Product Designer - Terminals

Price Industries Limited
Full_timeWinnipeg, Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Terminals Company: Price Industries Limited Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering / Product Design Date Posted: February 11, 2026 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role focuses on the design and development of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system components, specifically terminals, within a manufacturing environment.
  • The position requires technical proficiency in engineering principles and design software, with an emphasis on translating client specifications and industry standards into functional product designs.
  • Key activities include performing technical calculations, simulations, and analyses to optimize product performance, efficiency, cost, and manufacturability.
  • The role demands strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, and clients, to ensure successful project delivery and product implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer - Terminals," the description clearly indicates a focus on mechanical engineering and HVAC system components, suggesting a specialization within product design for the HVAC industry. The "Terminals" aspect likely refers to specific HVAC components like air terminals, diffusers, grilles, or registers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design & Development: Design and test HVAC equipment and systems, specifically terminals, adhering to client specifications and relevant industry standards.
  • Technical Analysis: Conduct engineering calculations, simulations, and performance analyses to optimize HVAC components for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
  • Documentation: Prepare comprehensive technical reports, detailed drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOM), and manufacturing documentation for HVAC projects.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing teams, other engineers, designers, contractors, and clients to ensure seamless project execution and successful delivery of HVAC solutions.
  • Problem Resolution: Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to HVAC systems and product performance.
  • Client Support: Provide timely and professional service support to existing clients by addressing inquiries, requests, and feedback.
  • Industry Research: Stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in HVAC engineering and product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design, analysis, documentation, and client-facing support, typical of a product design role within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on "client specifications" and "industry standards" underscores the need for precision and adherence to established guidelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Technology program.

Experience:

  • Entry-level to 2 years of experience in a design or engineering role, preferably within the HVAC industry.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in design software, specifically SolidWorks, for creating and testing 3D models and assemblies.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, codes, and standards relevant to HVAC systems.
  • Ability to perform engineering calculations and simulations to analyze product performance.
  • Competency in preparing technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and client interaction.
  • Proven teamwork and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of electrical and control systems within HVAC applications.
  • Familiarity with international standards for sustainable building design (e.g., LEED) and technical air distribution technologies in green buildings.
  • Previous experience with sheet metal manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout North America.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a foundational engineering education coupled with practical design software proficiency. The preferred skills indicate a company that values sustainability and has integrated manufacturing processes, suggesting opportunities for candidates to learn and grow in these specialized areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Design Projects: Showcase 2-3 significant design projects, ideally related to HVAC components or mechanical systems, demonstrating your design process from concept to completion.
  • Technical Drawings & Schematics: Include examples of detailed 2D and 3D drawings, schematics, and Bill of Materials (BOM) created using CAD software like SolidWorks.
  • Analysis & Simulation Outputs: Present results from calculations, simulations, or performance analyses performed on designed components, highlighting optimization efforts and findings.
  • Problem-Solving Case Studies: Detail a specific design challenge encountered and how you approached its resolution, including the impact of your solution.
  • Documentation Samples: Provide examples of technical reports or specifications you have authored, demonstrating clarity and accuracy in technical writing.

Process Documentation:

  • Design Workflow: Be prepared to discuss your approach to the design process, from understanding client requirements and initial concept generation to detailed design, prototyping, and testing.
  • Collaboration Protocols: Articulate how you collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.
  • Optimization Methodologies: Explain the methods you use to analyze and optimize designs for performance, efficiency, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Quality Assurance: Describe your approach to ensuring designs meet client specifications, industry standards, and quality requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level Product Designer role, the portfolio should focus on academic projects, personal projects, or internship work that demonstrates core design skills, technical understanding, and problem-solving capabilities. The emphasis is on showcasing potential and a strong understanding of the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for an Entry-level Product Designer with a Mechanical Engineering background in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $55,000 - $70,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Winnipeg, the typical starting salary for engineering graduates, and the specific requirements of the role.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health and Dental coverage for employees and their families.
  • Access to PocketPills, Canada's first digital pharmacy, offering prescription delivery and care team support.
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) providing confidential counseling and support for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
  • Life and Disability insurance coverage, with options for additional coverage.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with a company match of up to 3% of salary.
  • Gym Subsidy Program offering reimbursement of up to $300 per year for gym memberships and fitness apps.
  • "Goals, Rewards, Improvement and Teamwork" (GRIT) program with potential monthly team rewards for qualifying teams.
  • Commitment to Personal and Professional Development through training and education opportunities.
  • Paid opportunities for Community Involvement in supporting health, charities, youth, and education.
  • On-site Price Café offering complimentary Tea and Coffee.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, but the role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for entry-level Mechanical Engineers/Product Designers in Winnipeg. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, qualifications, and the company's specific compensation structure. The extensive benefits package reflects a company committed to employee well-being and long-term engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Air Distribution Products, HVAC Systems, Critical Controls, Noise Control) Company Size: Over 1,000 employees (based on LinkedIn data for Price Industries Limited). This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and potential for growth. Founded: 1950. With over 70 years of history, Price Industries Limited has a deep heritage, a strong market presence, and a proven track record in the HVAC industry.

Team Structure:

  • Engineering Department: Likely organized into specialized teams focusing on different product lines or engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical design, electrical controls, product development).
  • Reporting: This Product Designer role will likely report to a Senior Product Designer, Engineering Lead, or Engineering Manager.
  • Cross-functional Integration: The role inherently requires close collaboration with manufacturing, sales, project management, and potentially R&D teams, fostering a highly integrated work environment.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on calculations, simulations, and testing to inform design decisions and optimize product performance.
  • Process Optimization: A continuous focus on improving efficiency, cost, and manufacturability in product design and production.
  • Innovation & Quality: A commitment to developing innovative solutions while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability, as evidenced by their market leadership.

Company Website: www.priceindustries.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, family-owned company with a long history, Price Industries likely balances a culture of innovation and forward-thinking with a strong foundation of business integrity, service, and employee commitment. The "Price way of doing business" suggests established values and operational principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Product Designer. This role is designed for individuals early in their mechanical engineering or product design careers, offering a foundational experience in HVAC product development.

Reporting Structure:

  • The successful candidate will report to a management level within the engineering or product design department, likely a Senior Designer or Engineering Manager.
  • Interaction will be frequent with peers in design, manufacturing engineers, project managers, and potentially sales engineers.

Operations Impact:

  • This role contributes directly to the development and refinement of HVAC products, impacting Price Industries' market competitiveness, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • By optimizing designs for performance and manufacturability, the role indirectly influences operational efficiency, cost of goods sold, and overall profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Develop deep expertise in HVAC systems, air distribution components, and advanced design tools like SolidWorks.
  • Career Progression: Advance to Senior Product Designer, Lead Designer, or specialized roles in areas like R&D, simulation, or product management within the company.
  • Skill Development: Gain experience in sustainable design, advanced manufacturing processes, and project management through on-the-job training and company-provided development programs.
  • Leadership Potential: Opportunities to lead design projects or mentor junior designers as experience is gained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from this entry-level role within a company like Price Industries is typically structured, offering clear advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals who demonstrate technical aptitude and commitment to the company's goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Price Industries' manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. This suggests an environment that blends office-based design work with close proximity to production and R&D.

Office Location(s): Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This location offers a stable operational base with access to a skilled workforce.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Design Space: Likely a modern design office environment equipped with necessary CAD workstations and software.
  • Proximity to Manufacturing: Close interaction with the manufacturing floor provides hands-on learning and real-time feedback on design implementations.
  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with engineering colleagues, manufacturing personnel, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (SolidWorks) and potentially other engineering analysis tools.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time, on-site work schedule. While core hours are expected, some flexibility might be offered based on project needs, but the expectation is consistent presence at the facility to facilitate collaboration and access to resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a manufacturing facility offers unique advantages for a product designer, including direct observation of production processes, immediate feedback on design iterations, and a tangible connection to the product lifecycle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Resume and cover letter review to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.
  • Technical Assessment/Interview: May include a technical quiz or a discussion focusing on engineering principles, SolidWorks proficiency, and problem-solving scenarios.
  • Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your design projects, demonstrating your process, technical skills, and problem-solving approach.
  • Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions to assess communication, teamwork, project management skills, and alignment with Price Industries' values.
  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or department heads to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Structure Your Projects: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear introduction for each project that outlines the problem, your role, the solution, and the outcome.
  • Highlight Design Process: Emphasize your thought process, how you approached challenges, and the iterations you went through. Showcase sketches, CAD models, simulations, and final documentation.
  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced cost by Y%, met Z specification).
  • Showcase SolidWorks Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency with SolidWorks through detailed models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
  • Tailor to HVAC: If you have HVAC-related projects, prioritize them. Otherwise, highlight transferable skills in mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to HVAC terminals. Think about factors like airflow, acoustics, thermal performance, material selection, and manufacturability.
  • SolidWorks Exercises: Practice common SolidWorks tasks such as creating complex parts, building assemblies, generating drawings, and potentially basic simulation setups.
  • Technical Knowledge: Review fundamental mechanical engineering principles, HVAC concepts, and common industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the interview process will heavily focus on assessing potential, foundational knowledge, and the ability to learn and grow. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates design thinking and technical skills is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • CAD Software: SolidWorks (essential). Proficiency is a core requirement.
  • Simulation/Analysis Software: Potentially SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) tools for performance calculations and optimizations.
  • BOM Management Tools: Integrated within ERP/MRP systems or standalone.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Technical Reporting Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel for calculations and data analysis), potentially specialized reporting software.
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in Excel is highly beneficial for calculations and data manipulation.

CRM & Automation:

  • MRP/ERP Systems: Experience with systems like SAP, Oracle, or industry-specific solutions is an asset for understanding production planning and material management.
  • Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira might be used for task management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the critical tool for this role. Familiarity with broader engineering analysis software and manufacturing systems (MRP/ERP) will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Integrity & Service: Price Industries emphasizes business integrity and first-class service, suggesting a culture where honesty, reliability, and customer focus are paramount.
  • Innovation: A commitment to innovation drives the company's success, indicating an environment that encourages new ideas and continuous improvement in product design and manufacturing.
  • Commitment to People: The company's founding principles highlight a value placed on its employees, suggesting a supportive and team-driven work environment.
  • Quality & Reliability: As a market leader, there's a strong emphasis on dependable quality and reliable delivery, which translates into a culture of meticulousness and high standards in engineering and production.

Collaboration Style:

  • Team-Oriented: The job description explicitly mentions collaboration with manufacturing, engineering, and clients, pointing to a highly interactive and team-centric approach.
  • Cross-Functional: Expect to work closely with individuals from diverse departments, requiring clear communication and the ability to bridge technical and operational perspectives.
  • Problem-Solving Focused: The engineering and manufacturing context implies a culture that values collaborative problem-solving to overcome technical and production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and family ownership suggest a culture that values stability, long-term relationships, and a strong sense of community within the organization, alongside its drive for innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Specifications to Design: Effectively interpreting complex client requirements and industry standards into robust, manufacturable product designs.
  • Balancing Design Constraints: Optimizing designs for performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability simultaneously.
  • Cross-functional Communication: Effectively communicating technical designs and concepts to non-technical stakeholders in manufacturing, sales, and client teams.
  • Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with new HVAC technologies, materials, and design tools in a dynamic industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • HVAC Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of air distribution principles, HVAC systems, and related technologies.
  • Advanced Design Skills: Master SolidWorks and potentially explore advanced simulation and analysis techniques.
  • Sustainable Design Practices: Gain exposure to green building standards and sustainable engineering methodologies.
  • Manufacturing Process Understanding: Learn about sheet metal fabrication and other manufacturing processes relevant to HVAC product creation.
  • Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and designers within a well-established company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent entry point into the HVAC manufacturing sector, offering significant opportunities for technical growth and specialization within a supportive environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from concept to final documentation for a mechanical component." Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects using this framework.
  • SolidWorks Application: "How would you approach designing a new air terminal in SolidWorks, considering factors like airflow, noise, and material constraints?"
  • Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a technical challenge in a design project and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?"
  • Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with manufacturing teams when handing off a design for production?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Knowledge: "What do you know about Price Industries and the HVAC market?" Research their products, values, and recent news.
  • Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic."
  • Values Alignment: "How do your personal values align with Price Industries' commitment to integrity, service, and innovation?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Concise & Focused: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role.
  • Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story: the problem, your approach, the tools used (especially SolidWorks), the challenges overcome, and the results achieved.
  • Visuals: Use clear CAD renderings, drawings, and simulation results. Explain what the visuals represent.
  • Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details and engineering principles behind your designs.
  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving methods, and any limitations or future improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating your foundational engineering knowledge, your practical application of SolidWorks, and your potential to learn and contribute within the HVAC industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link.
  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your Mechanical Engineering education, SolidWorks proficiency, design project experience (academic or professional), and any relevant coursework or internships. Use keywords from the job description like "HVAC," "SolidWorks," "Mechanical Engineering," "design," "testing," and "documentation."
  • Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain your interest in product design within the HVAC industry, your enthusiasm for Price Industries, and how your skills and qualifications align with the role's requirements.
  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, showcases your best design work (especially using SolidWorks), and clearly demonstrates your understanding of the design process and technical problem-solving. Be ready to present it.
  • Research Price Industries: Understand their products, history, values, and market position. This will help you tailor your application and answer interview questions effectively.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

The ideal candidate should have graduated from a Mechanical Engineering degree or Technology program and possess knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, codes, and standards related to the HVAC industry. Proficiency in SolidWorks and strong skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management are essential, along with the ability to travel throughout North America.