CAD (especially SolidWorks), FEA, and specific systems like hydraulics, engines, and drive trains relevant to heavy equipment.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize achievements related to design improvements, cost reduction, performance optimization, and successful product development cycles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, problem-solving strategies, and technical knowledge. Prepare to walk through your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your contributions and the engineering rationale.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's product lines, the forestry industry, and the company's emphasis on durability and innovation. Understand their values regarding teamwork and quality.

⚠️ 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.

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