Product Designer - Mechatronics

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Mechatronics Systems

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

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

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: April 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop complex mechatronic systems for heavy-duty forestry equipment, integrating mechanical, electro-hydraulic, and computer-controlled components.

• Create detailed mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications, ensuring adherence to stringent performance, safety, and industry standards.

• Develop efficient and user-friendly operator and service technician interfaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams to ensure seamless product integration and continuous improvement.

• Conduct rigorous testing, including stress analysis, fatigue testing, and control logic validation, to optimize product performance and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the mechatronic systems within heavy machinery for the forestry sector. It requires a blend of mechanical design, control systems engineering, and user interface development, with a strong emphasis on practical application and problem-solving in rugged environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks), ensuring compliance with performance and safety requirements.

• Engineer electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems by integrating hydraulic components, sensors, input devices, and control logic for mobile machines.

• Create user-friendly and efficient interface systems for operators and service technicians, focusing on intuitive design and ease of use.

• Select appropriate materials and components based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, manufacturing personnel, and quality control, to ensure successful design implementation and integration.

• Perform and analyze various tests, such as stress analysis, fatigue testing, vibration analysis, and control logic simulations, to validate designs and enhance performance and durability.

• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, control logic diagrams, and detailed bills of materials (BOMs).

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and overall efficiency improvements in existing and new product lines.

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

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and performance enhancements when required.

• Undertake occasional travel within Canada and internationally for research, field support, and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring the designer to engage in everything from initial concept and design to testing, documentation, and even field support. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement is key to success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of engineering principles, control logic, mobile computer systems, user interfaces, low-power electrical design, and mobile hydraulic systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to tackle diverse and challenging technical tasks.

• Effective communication and reasoning skills, essential for collaborating within multi-disciplinary project teams.

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected changes.

• Ability to balance aesthetic considerations with practical functionality in product design.

• A proactive and self-motivated approach with a passion for innovation and continuous learning.

Preferred Skills:

• Design experience in welded steel fabrications (manual and robotic welding).

• Expertise in hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing.

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

• Knowledge of diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train/axle component selection.

• Experience designing attachments for heavy equipment, including considerations for load distribution, stress analysis, material selection, and ease of installation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a well-rounded engineer with a strong theoretical foundation and practical application skills. Experience with specific types of heavy machinery and components is highly valued, as is a proactive and adaptable mindset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of mechanical designs, including complex assemblies and individual components.

• Present case studies demonstrating the design process for electro-hydraulic or computer-controlled systems, highlighting control logic implementation and sensor integration.

• Include examples of user interface designs for operators or service technicians, emphasizing usability and efficiency.

• Provide evidence of rigorous testing methodologies applied, such as stress analysis reports, fatigue life calculations, or control system validation results.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, control logic diagrams, and detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Showcase examples of workflow optimization and efficiency improvements implemented in previous designs.

• Highlight experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, demonstrating not just design capability but also a systematic approach to problem-solving, testing, and documentation. Showcase projects that highlight integration and system-level thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing: Opportunity to share in the company's financial successes.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement savings 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.

Working Hours:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for engineering roles in Ontario, Canada, and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience and qualifications. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial security, and a strong company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing (Forestry)

Company Size: Tigercat is a significant player in the forestry equipment manufacturing sector, part of the Tigercat Industries group of companies, which implies a substantial operational footprint and a dedicated focus on specialized machinery. This size often means structured processes but also opportunities for impact within specific divisions.

Founded: Tigercat Industries was founded in 1992, indicating a well-established company with decades of experience and innovation in its field, fostering a culture of expertise and reliability.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of an established engineering team, working closely with fellow designers and engineers.

• Collaboration is expected with manufacturing and quality control departments, suggesting a cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• Design process emphasizes creating detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications.

• Integration of electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems is a core methodology.

• Rigorous testing (stress analysis, fatigue testing, control logic) is integral to validating designs.

• A strong focus on user interface design for operators and service technicians.

• Emphasis on continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies for innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat positions itself as a leader in its niche, valuing innovation, reliability, and a strong team environment. The company culture appears to be family-oriented, with a focus on employee well-being and professional development, alongside its core manufacturing operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It involves taking ownership of design tasks, contributing to new developments, and collaborating across teams, indicating a step beyond junior roles into more independent contributions.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a broader engineering team, likely under the supervision of a senior engineer or engineering manager. Close collaboration with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially other design engineers is expected, fostering a team-oriented development environment.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly influences the performance, reliability, and user experience of Tigercat's heavy-duty forestry equipment. Successful designs contribute to enhanced operational efficiency for customers, reduced downtime, and the company's reputation for innovation and quality in a demanding industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mechatronics, electro-hydraulics, control systems, or specific areas like welded steel fabrication or drive train systems.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Product Designer or Lead Engineer role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to move into roles in manufacturing engineering, product management, or advanced R&D.

• Continued Learning: Access to skills development and training reimbursement to stay current with evolving technologies and engineering practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized engineering field. The company's commitment to training and development, coupled with the opportunity to impact core product lines, makes it an attractive position for career advancement in heavy equipment design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence at one of the designated office locations in Brantford, Paris, or Cambridge, ON. This setting facilitates direct collaboration with engineering teams, workshop access, and hands-on involvement with prototypes and equipment.

Office Location(s):

• Brantford, Ontario, Canada

• Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative engineering environment where design work is integrated with practical application and manufacturing processes.

• Access to necessary design software (SolidWorks) and potentially engineering labs for testing and analysis.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with manufacturing floor personnel, providing real-time feedback and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This consistent schedule allows for work-life balance while ensuring full engagement during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for product design roles involving physical hardware and manufacturing. The specified locations are in a manufacturing-rich region of Ontario, offering a stable and established industrial environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on engineering principles, mechatronics concepts, control systems, and your experience with specific tools like SolidWorks. Expect questions about problem-solving methodologies and past projects.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be presented with a hypothetical design problem or asked to walk through a past project in detail, demonstrating your design process, decision-making, and technical rationale.

• Team/Manager Interview: Assessment of your fit with the engineering team's culture, collaboration style, and overall ability to integrate into the company.

• Final Interview: May involve senior engineering leadership to discuss long-term potential and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Mechatronic Integration: Clearly showcase projects where you've integrated mechanical, electrical, and software/control elements.

• Detail Design Process: For each project, explain your problem definition, design approach, material selection, analysis methods (stress, fatigue), and testing procedures.

• Showcase SolidWorks Proficiency: Include examples of complex assemblies, part designs, and potentially simulations or rendering from SolidWorks.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., performance improvement, cost reduction, increased durability).

• User Interface Focus: If applicable, present designs for operator interfaces, explaining your rationale for usability and efficiency.

• Technical Documentation: Include samples or descriptions of technical documentation you've created (BOMs, specifications).

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Core Concepts: Refresh your knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, control theory, hydraulics, and mechatronic system design.

• Practice SolidWorks: Be prepared to discuss your workflow and potentially demonstrate proficiency with specific features if asked.

• Develop Case Studies: Have 2-3 detailed examples of past projects ready to discuss, covering challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Understand the Industry: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's products and the specific demands of heavy-duty forestry equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely be thorough, focusing on both technical expertise and practical application. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates your capabilities in mechatronic design and system integration is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling: SolidWorks (explicitly mentioned as required). Proficiency in creating complex parts, assemblies, and drawings is essential.

• CAD/CAM Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with related CAD/CAM principles for manufacturing integration is beneficial.

• Simulation & Analysis Software: Tools for stress analysis, fatigue testing, vibration analysis, and control logic simulation will be utilized. This could include SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: For interpreting test results and performance data.

• Documentation Software: For generating technical documentation, specifications, and BOMs.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how designs feed into production and sales systems may be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the cornerstone of the technical stack. Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools is also critical for validating designs and optimizing performance, aligning with the responsibilities of conducting various tests.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Quality & Reliability: A commitment to building robust, durable equipment that performs in demanding conditions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

• Problem-Solving: A hands-on, analytical approach to tackling complex technical challenges.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that meet the specific needs and operational demands of forestry professionals.

Collaboration Style:

• Close collaboration with fellow engineers, designers, manufacturing, and quality control.

• Open communication is essential for integrating designs into production and troubleshooting issues.

• A proactive approach to sharing knowledge and seeking input from various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a blend of technical excellence, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products. The family-oriented culture suggests a supportive environment where team members are encouraged to contribute and grow.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Rugged Environments: Creating mechatronic systems that can withstand the extreme conditions and heavy usage typical in the forestry industry.

• System Integration Complexity: Seamlessly integrating mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems into a cohesive and functional whole.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Meeting high performance standards while remaining cost-effective and producible.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in automation, sensors, and control systems relevant to heavy machinery.

• Field Support and Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving complex issues that may arise in real-world operational settings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like advanced hydraulics, control system design, sensor integration, or specific materials science.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events to stay abreast of new technologies and network with peers.

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

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of design projects, allowing for broad skill development across different machine components and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges in a demanding industry, offering significant opportunities for engineers who thrive on complex problem-solving and continuous learning. The company's commitment to development supports career progression in specialized engineering fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechatronic system you designed. What were the key challenges, your approach to integration, and the outcome?" (Focus on detailing your process, decision-making, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you approach designing user interfaces for heavy equipment operators or service technicians? What principles guide your design choices for usability and efficiency?" (Highlight your understanding of ergonomics, user experience, and practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Tigercat and the forestry equipment industry specifically?" (Research Tigercat's mission, values, and product lines. Show genuine interest in their niche.)

• "How do you handle competing demands or unexpected changes in a project timeline or scope?" (Emphasize your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and communication approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize by Project: Present your strongest projects clearly, starting with the most relevant to mechatronics and heavy equipment.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your design solution, the technical details (materials, calculations, control logic), testing performed, and the impact/results.

• Showcase SolidWorks: Be ready to discuss your process in SolidWorks and highlight complex features or analyses you performed.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., X% improvement in efficiency, Y% reduction in weight, Z hours of operational testing).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices and technical rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. Your portfolio is your primary tool; ensure it is well-organized and effectively communicates the value you can bring to Tigercat.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - Mechatronics Systems position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to emphasize your experience with mechatronic systems, SolidWorks, electro-hydraulic design, control logic, and heavy equipment if applicable. Highlight any projects relevant to the forestry or similar heavy-duty equipment industries.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your relevant education (Mechatronics/Mechanical Engineering), years of experience, specific technical skills (SolidWorks, analysis tools), and achievements, using keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Prepare specific examples from your experience that align with the primary responsibilities and qualifications listed. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Tigercat Industries, their products, their position in the forestry equipment market, and their stated company values. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the heavy-duty machinery 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.