Medium Voltage Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Medium Voltage Mechanical Design Manager

Company: Industrial Electric Manufacturing

Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Mechanical Design

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the mechanical engineering design team responsible for custom medium voltage (MV) products, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) markets.

• Drive design standardization and process efficiency across multiple global sites to reduce cycle times and optimize the design-to-order workflow for products like switchgear and bus bars.

• Ensure all designs comply with critical industry standards, including UL, IEEE, and ANSI (specifically C37.20 for metal-clad switchgear), and meet customer specifications for 5kV to 38kV applications.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, planning, production, and quality control teams to translate customer requirements into manufacturable designs and resolve any design-related production issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong blend of technical mechanical design expertise in medium voltage systems and proven leadership capabilities to manage a global engineering team. The emphasis on standardization, process efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration positions this as a key operational leadership role within the engineering department, directly impacting product delivery timelines and manufacturing quality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Mechanical Engineering design team supporting MV product development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Partner with the Maintenance Of Line (MOL) team to ensure all designs align with IEM's established standards, policies, and best practices.

• Develop and implement efficient workflows and operational metrics for the design team, utilizing dashboards and reporting to track schedule adherence, process consistency, and team performance across all sites.

• Drive standardization initiatives for the design process across multiple global locations, focusing on reducing design cycle times while maintaining accuracy and quality.

• Oversee the creation of high-quality, custom mechanical designs for medium voltage products, including switchgear (5kV to 38kV) and bus bars, ensuring they meet precise customer specifications.

• Ensure all designs strictly adhere to relevant industry standards such as UL, IEEE, and ANSI, with a particular focus on C37.20 for metal-clad switchgear, to guarantee product safety and regulatory compliance.

• Optimize the utilization of CAD software and other design tools to streamline the design-to-order process, ensuring designs are production-ready with minimal revisions.

• Collaborate closely with sales and planning teams to effectively translate complex customer requirements into feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable design solutions.

• Work in tandem with production and quality control teams to proactively identify and resolve any design-related issues, facilitating a seamless transition from design to fabrication.

• Provide regular, clear design status updates to key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer delivery expectations.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design department, identifying bottlenecks, implementing solutions, and enhancing overall speed and efficiency.

• Stay abreast of advancements in medium voltage technologies and engineering methodologies, integrating new approaches to improve design efficiency, product performance, and innovation.

• Ensure comprehensive training and development for the design team on the latest design tools, software, and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a proactive approach to operational management within engineering. The responsibilities emphasize not just design output but also the strategic management of processes, team performance, and cross-functional integration. The mention of "dashboard standards" and "process consistency across sites" highlights a need for strong operational reporting and governance skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional programs or engineering teams, preferably within a manufacturing or product development environment.

• Extensive experience in medium voltage (MV) mechanical design, with a deep understanding of product applications within the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) markets.

• Proven track record of owning and managing operational metrics, developing dashboards, and providing insightful reporting for an engineering or manufacturing function.

• Substantial background in driving cross-functional process improvement, standardization, or governance initiatives that lead to measurable efficiency gains. Required Skills:

• Expertise in medium voltage mechanical design, particularly for custom switchgear (5kV-38kV) and bus bars.

• Strong proficiency in industry-standard CAD software, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, for detailed design creation.

• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards including UL, IEEE, and ANSI, with specific emphasis on C37.20 for metal-clad switchgear.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on optimizing designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

• Experience in developing and implementing standardized design processes and workflows.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality designs.

• Proficiency in developing and utilizing operational metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on design decisions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and simulation-based design optimization techniques.

• Familiarity with design-to-order (DTO) or configure-to-order (CTO) manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.

• Experience in global team management or working within international operations.

• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application to design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements highlight a need for candidates who can not only perform technical design but also manage operational aspects of engineering, including metrics, process standardization, and cross-functional leadership. The mention of FEA tools suggests a preference for candidates with a strong analytical and simulation-driven design background.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of custom medium voltage (MV) product designs (e.g., switchgear, bus bars) that demonstrate adherence to UL, IEEE, and ANSI standards.

• Include case studies detailing process improvement initiatives led or significantly contributed to, highlighting the impact on design cycle time, efficiency, or quality.

• Present examples of operational dashboards or reports developed to track engineering team performance, project status, or key design metrics.

• Demonstrate experience in standardizing design processes or workflows, illustrating the methods used and the resulting benefits. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation illustrating the workflow for a typical design-to-order (DTO) process for custom MV products, from initial sales inquiry to production handover.

• Include examples of how design standards and compliance requirements are integrated into the documentation and review phases of the design lifecycle.

• Showcase documentation related to process optimization efforts, including root cause analysis of design bottlenecks and implemented solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on design operations, a portfolio should not only display technical design work but also evidence of process management, standardization, and operational oversight. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "how" and "why" behind their process improvements and standardization efforts, supported by quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $195,000 CAD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and statutory holidays, designed to promote work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Access to company-provided tools and technologies to facilitate efficient work.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential support services.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is defined, the role may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and global team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a management role in mechanical design engineering in the specified region. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in Canada, with a focus on comprehensive coverage and professional growth, aligning with the needs of experienced engineers and managers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Power Distribution Systems. IEM operates within a critical sector that powers industries worldwide, demanding high reliability, safety, and technical innovation.

Company Size: The provided company description suggests a well-established organization with a significant history (75 years) and global operations, likely placing it in the mid to large enterprise category. This implies robust internal processes, established hierarchies, and opportunities for structured career development.

Founded: Founded 75 years ago, Industrial Electric Manufacturing (IEM) has a long-standing reputation for delivering world-class electrical distribution systems. This history indicates a stable company with deep industry expertise and a commitment to evolving with technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Mechanical Engineering design team supporting MV design is led by this Manager. This team is likely composed of mechanical engineers, designers, and drafters specializing in medium voltage equipment.

• Collaboration with the Maintenance Of Line (MOL) team is crucial, indicating a close working relationship between design and operational/maintenance functions to ensure design integrity and adherence to standards.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with Sales, Planning, Production, and Quality Control departments, highlighting a matrixed environment where communication and alignment are key to successful project execution. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role requires utilizing operational metrics and dashboards to monitor team performance, identify trends, and drive data-informed decisions for process improvement.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A core function involves developing, implementing, and refining efficient design workflows, with a strong emphasis on standardization and cycle time reduction across multiple sites.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Optimizing the use of CAD and other design tools to automate repetitive tasks and enhance overall design efficiency is a key expectation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: IEM's 75-year history suggests a company that values experience, reliability, and innovation. The emphasis on "shaping the future" and "pushing the boundaries" indicates a forward-thinking culture within a traditional industry. The need for cross-functional collaboration points to a dynamic work environment where effective communication is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position within the engineering operations function. It sits at a mid-to-senior management level, responsible for a specific technical discipline (MV Mechanical Design) and its operational efficiency. The scope includes team leadership, process ownership, and contributing to broader manufacturing and product development strategies.

Reporting Structure: The position reports to the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, indicating a direct line of reporting within the mechanical engineering hierarchy. This implies a focus on technical oversight and mentorship from a senior engineer while managing the day-to-day operational aspects of the design team.

Operations Impact: The Manager directly influences the speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness of medium voltage product designs. Efficient and standardized designs translate into faster production cycles, reduced manufacturing errors, improved product reliability, and ultimately, enhanced customer satisfaction and revenue generation. The role's success is measured by key operational metrics related to design delivery, quality, and team productivity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced medium voltage technologies, materials science, and simulation techniques.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher management roles, such as Director of Engineering or VP of Operations, overseeing larger engineering departments or broader operational functions.

• Process Excellence: Become a subject matter expert in design process optimization, standardization, and implementation across global manufacturing sites.

• Strategic Contribution: Participate in strategic planning for product roadmaps, technology investments, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop broader business acumen through continued collaboration with sales, marketing, and operations leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression path suggests opportunities to move from managing a specific technical team to overseeing broader operational functions or advancing into higher-level strategic engineering leadership roles. The emphasis on process improvement and operational metrics indicates a potential to transition into more operations-centric leadership roles if desired.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Surrey, BC, Canada, and is described as "On-site." This indicates a traditional office environment within the company's manufacturing or engineering facilities.

Office Location(s): Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. This location is a significant hub in the Metro Vancouver region, offering access to a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with design engineers, cross-functional teams (sales, production, quality), and potentially remote global teams. The workspace is likely designed to facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and project discussions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to advanced CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), FEA tools, and internal systems for project management, reporting, and communication will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the mechanical design team, senior engineering leadership, and other department heads will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the global nature of operations and the demands of managing custom design projects, flexibility may be required to attend meetings across different time zones or to ensure critical project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role emphasizes the need for direct team leadership, hands-on collaboration, and physical presence for crucial design reviews and operational oversight within the manufacturing or engineering facility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer or another senior engineering leader to delve deeper into technical expertise, leadership philosophy, and operational management experience.

• Technical/Operational Assessment: This may involve a case study or a presentation where candidates are asked to discuss their approach to standardizing design processes, managing a design team, or solving a complex MV design challenge. Portfolio review will likely be a key component here.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with stakeholders from Sales, Production, or Quality Control to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of how design impacts other business functions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Operations) to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership in Operations: Highlight instances where you've led teams to improve design processes, implement standardization, or manage operational metrics. Include examples of dashboards or reports you've created.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth with Process Context: Present specific MV design projects, but focus on the design-to-order process, compliance adherence, and how designs were optimized for manufacturability.

• Quantify Impact: For any process improvement or standardization initiative, clearly articulate the measurable results (e.g., reduction in cycle time, decrease in errors, cost savings).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with UL, IEEE, ANSI standards, switchgear, bus bars, and CAD/FEA tools. Showcase your approach to managing design teams and ensuring quality output.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Standardization Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach standardizing the MV design process across multiple global sites, considering existing differences and potential challenges.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare to answer questions about motivating engineering teams, managing performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss a complex MV design challenge you've faced and how you approached its resolution, including the use of simulation or advanced analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely structured to assess both technical competence and operational management skills. A strong portfolio showcasing leadership in process optimization, team management, and technical design for MV products will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Expert proficiency required in SolidWorks and AutoCAD for detailed 2D and 3D mechanical design, drafting, and component modeling.

• FEA Tools: Experience with Finite Element Analysis software (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or integrated SolidWorks Simulation) for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis to validate designs.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / PDM Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools for creating operational dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or custom internal solutions) to track engineering metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or equivalent for data analysis, reporting, and performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Understanding of how engineering designs integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for material planning, production scheduling, and cost tracking.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD and FEA tools, along with the need for operational reporting and dashboard creation, indicates a requirement for a technically proficient manager who can leverage technology for both design excellence and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and manufacturable designs on time, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset focused on identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processes, and driving efficiency in the design lifecycle.

• Collaboration and Communication: Fostering strong working relationships across departments (Sales, Production, Quality) to ensure seamless project execution and problem-solving.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing operational metrics and performance data to guide team management, process adjustments, and strategic planning.

• Technical Rigor and Compliance: Upholding stringent adherence to industry standards (UL, IEEE) and safety regulations in all design activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and active participation from all relevant departments throughout the design process to ensure alignment and address potential issues early.

• Process Review Culture: Establishing regular design reviews and process feedback sessions to identify areas for enhancement and share best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share technical knowledge, design insights, and lessons learned to collectively improve capabilities and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of technical expertise, operational discipline, and collaborative teamwork. A successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of how engineering operations contribute to the broader business objectives and will actively foster a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional partnership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Process Standardization: Harmonizing design processes and standards across different geographical locations, each potentially with its own established practices and local regulations.

• Balancing Customization with Standardization: Meeting diverse customer specifications for custom MV products while leveraging standardized components and processes for efficiency.

• Managing Global Team Dynamics: Leading and motivating a dispersed engineering team, ensuring consistent performance and communication across different time zones and cultures.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in MV technologies, materials, and design software to maintain a competitive edge.

• Integrating Design with Production: Ensuring seamless handover of designs to manufacturing, minimizing production issues, and responding effectively to fabrication feedback.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses or workshops on cutting-edge MV technologies, power system analysis, or advanced materials science.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external leadership training focused on strategic management, global team leadership, and operational excellence.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in key industry events (e.g., IEEE conferences) to stay current with trends, network with peers, and identify new technologies or methodologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior engineering or operations leaders within IEM, and to mentor junior engineers, fostering leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of managing a global engineering operation in a technical field. The growth opportunities indicate a company that invests in its employees' development, providing pathways for both technical and leadership advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to standardizing a mechanical design process across multiple global sites. What are the key considerations and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on process mapping, stakeholder buy-in, phased implementation, and metrics.)

• "How do you ensure that custom designs meet stringent industry standards (UL, IEEE) while also optimizing for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness?" (Discuss design review processes, collaboration with production, and the role of FEA/simulation.)

• "Walk me through a time you successfully led a cross-functional team to resolve a significant design-related issue impacting production or delivery. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?" (Highlight leadership, problem-solving, communication, and quantifiable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about IEM's role in the power distribution industry, and how do you see this position contributing to the company's mission?" (Research IEM's products, markets, and recent news. Connect your operational leadership to business goals.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within an engineering team, particularly one that spans multiple locations?" (Discuss team motivation, idea generation, feedback mechanisms, and data-driven adjustments.)

• "How do you measure the success of an engineering design team, beyond just completing projects on time?" (Focus on operational metrics like design cycle time, error rates, customer satisfaction related to design, team productivity, and adherence to standards.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly define the problem (customer requirement, process inefficiency), your solution (design approach, process change), and the results (quantifiable improvements in quality, speed, cost, compliance).

• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize your role in managing processes, leading teams, developing metrics, and driving standardization. Show examples of dashboards or reports.

• Demonstrate Technical Command: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your MV designs and the standards you applied, but always tie it back to the operational execution.

• Engage and Converse: Present your portfolio as a discussion, not a monologue. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their operational management philosophy, demonstrate leadership in process improvement, and showcase technical expertise in medium voltage design with a clear understanding of industry compliance and manufacturing integration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medium Voltage Mechanical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Industrial Electric Manufacturing careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in medium voltage design, leadership of engineering teams, process standardization, operational metric management, and familiarity with UL, IEEE, and ANSI standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of past MV design projects, process improvement initiatives, and any operational dashboards or reports you've developed. Be ready to articulate the context, your role, and the quantifiable outcomes for each.

• Research IEM: Understand IEM's products, markets, company history, and values. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and operational needs.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare thoughtful answers to strategic, technical, and behavioral questions, particularly those related to managing engineering operations, leading teams, and driving process improvements.

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

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