Mechanical Product Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Product Designer I

Company: LMI Technologies

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical components for high-performance 3D sensor products, contributing to innovative machine vision solutions.

• Apply statistical analysis and Lean Six Sigma concepts to sensor data from builds, ensuring adherence to design requirements and driving data-informed decision-making.

• Proactively manage assigned tasks within larger projects, demonstrating initiative, asking clarifying questions, and maintaining high work quality standards.

• Collaborate with senior engineers to identify and resolve technical obstacles, research solutions, and propose effective alternatives for complex engineering challenges.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed 3D CAD models, 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and test reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level Mechanical Product Designer, emphasizing the need for a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can grow within the team. The focus on "assisting," "supporting," and "running down assigned tasks" indicates a learning and development trajectory, where the candidate will gain experience under the mentorship of senior engineers in the specialized field of opto-mechanical design for 3D machine vision sensors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the end-to-end design, development, and rigorous testing of mechanical and opto-mechanical components for LMI's advanced 3D sensor products.

• Support the engineering team by performing statistical analysis on sensor data from product builds to assess compliance with stringent design specifications and quality standards.

• Execute assigned project tasks diligently, proactively seeking clarification on requirements and ensuring meticulous execution to uphold the highest standards of engineering work quality.

• Actively identify potential technical challenges during task execution and collaborate with senior mechanical engineers to investigate, prototype, and implement effective solutions.

• Generate and meticulously maintain all essential technical documentation, including precise 3D CAD models using SolidWorks, detailed 2D fabrication drawings incorporating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs), and thorough test reports.

• Participate actively in peer design reviews, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing insights, receiving constructive feedback, and fostering knowledge exchange within the engineering team.

• Engage in cross-functional collaboration with teams such as optics, electronics, and software to ensure seamless integration of mechanical designs into the overall product architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work, analytical tasks using statistical methods, and crucial documentation management. The emphasis on collaboration and participation in design reviews signifies a team-oriented approach to product development, where learning and contribution are equally valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a directly equivalent technical degree.

Experience: Co-op, internship, or entry-level product design experience in a high-technology manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, with a strong preference for SolidWorks, for part and assembly modeling.

• Foundational understanding of statistical analysis principles for informed decision-making, including concepts from Lean Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), or the analysis of build data.

• Ability to create detailed 2D fabrication drawings, including the application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Experience in generating and managing Bill of Materials (BOMs) for product components.

• A self-driven and passionate engineering mindset, demonstrating a strong motivation to achieve project goals accurately and within deadlines.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, essential for effective collaboration with diverse engineering and cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills:

• Academic exposure, internship experience, or demonstrable knowledge in 3D metrology, machine vision, robotics, or precision sensor design.

• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design principles, including precision lens mounting and the integration of optical components.

• Basic proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, for potential applications in data analysis or task automation.

• Registration or eligibility to register as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

• Experience with project management software tools for task tracking and status maintenance.

• Exposure to AI-driven engineering tools (e.g., generative design features in CAD) or productivity tools (e.g., LLMs for scripting/data analysis) to enhance engineering workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-haves" clearly define the foundational technical and soft skills required, while "Bonus Points" indicate areas that would significantly strengthen an application, particularly those related to the company's core business in machine vision and advanced sensing technologies. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to engineering processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct design projects that demonstrate proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for part and assembly design.

• Include examples of 2D fabrication drawings with clear GD&T annotations, illustrating an understanding of manufacturing tolerances and specifications.

• Present at least one project that involved data analysis or the application of statistical methods (e.g., SPC, basic DOE) to inform design decisions or assess performance.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), highlighting accuracy and attention to detail in component listing.

• For projects involving opto-mechanical elements, visually represent the integration of optical components and their mechanical housing. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of technical documentation created, such as design reports, test plans, or assembly instructions, to illustrate documentation quality and thoroughness.

• Include samples of how you have documented design iterations or problem-solving steps, showcasing a structured approach to engineering tasks.

• If applicable, include any work that demonstrates an understanding of process flow or workflow optimization within a design or manufacturing context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested as a formal portfolio submission in the original listing, for an entry-level engineering role, having a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The requirements are inferred based on the core responsibilities and required skills, emphasizing CAD, GD&T, data analysis, and documentation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss these projects during interviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,100 CAD to $88,578 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Full healthcare coverage with 100% paid premiums, including dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for employees and their families.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements including hybrid schedules, flextime options, and competitive paid time off (PTO) to support personal well-being.

• Growth & Development: An annual Education Support Program for professional training and development, coupled with annual performance reviews to guide career progression.

• Profit Sharing Program: Eligibility for profit sharing, contingent on successful completion of the probationary period and overall business performance.

• On-site Amenities: Access to an on-site fitness facility, tennis/basketball court, free snacks and drinks, and company-wide wellness initiatives.

• Team & Culture: Regular team-building events, tenure awards, and a unique company holiday on May 4th (Star Wars Day).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with flextime options available. The role is hybrid, requiring approximately 3 days per week in the Burnaby, BC office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Canadian market for an entry-level Mechanical Product Designer role in a technology manufacturing firm. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on health, work-life balance, and professional development, aligning with LMI Technologies' positioning as a "Great Workplace." The profit-sharing program offers an additional incentive tied to company performance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Machine Vision and 3D Sensor Technology. LMI Technologies is a global leader in this niche, providing solutions for industrial factory automation worldwide. This industry demands precision, innovation, and reliability in harsh manufacturing environments.

Company Size: Medium-sized technology company. This size typically fosters a culture where employees can have a tangible impact and work closely across departments, while still benefiting from structured processes and resources.

Founded: (Not explicitly provided, but implied to be established given its "global leader" status and recognition as a "Great Workplace.") LMI Technologies has a history of engineering excellence and innovation in the machine vision space.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Opto-Mechanical (SMECH) team, a specialized group focused on the mechanical aspects of optical and sensor products.

• The team likely consists of senior mechanical engineers who provide mentorship and guidance, alongside other designers and technicians.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams, including optics, electronics, and software engineering, to ensure integrated product development. Methodology:

• Design and development of high-performance 3D sensor products.

• Application of statistical analysis (Lean Six Sigma concepts) for data-driven decision-making and quality assessment.

• Emphasis on rigorous testing and validation of mechanical and opto-mechanical components.

• A culture of continuous improvement through peer design reviews and proactive problem-solving.

Company Website: https://lmi3d.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: LMI Technologies operates in a highly specialized and technically demanding sector. The company culture is described as open, respectful, and focused on engineering excellence, which is typical for successful technology firms. The medium size suggests a balance between agility and established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Level I) Mechanical Product Designer role. It is designed for individuals with foundational engineering education and limited practical experience, likely 0-2 years. The scope involves executing defined tasks under supervision, learning core design principles, and contributing to larger projects.

Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Product Designer I will report to a senior member of the Opto-Mechanical (SMECH) team, likely a Lead Mechanical Engineer or Engineering Manager. This structure ensures direct mentorship and guidance in technical execution and professional development.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, this Mechanical Product Designer's work directly impacts product quality, performance, and manufacturability. Successful designs contribute to the reliability and effectiveness of LMI's machine vision solutions, which in turn drive customer satisfaction and market competitiveness, indirectly supporting revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Progress to a Mechanical Product Designer II or Senior Mechanical Designer role by deepening expertise in opto-mechanical design, SolidWorks, GD&T, and statistical analysis.

• Skill Development: Leverage the annual Education Support Program for advanced training in areas like advanced CAD techniques, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), material science, or specific opto-mechanical principles.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated technical capability and project ownership, opportunities may arise to lead smaller design tasks, mentor junior engineers, or contribute to process improvement initiatives within the SMECH team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" in this context refers to the operational execution of engineering tasks within the product development lifecycle. The growth path is clearly defined from an entry-level role to more senior design positions, with emphasis on continuous learning and specialization within the company's core technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The role is based out of LMI Technologies' headquarters in Burnaby, BC. This means a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada (V5J 5J8). This location offers access to a vibrant tech hub in the Greater Vancouver area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model emphasizes collaboration, with preference given to local candidates able to be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to facilitate team interaction, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering tools, including SolidWorks for CAD, and potentially other specialized software for analysis and project management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with senior engineers, peers, and cross-functional teams within the office environment, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and learning.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, with flextime options to accommodate work-life balance. The hybrid nature requires dedicated days in the office for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement with specific in-office days is designed to maximize collaboration while offering flexibility. The Burnaby location places the employee within a significant Canadian technology corridor.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Talent Discovery (HR): An initial screening call to assess professional background, communication skills, cultural fit, and provide an overview of the role and company. Prepare to discuss your motivation for applying and your understanding of LMI Technologies.

• Role Fit (Hiring Manager): A more in-depth discussion focusing on your technical experience, knowledge, and skills. Be ready to elaborate on projects from your resume or portfolio, discuss your approach to problem-solving, and understand the specific expectations for the Mechanical Product Designer I role.

• Team Fit (Peers/Colleagues): Interviews with potential team members and cross-functional colleagues to evaluate collaborative potential and how you might integrate into the existing team dynamics. Prepare questions about team projects and work styles.

• Assessment: Some roles may include a technical assessment to evaluate practical engineering capabilities. This could involve a CAD exercise, problem-solving scenario, or a review of your design work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best showcase your required skills: SolidWorks proficiency, GD&T application, and any experience with data analysis or opto-mechanical design.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the tools used, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the final outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your projects demonstrate proficiency in SolidWorks modeling, creating detailed fabrication drawings with GD&T, and any analytical work performed.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Have detailed knowledge of your projects, including specific design choices, material considerations, and any calculations performed. Be ready to answer technical questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a technical assessment is involved, practice fundamental mechanical engineering principles, SolidWorks operations (part modeling, assembly, drawing creation), and GD&T interpretation.

• Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach. Think about how you break down complex issues, research solutions, and collaborate to find answers.

• Understand the company's products and industry. Research LMI Technologies' machine vision solutions and their applications to demonstrate genuine interest and context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage, emphasizing both technical capability and cultural fit. The advice on portfolio review and challenge preparation is tailored to an entry-level engineering role where practical demonstration of skills is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: The primary 3D CAD software for part and assembly modeling. Proficiency is essential, and candidates with experience in advanced features like surfacing, sheet metal, or simulation are highly valued.

• 2D CAD Software: For generating fabrication drawings, likely integrated within SolidWorks or a compatible platform.

• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T): Understanding and application are critical for creating manufacturing-ready drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Software: While not explicitly named, familiarity with tools for SPC, DOE, or general data analysis (e.g., Excel with add-ins, Minitab, or potentially Python libraries) is beneficial for interpreting build data.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic understanding of statistical concepts and their application to engineering data.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or similar for task tracking and project status maintenance is a plus.

• Scripting Languages (Preferred): Python is mentioned as a bonus skill, indicating potential use for automating tasks, data processing, or analysis scripts.

• AI-driven Engineering Tools (Preferred): Exposure to generative design features in CAD or AI productivity tools suggests the company is exploring advanced technologies to enhance design efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD and documentation, with a growing interest in data analysis and automation tools. Proficiency in SolidWorks and GD&T is non-negotiable, while other tools represent opportunities for candidates to stand out.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, rigorous testing, and innovative solutions in the field of machine vision.

• Collaboration: Fostering an open and respectful environment where teamwork across departments is essential for successful product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing statistical analysis and empirical data from builds to inform design choices and ensure product performance meets requirements.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Encouraging initiative in identifying technical obstacles and working collaboratively to find and implement effective solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Valuing peer feedback and actively participating in design reviews to enhance product quality and personal skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close work with optics, electronics, and software teams to ensure seamless product integration and alignment of design specifications.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct communication, asking insightful questions, and providing constructive feedback in design reviews and daily tasks.

• Mentorship: A supportive environment where senior engineers guide and mentor junior team members, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: LMI Technologies emphasizes a culture of engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The values are directly reflected in the job responsibilities, such as participation in design reviews and the use of data for decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve: As an entry-level role, there will be a learning curve associated with mastering specific company processes, internal tools, and the intricacies of opto-mechanical design for advanced sensors.

• Task Integration: Seamlessly integrating individual tasks into larger, complex projects while maintaining alignment with overall project goals and timelines.

• Technical Problem Solving: Effectively diagnosing and proposing solutions for novel technical challenges that may arise during the design and testing phases.

• Documentation Rigor: Consistently producing detailed, accurate, and compliant technical documentation that meets high engineering standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and knowledge transfer from experienced senior mechanical engineers within the Opto-Mechanical team.

• Formal Training: Access to an annual Education Support Program for professional development, certifications, or courses relevant to mechanical engineering and product design.

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience in designing, developing, and testing sophisticated 3D sensor hardware in a leading technology company.

• Industry Exposure: Working with cutting-edge machine vision technology and understanding its application in industrial automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an entry-level engineering role, focusing on skill acquisition and integration. The growth opportunities are directly tied to the company's commitment to employee development and the inherent learning potential within the role and industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your approach to designing a new mechanical component, from concept to final documentation." (Focus on breaking down the process, considering requirements, using CAD, documentation, and testing.)

• Problem Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered a technical challenge in a project. How did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Highlight analytical thinking, collaboration, and learning from experience.)

• CAD Proficiency: "Walk me through a complex part or assembly you designed in SolidWorks. What were the key features or considerations?" (Be ready to discuss specific modeling techniques, constraints, and design intent.)

• GD&T Application: "How would you use GD&T to define critical tolerances for a precision optical mount?" (Demonstrate understanding of how GD&T ensures manufacturability and performance.)

• Data Analysis: "How have you used data or statistical methods to inform a design decision or assess product performance?" (Even if basic, explain your thought process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LMI Technologies and this specific role?" (Research LMI's products, industry position, and values.)

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with remote and in-office team members?" (Emphasize flexibility, communication, and proactive engagement.)

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism during design reviews?" (Show receptiveness to feedback and a commitment to improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise and Focused: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best align with the job requirements.

• Visual Aids: Use clear screenshots, CAD renderings, or even short video clips to illustrate your designs.

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the technical details (CAD, GD&T, materials), and the results or lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, quantify the benefits of your design (e.g., improved performance, reduced cost, enhanced manufacturability).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate technical questions about your design choices and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating foundational engineering knowledge, practical application of CAD and GD&T, and an understanding of the company's domain. The emphasis is on how the candidate can learn and contribute within a collaborative, hybrid environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mechanical Product Designer I position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LMI Technologies careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant projects that highlight your SolidWorks skills, GD&T knowledge, and any experience with data analysis or opto-mechanical design. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, any relevant co-op or internship experience in high-tech manufacturing, and proficiency in required software like SolidWorks. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions. Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle feedback. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LMI Technologies, their products (3D machine vision sensors), industry applications, and company culture. Understand their position as a "Great Workplace" and their commitment to innovation.

⚠️ 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.