Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brantford, ON; Cambridge, ON; Paris, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop mechanical engineering solutions for heavy-duty forestry equipment, focusing on enhancing existing products and driving new developments.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and cross-functional teams to translate concepts into detailed designs, drawings, and specifications.

• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis (stress, fatigue, vibration) to validate designs and ensure optimal performance, strength, and responsiveness.

• Create comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications and bills of materials, to support manufacturing and quality control processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for forestry equipment through advanced 3D modeling and CAD software.

• Perform critical engineering calculations and simulations, including stress analysis (FEA) and dynamic simulations, to validate design integrity and performance metrics.

• Select appropriate materials based on mechanical properties, durability, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing feasibility for heavy-duty applications.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality control teams to ensure seamless integration of designs into production processes and address any fabrication or assembly challenges.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, such as detailed design specifications, engineering drawings, and accurate bills of materials (BOMs).

• Identify opportunities for design improvements, cost savings, and enhanced operational efficiency in existing and new product lines.

• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting during fabrication, assembly, and on-site field operations when required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Proven experience in mechanical design, preferably within industries such as mobile heavy-duty equipment (construction, mining, material handling, etc.).

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and computer-aided design (CAD).

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks, and FEA simulation software.

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

• Ability to perform stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis to validate designs.

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

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment and ability to manage competing demands.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing welded steel fabrications for manual and robotic welding.

• Design experience with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing.

• Familiarity with implementing advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems, sensors, and controllers.

• Experience with diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train/axle component selection.

• Design experience with attachments for heavy equipment, considering load distribution and ease of installation.

• Experience in the forestry industry or similar rugged terrain equipment sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills and Experience" section in the original description highlights a need for a "hands-on, creative, self-motivated, and passionate person willing to take on diverse and challenging technical tasks." This strongly suggests that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving beyond just theoretical knowledge. The emphasis on "adapting to a changing work environment" also points to a need for resilience and flexibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed mechanical designs and CAD models demonstrating proficiency in SolidWorks.

• Include examples of engineering calculations, stress analysis (FEA), and dynamic simulations performed on components and systems.

• Present case studies of design optimization projects that led to cost reduction or efficiency improvements.

• Illustrate experience with the design of complex systems such as hydraulics, drive trains, or engine installations within heavy-duty equipment.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to defining design requirements and translating them into technical specifications.

• Illustrate workflow for collaborating with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality control) during the design and development lifecycle.

• Provide examples of how testing protocols (stress, fatigue, vibration analysis) were used to validate designs and iterate on improvements.

• Showcase methods for identifying and implementing design optimizations for cost and manufacturing efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "driving new developments" and "enhancing existing products," a strong portfolio should highlight not just the technical execution but also the candidate's ability to innovate and contribute to product strategy. Evidence of problem-solving in challenging environments and the ability to balance performance with manufacturing feasibility will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Brantford/Cambridge/Paris, ON region, a competitive salary range is estimated between CAD $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of heavy-duty equipment design and the required technical expertise.

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing: Celebrate financial success through shared profits.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning.

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

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including prescriptions, massages, physiotherapy, and vision care.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free programs and support services.

• Active Social Committee: Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored social events, family picnics, holiday parties, and outings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Ontario, Canada. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits listed are directly from the provided job description and are comprehensive for the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing / Heavy Equipment (Forestry, Construction, Mining). Tigercat is a leading manufacturer of forestry equipment, known for its robust and durable machines designed for challenging terrains. This industry demands high standards of engineering, reliability, and performance.

Company Size: Part of Tigercat Industries group of companies, which is a significant player in the heavy machinery sector. This implies a stable, well-established organization with substantial resources and a clear market presence.

Founded: Tigercat was founded with a vision to design and manufacture the best possible machines for the forestry industry. The company has a history of innovation and commitment to product excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely comprises experienced engineers and designers specializing in various aspects of heavy equipment (e.g., hydraulics, powertrains, structures).

• Reporting structure is anticipated to be within an engineering department, potentially under a Lead Designer or Engineering Manager, with close collaboration with manufacturing and product development leads.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are validated through rigorous testing (stress, fatigue, vibration) and simulations (FEA) to ensure data-driven decisions and performance optimization.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on structured design processes, from concept to detailed drawings, with a focus on manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency improvements.

• Automation & Efficiency: Integration of advanced systems like hydraulics, electronics, and drive trains, along with the use of CAD/FEA tools, contributes to efficient product development and operational performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "family-oriented" and emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a supportive environment. This suggests that while technical expertise is paramount, cultural fit, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative spirit will be highly valued. The company's commitment to accessibility and inclusion is also a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years of experience). It involves significant responsibility for design development, testing, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute to product innovation and problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a senior engineering lead or manager within the product development department. They will work closely with a team of engineers and designers, as well as collaborate with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially product management.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of Tigercat's heavy-duty forestry equipment. Successful designs contribute to customer satisfaction, market competitiveness, and the company's reputation for quality and durability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as hydraulics, powertrain design, advanced materials, or simulation techniques through hands-on project work and potentially specialized training.

• Industry Specialization: Develop deep knowledge within the heavy-duty equipment sector, becoming a subject matter expert in forestry machinery design.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and experience, there are pathways to senior design roles, team lead positions, or management within the engineering department. The company's commitment to skills development and training reimbursement further supports career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills Development and Training Reimbursement" benefit directly supports continuous learning and career growth. The company's emphasis on innovation and pushing boundaries suggests that individuals who proactively seek to expand their skill sets and contribute new ideas will find ample opportunities for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the designer to work from one of the company's facilities in Brantford, Cambridge, or Paris, ON. This environment facilitates hands-on work, direct collaboration with manufacturing, and access to prototyping facilities.

Office Location(s): Brantford, ON; Cambridge, ON; Paris, ON. These locations are in Southern Ontario, offering accessibility within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster close interaction with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and quality control specialists, enabling efficient problem-solving and design integration.

• Tools and Technology: Access to advanced CAD software (SolidWorks), FEA simulation tools, and potentially prototyping equipment will be integral to the daily workflow.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and direct communication channels will be available to facilitate knowledge sharing and project alignment.

Work Schedule: A dedicated day shift from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, provides a consistent and predictable work schedule, allowing for work-life balance while ensuring full participation in the manufacturing and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is explicitly stated, indicating that remote or hybrid arrangements are not available. This suggests a preference for a highly collaborative, hands-on environment where physical presence is beneficial for design, testing, and direct interaction with production teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with job requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on engineering principles, design methodologies, CAD/FEA proficiency, and experience with relevant systems (hydraulics, powertrains). Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects from their portfolio.

• Problem-Solving/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study simulating a design challenge relevant to heavy-duty equipment. This may involve evaluating a design, suggesting improvements, or outlining a design approach.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and engineering management to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, problem-solving approach, and cultural alignment with Tigercat's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Key Projects: Highlight 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and the impact of your work within each project.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include examples of CAD models, detailed drawings, engineering calculations, and simulation results (FEA, dynamic analysis).

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Explain the challenges you faced and how you applied engineering principles and creativity to overcome them.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced weight by Y%, increased durability).

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common mechanical engineering design challenges related to heavy-duty equipment, including structural integrity, material selection, hydraulic systems, and power transmission.

• Practice articulating design decisions, trade-offs, and justifications clearly and concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss your thought process for approaching a new design problem or optimizing an existing one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on troubleshooting" and "field support" in the responsibilities suggests that interview questions may probe candidates' practical experience and ability to resolve issues in real-world scenarios. The portfolio should ideally reflect an understanding of the practical aspects of equipment operation and maintenance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling/CAD: SolidWorks (primary requirement), with potential for other industry-standard CAD software.

• FEA Simulation: SolidWorks Simulation, or similar Finite Element Analysis software for stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis.

• Dynamic Simulation: Software for simulating the dynamic behavior of machine components and systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for data analysis of test results and simulation outputs.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how designs integrate with broader product lifecycle management (PLM) systems may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools for tracking design progress and task completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of SolidWorks and Simulation (FEA) indicates these are critical tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and specific use cases within these platforms. Understanding of other simulation or CAD tools would be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly enhance existing products and develop new, cutting-edge solutions for the forestry industry.

• Quality & Durability: Commitment to engineering excellence, ensuring products are robust, reliable, and built to withstand demanding conditions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive, family-oriented environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Problem-Solving & Mechanical Aptitude: Valuing individuals who can tackle complex technical challenges with a hands-on, analytical approach.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that meet the specific needs and challenges of customers operating in rugged environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially R&D teams are essential for a seamless design-to-production workflow.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for design reviews, feedback exchange, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability and performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices within the engineering team to drive collective learning and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "family-oriented" description, coupled with references to teamwork and social events, suggests a company culture that values strong interpersonal relationships and a supportive work environment, in addition to technical excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Environments: Developing robust designs that can withstand the harsh conditions and demanding operations typical in the forestry industry.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Optimizing designs to meet high performance standards while remaining cost-effective and feasible for mass production.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Seamlessly incorporating advanced fluid power, engine, electrical, and drive train systems into cohesive equipment designs.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with evolving technologies in materials, manufacturing, and control systems to maintain product competitiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced hydraulics, powertrain engineering, materials science, or specialized simulation techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the forestry equipment market and the operational challenges faced by customers.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to learn from experienced engineers and grow into leadership roles within the design and engineering departments. The company's training reimbursement program directly supports professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on "driving new developments" and "enhancing existing products" implies that candidates who are proactive in identifying areas for improvement and proposing innovative solutions will be highly regarded. The challenges inherent in heavy-duty equipment design offer significant opportunities for continuous learning and skill refinement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design challenge you faced and how you approached solving it, detailing your design process, analysis, and the outcome." (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and technical justification).

• "How do you collaborate with manufacturing and quality control teams during the design phase to ensure manufacturability and product quality?" (Assess cross-functional communication and integration skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in designing equipment for the forestry industry, and what do you know about Tigercat's products and market position?" (Assess research and genuine interest).

• "Our culture is described as family-oriented and collaborative. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment?" (Evaluate cultural fit and teamwork abilities).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Clearly articulate the problem statement, your design objectives, and the constraints for each project. Use visuals (CAD models, diagrams) to illustrate your concepts."

• "For each project, detail your specific role, the tools and methodologies you employed (SolidWorks, FEA, etc.), and the key engineering principles you applied."

• "Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs you made, the challenges you encountered, and how you validated your design through testing or simulation. Quantify results whenever possible."

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on hands-on troubleshooting and field support, interviewers may ask behavioral questions about how candidates handle unexpected issues or critical failures in equipment, and how they would approach diagnosing and resolving them in a practical setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Dayforce platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with SolidWorks, FEA, and designs for heavy-duty mobile equipment, using keywords from the job description such as "fluid power systems," "drive train systems," and "stress analysis."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your mechanical design capabilities, problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant systems. Ensure it includes CAD models, analysis results, and documentation examples.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review fundamental mechanical engineering principles, CAD/FEA functionalities, and common design challenges in heavy equipment manufacturing.

• Research Tigercat: Understand the company's product lines, market position, and commitment to innovation and durability in the forestry equipment sector.

⚠️ 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.