Product Designer - Mechatronics

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Mechatronics Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel Location: Cambridge, ON; Paris, ON; Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering Date Posted: December 15, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop mechanical engineering solutions for heavy-duty forestry equipment, integrating mechatronic systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to enhance existing products and drive new product development.
• Utilize expertise in fluid power, engine, electrical, electronic, and drive train systems to create robust and efficient machinery.
• Develop user-friendly interfaces for operators and service technicians, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics.
• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Product Designer - Mechatronics" title suggests a role that bridges mechanical design with electronic and control systems, typical in modern heavy equipment. The emphasis on the forestry industry and rugged terrain implies a need for durable, high-performance solutions. The "Mechatronics" aspect points towards integration of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs, engineering drawings, and specifications for mechatronic systems used in forestry equipment.
• Design and implement electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems, integrating hydraulic components, sensors, input devices, and control logic for mobile machines.
• Create efficient and intuitive user interfaces for operators and service technicians, ensuring ease of operation and maintenance.
• Select appropriate materials and components based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, manufacturing, and quality control, to ensure seamless product integration and production.
• Perform validation tests such as stress analysis, fatigue testing, vibration analysis, and control logic verification to optimize design performance and durability.
• Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, control logic diagrams, and bills of materials.
• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and process efficiency improvements.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during fabrication and assembly processes.
• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and performance enhancements as needed.
• Occasionally travel within Canada and internationally for research, field support, and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on system integration (electro-hydraulic, computer-controlled), user interface design, and end-to-end product lifecycle involvement, from concept to field support. The inclusion of travel indicates a global scope for the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

Experience:

• Previous design experience within industries similar to forestry, such as mobile heavy-duty equipment for construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming is a significant asset.
• The role is best suited for candidates with 2-5 years of relevant design experience.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, control logic, mobile computer systems, user interfaces, low-power electrical design, and mobile hydraulic systems.
• Hands-on, creative, self-motivated, and passionate with a willingness to tackle diverse and challenging technical tasks.
• Excellent communication and reasoning skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to a changing work environment, competing demands, and unexpected events.
• Ability to balance aesthetics with practicality in product design, creating visually appealing and user-friendly solutions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Design experience in:
  • Welded steel fabrications (manual and robotic welding).
  • Hydraulic cylinders, components, control valve, and plumbing details.
  • Implementing advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems, sensors, and controllers.
  • Diesel engine installations, vehicle drive train transmissions, and axle component selection.
  • Designing attachments for seamless integration with heavy equipment, considering load distribution, stress analysis, material selection, and ease of installation.
• Experience with 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Experience with fluid power systems, engine systems, electrical, and electronic systems, as well as drive train systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic knowledge (Mechatronics/Mechanical Engineering) and practical, hands-on experience with heavy machinery. The preference for experience in related industries and specific design areas like welded fabrications and hydraulic systems suggests a need for specialized knowledge relevant to Tigercat's product line. The mention of SolidWorks is a key technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of detailed mechanical designs and engineering drawings for complex systems.
• Examples of integrated electro-hydraulic or computer-controlled systems, illustrating control logic and component selection.
• Prototypes or case studies demonstrating the development of user-friendly interfaces for operators or technicians.
• Documentation of material selection processes and justifications for their use in demanding environments.
• Evidence of design optimization efforts, including cost reduction and efficiency improvements, supported by quantifiable results.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of structured design processes, from initial concept to final specification.
• Documentation of validation and testing methodologies (e.g., stress analysis reports, control logic verification procedures).
• Demonstrations of collaborative workflows with cross-functional teams, including problem-solving approaches.
• Case studies detailing the integration of various subsystems (e.g., hydraulics, electronics, driveline) into a cohesive product.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design work but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the engineering process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate design decisions and their impact, especially concerning system integration and performance in rugged applications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the location (Cambridge/Paris, ON, Canada), experience level (2-5 years), and the specialized nature of mechatronics and heavy equipment design, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between CAD $70,000 - $95,000. This range reflects the demand for skilled mechanical and mechatronics engineers in the manufacturing sector in Ontario.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: In addition to base salary, employees benefit from profit-sharing, acknowledging collective success.
• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning through employer matching contributions.
• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Opportunities for professional growth with reimbursement for pre-approved industry-related learning.
• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive health coverage including prescriptions, massages, physiotherapy, vision, and access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Active Social Committee: Participation in various company-sponsored social events, including family gatherings, holiday parties, and outings.

Working Hours:

• Dedicated Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, totaling 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical mid-level engineering roles in the manufacturing and heavy equipment sector in Ontario, Canada, considering the specialized skills required for mechatronics design. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing (Forestry Equipment) Company Size: Tigercat is a significant player in its niche, employing a substantial workforce across its facilities. While the exact number for the combined Tigercat | MacDonald Steel entity isn't specified, Tigercat Industries as a whole is known for its specialized manufacturing operations, indicating a company focused on engineering excellence and product durability. Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, with MacDonald Steel being a part of the group, suggesting a history of innovation and steady growth in the specialized equipment sector.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will work within an established engineering team, implying a collaborative environment with experienced professionals.
• The role requires close interaction with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and quality control, indicating a matrixed or project-based team structure.
• Reporting likely falls within a Mechanical Engineering or Product Development department, with a direct supervisor or lead engineer.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rigorous product design and development processes, including detailed CAD modeling, simulation, and testing.
• A data-driven approach to problem-solving and design optimization, utilizing performance metrics and analysis.
• Focus on integrating complex systems (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic) into cohesive and reliable products.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in machinery for challenging environments.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat is known for its specialized focus on high-performance forestry equipment, suggesting a culture that values engineering expertise, durability, and innovation. The integration of MacDonald Steel likely brings additional manufacturing capabilities and expertise into the fold.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical design experience. It's a crucial contributor role focused on tangible product development.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager within the product development team. Collaboration will extend across the engineering department and into manufacturing and quality assurance.

Operations Impact: The designs created by this role directly impact the performance, reliability, and efficiency of Tigercat's heavy machinery. Successful designs contribute to increased market competitiveness, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth for the company. This role is central to bringing innovative and robust equipment to market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mechatronics, fluid power, or specific areas of heavy equipment design.
• Senior Design Roles: Advance to Senior Product Designer or Lead Designer positions, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior engineers.
• Project Management: Transition into roles focused on managing product development projects from conception to launch.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into related areas like manufacturing engineering, R&D, or technical support management.
• Continuous Learning: Access to training reimbursement and on-the-job learning for staying at the forefront of engineering technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Product Designer in this specialized field typically involves growing technical depth and project complexity, potentially leading to leadership or specialized expert roles. The company's emphasis on innovation suggests a supportive environment for skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the designer to work within the company's engineering and manufacturing facilities. Office Location(s): The role is based across multiple locations in Cambridge, ON, and Paris, ON, Canada, offering flexibility in commuting within the region.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative engineering environment with access to design software (SolidWorks) and potentially prototyping facilities.
• Close proximity to manufacturing floors, allowing for direct observation of designs in production and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Opportunities for interaction with experienced engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
• A dynamic setting focused on product development for rugged outdoor applications.

Work Schedule:

• A consistent Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM schedule (40 hours/week) provides a predictable work-life balance while allowing for full integration into the design and production cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for design roles that involve close collaboration with manufacturing and require hands-on interaction with prototypes and production processes. The multiple locations might offer some flexibility for candidates residing in the broader Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications and relevant experience.
• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with engineering leads or senior designers focusing on mechanical and mechatronic principles, system integration, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions related to past design challenges and solutions.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from the candidate's portfolio. Focus on design rationale, technical challenges, trade-offs made, and the impact of their solutions.
• Practical/Case Study: Potential for a design exercise or problem-solving scenario relevant to mechatronics or heavy equipment design.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues and managers to assess collaboration style and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Mechatronic Integration: Clearly showcase projects where mechanical, electrical, and control systems were integrated. Explain the design process and the rationale behind component choices.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, provide metrics or evidence of successful outcomes (e.g., improved performance, reduced cost, enhanced durability, user feedback).
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Use case studies to illustrate how you identified a problem, developed a solution, and the technical challenges you overcame.
• Showcase CAD Proficiency: Include well-annotated 3D models and 2D drawings that demonstrate your skill with software like SolidWorks.
• Tailor to Tigercat: If possible, include examples of designs for heavy-duty mobile equipment or similar complex machinery. Emphasize your understanding of the demands of the forestry industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for durability, reliability, and maintainability in harsh environments.
• Brush up on core mechanical engineering principles, fluid power, control systems, and material science.
• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you would to a mixed audience of engineers and managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to integrate complex systems. A strong portfolio that visually and conceptually demonstrates these capabilities is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling: SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as a required software experience. Proficiency in creating complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and performing basic simulations within SolidWorks is essential.
• CAD/CAM Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with related CAD/CAM systems might be beneficial for design for manufacturing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Simulation Software: Tools for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress and fatigue testing, and potentially Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for hydraulic systems, may be utilized.
• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing test data to validate designs and identify areas for optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a primary focus for product design roles, but understanding how product designs feed into ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for BOM management would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the key technical tool requirement. Expect to demonstrate proficiency in its use for complex mechanical design and system integration. Familiarity with simulation tools for performance validation would be a significant asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Engineering Excellence: A strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy equipment design and performance.
• Durability & Reliability: A core focus on building robust machinery that can withstand harsh operating conditions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across departments to bring high-quality products to market.
• Customer Focus: Designing equipment that meets the specific needs and challenges of end-users in demanding industries.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, adaptation, and the pursuit of efficiency and optimization in design and manufacturing.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving close interaction with fellow engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control personnel.
• Open communication channels are expected to facilitate problem-solving and ensure seamless integration of designs into production.
• A proactive approach to seeking and providing feedback to drive product improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat's culture likely values technical expertise, a hands-on approach, and a shared dedication to producing industry-leading machinery. The "family-oriented" aspect suggests a supportive and cohesive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Environments: Creating robust designs that can withstand the demanding conditions of forestry operations (e.g., dirt, moisture, extreme temperatures, heavy loads).
• System Integration Complexity: Effectively integrating mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic components into a cohesive, functional, and reliable system.
• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Finding optimal solutions that meet high-performance requirements while remaining cost-effective to produce and easy to manufacture.
• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with new materials, control technologies, and automation trends in heavy equipment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced mechatronics, fluid power, control systems, and specific design software.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn directly from experienced engineers and gain insights into the forestry equipment market.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Engaging with manufacturing and quality teams provides a holistic understanding of product development.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior engineers and contribute to the development of future designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the demanding nature of the industry and the complexity of mechatronic systems. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding project scope.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechatronic system you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and problem-solving.)
• "How would you approach designing a new hydraulic control system for a piece of heavy machinery to improve efficiency and responsiveness?" (Demonstrate your understanding of hydraulic principles and control logic.)
• "Walk me through your process for selecting materials for a component that will be subjected to high stress and environmental wear." (Highlight your knowledge of material properties and selection criteria.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry, specifically for Tigercat?" (Show your research into the company and industry.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are not only functional but also user-friendly for operators and technicians?" (Discuss your approach to human-centered design.)
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with manufacturing or quality control to resolve a design issue. What was your approach?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. Start with your most relevant and impactful projects.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your design process, the technical challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images, CAD renderings, diagrams, and any available prototype or final product photos.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the engineering principles behind your designs, trade-offs made, and alternative solutions considered.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., efficiency gains, weight reduction, cost savings, improved performance).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific technical challenges related to mechatronics, hydraulics, and heavy equipment design. Your portfolio should be the centerpiece of your discussion, demonstrating your practical application of engineering principles and your problem-solving capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - Mechatronics position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided application link for Tigercat | MacDonald Steel.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant design projects that showcase your mechatronics, mechanical design, and system integration skills. Ensure each project clearly articulates the problem, your design process, technical challenges, and quantifiable outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Mechatronics," "Mechanical Engineering," "3D Modeling (SolidWorks)," "Hydraulic Systems," "Control Logic," and experience with "heavy-duty equipment." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review core mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to fluid power, control systems, material science, and stress analysis. Practice explaining your design decisions and rationale.
• Research Tigercat: Understand the company's mission, its products, the challenges of the forestry industry, and its commitment to innovation and durability. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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