Product Designer at Price Industries Limited

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Price Industries Limited

Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Design and test HVAC equipment and systems, ensuring adherence to client specifications and industry standards.
Conduct technical analysis, calculations, and simulations to optimize performance, efficiency, cost, and manufacturability of HVAC components.
Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and bills of materials for manufacturing.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, and external stakeholders, to ensure successful project outcomes.
Provide essential service support to existing clients, addressing inquiries and feedback promptly and professionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on mechanical design within the HVAC sector, requiring strong engineering principles and software proficiency. The "Entry-Level" designation, combined with the requirement for a degree or diploma, suggests this role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience looking to specialize in mechanical product development for the HVAC industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design and test HVAC equipment and systems utilizing SolidWorks and other relevant software tools, strictly adhering to client specifications and established industry standards.
Perform rigorous calculations, simulations, and analyses on HVAC systems to identify opportunities for optimizing performance, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
Generate detailed technical reports, engineering drawings, product specifications, accurate bills of materials (BOMs), and comprehensive manufacturing documentation for all HVAC projects.
Foster strong collaborative relationships with manufacturing teams, fellow engineers, designers, external contractors, and clients to ensure the seamless and successful delivery of innovative HVAC solutions.
Proactively troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues or problems that may arise with HVAC systems throughout their lifecycle.
Offer dedicated service support to Price Industries' existing client base by responding to inquiries, requests, and feedback in a timely, professional, and solutions-oriented manner.
Maintain a proactive stance on continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest advancements, emerging trends, and innovative developments within HVAC technology and mechanical engineering practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design, analysis, documentation, and client interaction. The emphasis on "testing," "simulations," and "analysis" indicates a need for a candidate with a strong analytical aptitude, not just design skills. The direct client support aspect suggests a need for good communication and problem-solving abilities under pressure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Graduation from a Mechanical Engineering degree or Technology program is required. Experience:
0-2 years of experience in mechanical design or a related engineering field. Required Skills:
Proficiency in using SolidWorks for 3D modeling, drafting, and design.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, particularly as they apply to HVAC systems.
Excellent technical communication skills for preparing reports, drawings, and specifications.
Demonstrated ability in performing calculations, simulations, and technical analysis.
Proven teamwork and collaboration skills for cross-functional project work.
Strong problem-solving capabilities to address design and system issues.
Effective project management skills for overseeing design tasks and deliverables.
Ability to travel throughout North America for project-related activities. Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of electrical and controls principles relevant to HVAC systems.
Familiarity with international standards for sustainable building design and green building technologies.
Experience with sheet metal manufacturing processes.
Exposure to MRP (Material Requirements Planning) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Mechanical Engineering degree or Technology program" and "0-2 years" experience clearly defines this as an entry-level engineering role. The emphasis on SolidWorks is critical, and the "asset" qualifications point towards areas where candidates can differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating mechanical design principles, ideally related to HVAC or similar mechanical systems.
Include examples of 3D CAD models and technical drawings created using SolidWorks, highlighting design intent and detail.
Present case studies or project summaries that illustrate your approach to problem-solving, analysis, and optimization of mechanical components or systems.
Demonstrate your ability to document designs effectively, including bills of materials (BOMs) and basic specifications. Process Documentation:
For each portfolio project, briefly outline the design process followed, from concept generation to final design output.
If applicable, include documentation that shows how calculations or simulations were used to validate design decisions.
Provide examples of how collaboration or feedback was incorporated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature, a formal "portfolio" might not be as extensive as for senior roles. However, demonstrating practical application of design skills through academic projects, internships, or personal projects using SolidWorks is crucial. The emphasis should be on showcasing foundational design and problem-solving capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Entry-Level Product Designers (Mechanical) in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $70,000 CAD. This estimate considers the typical compensation for recent graduates with a Mechanical Engineering degree or diploma and the specific requirements of this role. Benefits:
Comprehensive Health and Dental insurance plans for employees and their families.
Access to Manulife Virtual Pharmacy services for convenient prescription delivery.
Manulife Mental Health and Counselling Services, offering confidential wellness support.
Life insurance coverage, provided as a multiple of salary, with options for additional coverage.
Disability insurance to provide income protection.
Pension Matching Program: Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching up to 3% of salary.
Wellness Reimbursement Program: Up to $300 annually for fitness centre or club memberships, including fitness apps.
Commitment to Personal and Professional Development through training and educational opportunities.
Opportunities for Community Involvement through company-supported initiatives.
On-site Price Café offering complimentary Tea and Coffee. Working Hours:
Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the role, experience level, and location. Benefits are extensive and are directly listed from the provided text, highlighting Price Industries' commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Air Distribution, Critical Controls, Noise Control Products)

Company Size: Large (500-1000+ employees)

Founded: Over 60 years ago, Price Industries Limited has a deep heritage and operates as a privately held family company.

Team Structure:

The Product Design team likely consists of experienced mechanical engineers and designers who mentor junior members.
Collaboration is essential, involving close interaction with manufacturing engineers, sales, and potentially product management.
The reporting structure is expected to be within an engineering department, possibly under a Lead Product Designer or Engineering Manager. Methodology:
Design processes will likely follow industry best practices for product development, incorporating DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
Emphasis is placed on data-driven design decisions, utilizing calculations, simulations, and testing to validate concepts.
Continuous improvement and innovation are core to the company's philosophy, encouraging new approaches to product design and manufacturing.

Company Website: www.priceindustries.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Price Industries Limited is presented as a stable, long-standing, family-owned company with a strong focus on its founding principles of integrity, service, innovation, and people. This suggests a culture that values loyalty, teamwork, and long-term growth, with a commitment to employee development and community.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Product Designer (Mechanical). This role is designed for individuals beginning their careers in mechanical engineering and product design, focusing on developing foundational skills in HVAC system design and SolidWorks.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Product Design Lead or Engineering Manager within the broader engineering department. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the individual's impact is directly tied to the innovation, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the HVAC products designed. Successful designs contribute to the company's market leadership, customer satisfaction, and overall revenue generation by meeting evolving industry demands and client needs.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Develop deep expertise in HVAC system design, thermal dynamics, or specific product lines.
Skill Advancement: Master advanced SolidWorks functionalities, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and potentially other design or simulation software.
Project Leadership: Progress to leading design projects, managing timelines, and mentoring junior designers.
Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles in manufacturing engineering, product management, or sales engineering, leveraging a strong product knowledge base.
Professional Development: Participate in industry training, workshops, and potentially pursue professional engineering (PE) or certified design certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Entry-Level" designation is key here. Growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition, project ownership, and leveraging the foundational knowledge gained in this role to advance within Price Industries or the broader HVAC/manufacturing sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a manufacturing facility environment, suggesting a dynamic workspace that blends office-based design work with potential interaction on the production floor.

Office Location(s): Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This location serves as a major manufacturing hub for Price Industries.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely include a dedicated workstation equipped with necessary design software (SolidWorks) and hardware.
Opportunities for collaboration with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and potentially site visits to observe product testing or manufacturing processes.
Access to company resources, including technical libraries, testing facilities, and internal support teams.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While on-site, the environment is likely team-oriented, with opportunities for hands-on learning and direct interaction with colleagues. Occasional travel may be required for project-related meetings or site assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a manufacturing facility implies a hands-on and collaborative environment. This is typical for product design roles in manufacturing, offering a blend of theoretical design work and practical application.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against the job requirements, with a focus on education, SolidWorks proficiency, and relevant project experience.
Technical Interview: Likely involves questions about mechanical engineering principles, HVAC systems, and practical application of SolidWorks. Candidates may be asked to discuss past projects from their academic or internship experience.
Design Challenge/Case Study: A potential exercise could involve a small design problem or a review of a portfolio piece to assess problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to articulate design decisions.
Team/Manager Interview: Focus on assessing teamwork, communication skills, cultural fit with Price Industries, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Discussion about career aspirations and willingness to learn.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight SolidWorks Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your ability to use SolidWorks for 3D modeling, drafting, and creating technical documentation.
Showcase Design Process: For each project, briefly explain your design methodology, problem-solving approach, and how you arrived at your final design.
Quantify Achievements: If possible, include any metrics or results that demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced material usage).
Tailor to HVAC: While general mechanical design is good, any projects related to HVAC, air distribution, or similar systems will be highly relevant.
Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized, and easy-to-understand format. Be prepared to walk through your projects and answer detailed questions.

Challenge Preparation:

SolidWorks Basics: Refresh your knowledge of fundamental SolidWorks features and workflows.
HVAC Fundamentals: Review basic principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and HVAC system components.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice thinking through design challenges, breaking them down into manageable steps, and articulating potential solutions.
Communication: Prepare to clearly explain your thought process and design rationale, even if the solution is not perfect.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on SolidWorks and mechanical principles suggests a technically focused interview process. A portfolio, even from academic work, will be crucial for demonstrating practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

SolidWorks: The core CAD software for 3D modeling, assembly design, and 2D drafting. Proficiency is essential.
Microsoft Office Suite: For technical reporting, documentation (Word), calculations (Excel), and presentations (PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

Excel: For data analysis, calculations, and potentially basic simulations or performance tracking.
Engineering Calculation Software: Potentially specialized tools for HVAC load calculations, airflow analysis, or thermal performance, though not explicitly listed.

CRM & Automation:

MRP/ERP Systems: Experience with systems like SAP, Oracle, or similar manufacturing resource planning tools is considered an asset, indicating potential exposure to production planning, inventory management, and supply chain processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the primary technical tool. The mention of MRP/ERP as an asset suggests that familiarity with production management software is a plus, indicating a connection between design and manufacturing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Business Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and design decisions.
First-Class Service: Commitment to providing excellent service to internal teams and external clients.
Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to product design and manufacturing processes.
Commitment to People: Valuing employees, fostering a supportive work environment, and investing in their development.
Dependable Quality: Ensuring that all manufactured products meet high standards of reliability and performance.

Collaboration Style:

Team-Driven Environment: Encouraging a collaborative atmosphere where team members support each other.
Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with manufacturing, sales, and other engineering disciplines to achieve common goals.
Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and feedback is constructive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are explicitly stated, emphasizing integrity, service, innovation, and a people-centric approach. This suggests a culture that values both professional excellence and a positive, supportive workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Design Constraints: Effectively balancing performance requirements, cost targets, manufacturability, and client specifications in designs.
Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving HVAC technologies, sustainable design practices, and advancements in CAD/simulation software.
Cross-Functional Communication: Navigating communication and potential conflicts between design intent and manufacturing capabilities or client expectations.
Problem Resolution: Diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues in existing or new HVAC systems, often under time pressure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized HVAC Training: Access to internal or external training focused on advanced HVAC system design, thermodynamics, and air distribution technologies.
SolidWorks Advanced Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in SolidWorks, including advanced surfacing, simulation tools, and PDM (Product Data Management).
Industry Standards and Certifications: Learning and applying international standards for sustainable building design and potentially pursuing certifications relevant to HVAC engineering.
Mentorship: Guidance from experienced mechanical engineers and product designers within the Price Industries team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a product design role in manufacturing, requiring a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding professional capabilities within the HVAC engineering domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Process: "Walk me through a mechanical design project you've worked on, from concept to final design. What was your process, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on your approach, use of SolidWorks, and problem-solving).
Technical Problem Solving: "Imagine a client reports that an HVAC unit is not performing to specifications. How would you begin to diagnose and resolve this issue?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking and systematic troubleshooting).
Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a manufacturing team or other engineers on a project. How did you ensure your design was manufacturable and met project goals?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What do you know about Price Industries Limited and our products?" (Research the company website, products, and market position).
"How do you align with our core values of business integrity, service, innovation, and commitment to people?" (Provide specific examples or thoughts on how you embody these values).
"What are your long-term career goals in mechanical engineering or product design?" (Show ambition and alignment with growth opportunities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your SolidWorks skills, mechanical design understanding, and problem-solving abilities.
Explain Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.
Highlight Design Decisions: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, referencing engineering principles or simulation results.
Showcase Technical Documentation: Be ready to present examples of your drawings, BOMs, or specifications.
Keep it Concise: Practice presenting your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and alignment with the company's values. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for this entry-level role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio showcasing your mechanical design projects, with a strong emphasis on your SolidWorks proficiency. Include examples of 3D models, technical drawings, and any relevant calculations or analysis performed. Highlight projects related to HVAC or similar mechanical systems if available.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your Mechanical Engineering or Technology program education, any internship experience, and specific skills like SolidWorks, technical reporting, and problem-solving. Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, technical challenges, and collaborative experiences. Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving scenarios relevant to HVAC systems. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer questions about your understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Price Industries Limited, its history, products, and market position. Understand their core values and consider how your own aspirations align with the company's culture and mission.

⚠️ 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.

Product Designer