Water Slide Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Slide Product Designer

Company: Proslide Technology

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Engineering

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of intricate 3D surface geometry for large-scale fiberglass (FRP) water ride systems.

• Translate complex ride geometries into production-ready components, ensuring adherence to performance and safety standards.

• Drive manufacturability considerations into all designs, focusing on fiberglass fabrication processes.

• Produce comprehensive technical documentation and support product installation on-site.

• Contribute to a dynamic product development lifecycle, from concept to global installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on advanced CAD surfacing and the practical application of design principles for large-scale, manufactured products within the amusement and water park industry. The emphasis is on translating digital models into tangible, safe, and high-performing physical assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end development of complex 3D surface models for waterslide components, ensuring A-class surface quality and continuity.

• Create detailed part drawings and technical data packages (TDPs) that clearly communicate design intent for manufacturing.

• Integrate manufacturability considerations, including part splitting, appropriate draft angles, and flange designs, into all CAD models.

• Collaborate closely with fabrication teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and readily producible using fiberglass (FRP) processes.

• Contribute to all stages of the product development lifecycle, from initial concept ideation and refinement through to final product installation and validation.

• Develop and execute test plans for prototype and production components, analyzing results to drive iterative design improvements.

• Participate actively in design reviews, providing technical feasibility assessments and performance insights.

• Provide on-site field support for installation and product verification activities, requiring up to 15% international travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product design, requiring not only advanced CAD skills but also a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and physical product performance. The inclusion of field support and international travel indicates a role with significant real-world impact and exposure to diverse installation environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is strongly implied given the complexity of the role and the required experience level.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in product design, with a dedicated focus on advanced 3D CAD surface modeling and manufacturable design principles.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in SOLIDWORKS surfacing tools or equivalent CAD surfacing platforms (e.g., Alias, Rhinoceros).

• Proven ability to create and manipulate complex, non-prismatic 3D surface geometry.

• Strong understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) principles, particularly as they apply to fiberglass (FRP) production.

• Expertise in developing geometry for long, continuous ride paths and intricate transitions.

• Ability to produce detailed part drawings and technical documentation packages (TDPs).

• Experience with PDM (Product Data Management) systems for managing design evolution.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD and the use of blocks for technical drawings.

• Demonstrable understanding of how digital designs translate into physical products and their performance characteristics.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a keen eye for geometric detail and precision.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing fiberglass (FRP) parts and their associated tooling or molds.

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, physical validation, and testing of manufactured components.

• Experience working with large-scale physical products or complex assemblies.

• Familiarity with industry-specific design standards for amusement rides and attractions.

• Knowledge of material properties and manufacturing limitations relevant to FRP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on SOLIDWORKS surfacing and "A-class" or equivalent surface quality points to a need for highly refined modeling skills, often associated with automotive or aerospace design, applied here to recreational products. The requirement for understanding how designs are "built in the real world" and experience with fiberglass manufacturing is a critical differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex 3D surface modeling projects, demonstrating advanced surfacing techniques and A-class quality.

• Include examples of designs translated into manufacturable components, with clear explanations of design for manufacturing (DFM) considerations applied (e.g., part splitting, draft, flanges).

• Present technical documentation (part drawings, TDPs) for at least one complex product, illustrating clarity and completeness.

• Detail projects that involved iterative design processes, including problem identification, solution development, and validation outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for developing complex surfaces from concept to production-ready data.

• Be ready to explain how they ensure surface continuity and quality across multi-part assemblies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document design decisions and rationale, essential for PDM systems and design reviews.

• Be prepared to articulate their approach to integrating feedback from fabrication and installation teams into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states that portfolios should demonstrate "strong surface modeling capability and real-world product development experience." This implies a need for portfolios that go beyond purely aesthetic renderings and showcase practical engineering and manufacturing considerations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of paid vacation annually.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Company-paid extended health and dental benefits.

• Wellness Support: Annual Wellness Wallet to support employee well-being.

• Performance Incentives: Eligibility for incentive programs.

• Retirement Savings: RRSP matching program available after one year of service.

• On-site Convenience: Free parking at the Ottawa head office.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours, typical for a full-time, on-site engineering and design role. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands, but the core expectation is presence at the Ottawa office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a solid benchmark for a product designer with 5+ years of specialized CAD surfacing experience in the Ottawa region. When considering this range, it's important to factor in the cost of living in Ottawa. The benefits package is competitive, with specific perks like the Annual Wellness Wallet and RRSP matching adding significant value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Amusement Rides & Attractions Manufacturing. ProSlide Technology is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high-performance water rides for the water park industry. They are known for innovation, pushing the boundaries of water ride technology and guest experience.

Company Size: ProSlide Technology operates with a significant global presence, likely employing several hundred individuals across its operations, though specific employee count data is not provided in the raw input. This suggests a company with established processes but also room for individual impact.

Founded: ProSlide Technology was founded in 1986. This long history indicates a stable company with deep expertise and a proven track record in its specialized market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Development Team is likely composed of specialized engineers and designers focused on different aspects of ride creation, including structural engineering, hydraulics, and surface geometry.

• This role reports into a Product Development lead or manager, with close collaboration expected with fabrication teams, project managers, and potentially sales and installation personnel.

Methodology:

• ProSlide likely employs a structured product development process, which this role contributes to, involving stages like concept, detailed design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and installation.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on testing, validation, and iterative improvements based on performance analysis.

• A strong focus on best practices in 3D surface modeling and design for manufacturing is fundamental to their operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ProSlide's position as a market leader implies a culture of innovation, high standards, and a commitment to quality and safety. The company's long history suggests a stable work environment with deep technical expertise. The focus on "complex 3D surface geometry" and "manufacturable design" points to a technically rigorous and detail-oriented team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Product Designer, requiring substantial specialized experience (5+ years) and advanced technical skills in CAD surfacing. It's a highly technical contributor role with significant ownership over critical design elements.

Reporting Structure: The Water Slide Product Designer will report to a manager within the Product Development team. They will work closely with other designers, engineers, and fabrication specialists, requiring strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Operations Impact: The work of this designer directly impacts the safety, performance, guest experience, and manufacturability of ProSlide's world-renowned water rides. Successful designs contribute to the company's reputation for innovation and quality, driving guest satisfaction and commercial success for their clients (water parks).

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced CAD surfacing, fiberglass manufacturing processes, and complex geometry development for amusement rides.

• Project Leadership: Potentially lead design efforts on specific ride components or smaller-scale projects as experience grows.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Transition into roles with broader product development responsibilities, project management, or specialized engineering areas within ProSlide.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in water ride design and manufacturing for the global amusement industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the principles of impact and growth are analogous. The "operations" aspect here pertains to the operational execution of product design and manufacturing. Growth is likely to be through deepening technical mastery and taking on more complex design challenges or leadership within the product development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office position located at ProSlide's head office in Ottawa, ON. The environment is described as highly technical and hands-on, indicating a collaborative workspace focused on design and engineering.

Office Location(s): 2650 Queensview Dr. Unit #150, Ottawa, ON K2B 8H6. This location offers free parking, adding to the convenience for employees.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be equipped with high-performance workstations for running advanced CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other designers, engineers, and potentially fabrication liaisons will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and problem-solving atmosphere.

• The environment supports a hands-on approach, with potential access to prototyping facilities or integration with manufacturing floor discussions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Given the nature of product development and client deadlines, there might be periods requiring extended hours or flexibility to meet project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "in-office" position and the specific address underscores the company's preference for collaborative, hands-on work. This is typical for design and engineering roles where direct interaction, access to specialized equipment, and immediate feedback loops are crucial for rapid iteration and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess core technical skills in CAD surfacing and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on CAD surfacing techniques, experience with SOLIDWORKS, understanding of FRP manufacturing, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a review of portfolio projects.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise potentially involving a specific design problem or a review of a more complex portfolio piece to assess real-world application of skills.

• Team/Manager Interview: Evaluation of cultural fit, collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and alignment with ProSlide's product development methodology.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Surface Quality: Clearly demonstrate the high level of surface continuity and aesthetic quality in your models. Use renders or specific view settings to showcase this.

• Showcase DFM: For each relevant project, explain the specific design-for-manufacturability considerations you applied (e.g., how you addressed draft angles, part splitting for FRP, flange design for assembly).

• Detail Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a key project, from initial concept or requirements to final production-ready output. Explain your decision-making at each stage.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs, such as efficiency improvements in manufacturing, performance enhancements, or successful installation feedback.

• Tailor to FRP: Emphasize any experience or understanding you have with fiberglass (FRP) manufacturing processes and how it influenced your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate or discuss advanced surfacing techniques within SOLIDWORKS or a similar platform. Practice creating complex, flowing surfaces.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach designing a specific type of waterslide component if given certain constraints (e.g., length, curvature, manufacturing limitations).

• Communication of Technical Concepts: Prepare to explain complex geometric concepts and manufacturing considerations clearly and concisely to potentially non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of portfolio requirements indicates that this is a critical component of the application process. Candidates should focus on showcasing practical application of advanced CAD skills, specifically in the context of manufacturing complex physical products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Advanced CAD Software: SOLIDWORKS (with advanced surfacing modules) is the primary requirement.

• 2D Drafting Software: AutoCAD is also specified for use, likely for part drawings and technical documentation.

• PDM Systems: Experience with Product Data

Management systems is expected for managing design evolution and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicit, the role involves product development and validation. This suggests familiarity with:

• Testing & Measurement Tools: Software or hardware used for physical testing and data acquisition.

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially Excel or specialized analysis software for interpreting test results and driving iterative improvements.

CRM & Automation: Generally not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how product specifications feed into larger project management or ERP systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards 3D CAD and drafting tools. Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS surfacing is paramount. While other analytics and PDM tools might be used, the core demand is for advanced CAD modeling capabilities and the ability to translate those models into practical, manufacturable designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to create cutting-edge water ride experiences that push the boundaries of design and technology.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high standards in surface quality, geometric accuracy, and product performance.

• Manufacturability & Practicality: Ensuring designs are not just conceptually sound but also feasible and efficient to produce in the real world.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines (design, engineering, fabrication, installation) to achieve successful outcomes.

• Guest Experience Focus: Ultimately, designs are intended to create thrilling and memorable experiences for millions of guests annually.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: ProSlide's product development process necessitates seamless collaboration between designers, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and field installation teams.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that embraces feedback from all stages of the product lifecycle to refine designs and improve processes.

• Technical Problem-Solving: A collective approach to tackling complex design and manufacturing challenges, valuing constructive input and shared solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values technical excellence, practical application of design, and a collaborative spirit essential for bringing complex physical products to life. The "operations" aspect here refers to the operational execution of product development and manufacturing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Geometry: Mastering and consistently delivering high-quality, complex, non-prismatic surfaces for large-scale structures.

• Manufacturability Constraints: Balancing innovative design with the practical limitations and requirements of fiberglass (FRP) manufacturing.

• Global Installation Variability: Designing for diverse site conditions and installation environments worldwide.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles and incorporating feedback quickly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Deepen expertise in specialized surfacing techniques within SOLIDWORKS or explore complementary software.

• Fiberglass Manufacturing Immersion: Gain deeper knowledge of FRP processes, tooling, and fabrication challenges through close collaboration with the manufacturing team.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Understand the full scope of product development, from concept to installation and beyond, potentially leading to broader roles.

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of innovations in water ride design, materials, and guest experience technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are rooted in the highly specialized nature of the work, requiring both advanced technical skills and practical manufacturing insight. Growth is geared towards becoming a subject matter expert within ProSlide's niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create complex, flowing surfaces for a large-scale product. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure surface quality and continuity?"

• "How do you approach integrating manufacturability considerations into your CAD designs, especially for materials like fiberglass (FRP)?"

• "Walk me through your process for developing a technical data package (TDP) for a critical component. What information is essential, and how do you ensure accuracy?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing water rides for ProSlide Technology, given your background in CAD surfacing?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as manufacturing or installation personnel?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the specific CAD techniques used, and the resulting manufacturability considerations.

• Highlight FRP Relevance: If you have direct FRP experience, make it a focal point. If not, explain how your understanding of material properties and common manufacturing challenges informed your design choices.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of your surfacing work, including curvature analysis, surface continuity, and tolerance management.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: For any project that involved significant challenges, clearly explain the problem, your proposed solution, and the outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical application of CAD skills, understanding of manufacturing, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts. The portfolio is a key tool to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Slide Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ProSlide Technology careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with advanced 3D CAD surfacing, specifically SOLIDWORKS, and any direct experience with fiberglass (FRP) manufacturing or similar fabrication processes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X components resulting in Y% reduction in manufacturing time").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create complex, high-quality surfaces and your understanding of design for manufacturability. Ensure it includes examples of technical documentation if possible. Be prepared to discuss your process and decisions in detail.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Brush up on SOLIDWORKS surfacing tools, common FRP manufacturing challenges, and principles of designing for large-scale physical products. Practice explaining your design rationale clearly.

• Research ProSlide: Understand their market position, key attractions, and company values. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with ProSlide Technology before making application decisions.