Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brantford, Paris, and Cambridge, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Development

Date Posted: June 15, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop mechanical engineering solutions for heavy-duty forestry equipment, focusing on enhancing existing products and driving new developments.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams to ensure seamless integration of product designs into production.

• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis, including stress, fatigue, and vibration testing, to validate and optimize product performance, strength, and reliability.

• Create comprehensive technical documentation, such as detailed design specifications and bills of materials, to support manufacturing and product lifecycle management.

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements across product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Product Designer" in this context, combined with the emphasis on mechanical engineering, fluid power, engine systems, and drive trains, indicates a strong focus on mechanical product development rather than user interface or user experience design. The responsibilities clearly point to a mechanical engineering design role within a manufacturing environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs, perform engineering calculations, and create prototypes for components and equipment intended for rugged forestry applications.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials, considering mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing feasibility to ensure optimal product performance and durability.

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control personnel, to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet all quality standards.

• Perform validation tests such as stress analysis (FEA), fatigue testing, and vibration analysis to confirm designs meet performance, safety, and industry-specific requirements.

• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including detailed design specifications, drawings, and accurate bills of materials (BOMs).

• Proactively identify areas for design improvement, focusing on cost reduction, enhanced efficiency, increased reliability, and simplified manufacturing processes.

• Provide hands-on support and troubleshooting during the fabrication and assembly phases to resolve any design-related issues.

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and gather feedback for future design iterations and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to mechanical design, including prototyping, testing, and direct collaboration with manufacturing and field support. This suggests a role that requires not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application and problem-solving in a production and operational environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics is preferred. Experience:

• Previous design experience within industries similar to forestry, such as mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming is considered an asset. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of core engineering principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and computer-aided design (CAD) software.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong mechanical aptitude to tackle diverse technical challenges.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and responding effectively to change and unexpected events.

• Proficiency in creating detailed technical documentation, including design specifications and bills of materials.

• Ability to conduct and interpret results from stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis.

• Demonstrated understanding of machine design fundamentals, mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with fluid power systems, engine systems, electrical and electronic systems, and drive train systems.

• Experience with structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and dynamic simulation of machine components.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.

• Experience with FEA simulation software.

• Design experience in welded steel fabrications (manual and robotic welding).

• Design experience with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valve systems, and plumbing.

• Familiarity with diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train transmissions/axle components.

• Experience designing attachments for heavy equipment, considering load distribution, stress, material selection, and ease of installation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills highlight a blend of theoretical knowledge in mechanical engineering disciplines and practical, hands-on experience with specific systems and software relevant to heavy machinery design. The preference for SolidWorks and FEA indicates a need for proficiency in industry-standard design and analysis tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of mechanical design projects, showcasing the design process from concept to final product.

• Detailed case studies of product development cycles, highlighting problem identification, design solutions, and testing methodologies.

• Examples of technical documentation, including complex drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and design specifications.

• Evidence of material selection processes and justification for chosen materials based on performance and cost.

• Documentation of analyses performed, such as stress analysis (FEA) or dynamic simulations, with clear interpretation of results. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples illustrating the process of taking a design from initial concept through to production readiness.

• Documentation of design optimization initiatives, detailing the problem, proposed solution, implementation, and measured outcomes (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements).

• Examples of collaborative design processes, showing how input from manufacturing, quality control, or field support was incorporated.

• Records of testing procedures and validation reports for mechanical components or systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mechanical design role, a portfolio should emphasize tangible engineering outputs. This includes detailed CAD models, technical drawings, analysis reports, and case studies that clearly articulate the candidate's problem-solving approach and impact on product development. The focus is on demonstrating the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, manufacturable designs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between CAD $70,000 and CAD $95,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of heavy equipment design and the required technical expertise. Benefits:

• Family-Oriented Company Culture: Active participation in social events, BBQs, and pizza parties.

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: In addition to base salary, employees benefit from the company's financial success through profit sharing.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning with employer matching contributions to Registered Retirement Savings Plans.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Financial assistance for pre-approved, industry-related learning opportunities to foster continuous professional growth.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive health coverage including prescriptions, massages, physiotherapy, vision care, and access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) offering free support services.

• Active Social Committee: Involvement in various company-sponsored events such as annual picnics, Christmas parties, theatre outings, and discounted attraction tickets. Working Hours:

• Dedicated Day Shift: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This amounts to approximately 40 hours per week, providing a consistent work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for mechanical design engineers in similar industrial sectors within the specified region. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing (Forestry, Construction, etc.)

Company Size: Tigercat is a significant player in the heavy equipment industry, implying a medium to large enterprise with established manufacturing operations and a global reach. MacDonald Steel is likely a division or a closely affiliated entity, contributing to specialized manufacturing capabilities.

Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, establishing a strong legacy in the design and manufacturing of high-performance forestry equipment. This history suggests a culture of innovation, durability, and customer focus built over decades.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of an established engineering team, likely comprising various engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software) and design specialists.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager, with direct collaboration across manufacturing, quality assurance, and potentially product management teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is crucial, involving close interaction with manufacturing floor personnel, assembly teams, and potentially field service technicians to ensure design feasibility and gather performance feedback. Methodology:

• Data-driven design approach, utilizing engineering principles, material science, and simulation tools (FEA) to inform design decisions and validate performance.

• Emphasis on iterative design and prototyping, allowing for testing and refinement of concepts before full-scale production.

• Collaborative problem-solving methodologies, encouraging input from diverse teams to address complex technical challenges.

• Focus on continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to optimize designs for cost, efficiency, and manufacturability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on rugged, heavy-duty equipment for demanding industries like forestry suggests a culture that values durability, reliability, engineering excellence, and practical innovation. The "family-oriented" aspect mentioned in benefits implies a supportive work environment within a large industrial context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Product Designer, requiring a Bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience. It offers a path for individuals to deepen their expertise in mechanical design within a specialized industrial sector.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Engineer or Engineering Manager. This structure provides mentorship and guidance while allowing for significant autonomy in design tasks. Collaboration will extend to peers in engineering, as well as cross-functional teams in manufacturing and quality.

Operations Impact: Product Designers are critical to the success of the company by developing innovative and reliable equipment that meets customer needs in challenging environments. Their work directly influences product performance, manufacturing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ultimately, market competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as hydraulics, powertrain systems, structural design, or advanced materials within heavy equipment.

• Senior/Lead Designer: Progress to a Senior Product Designer or Lead Engineer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.

• Project Management: Transition into project management roles, overseeing the development lifecycle of new equipment or major product updates.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas like manufacturing engineering, product management, or technical support, leveraging their deep product knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: The company's support for skills development and training reimbursement provides a clear path for ongoing professional development and acquiring new certifications or advanced technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer in heavy equipment manufacturing typically involves increasing technical complexity, project leadership, and potentially cross-functional expertise. The company's explicit mention of training reimbursement suggests a commitment to employee development that candidates should leverage.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site within manufacturing facilities, likely involving a combination of office-based design work and time spent on the production floor.

Office Location(s): Brantford, Paris, and Cambridge, ON. Candidates may be placed at any of these locations, indicating a potentially larger operational footprint across these areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Space: The workspace will likely include access to modern CAD workstations and necessary software for design, simulation, and documentation.

• Proximity to Production: The role requires frequent interaction with manufacturing environments, including assembly lines and fabrication shops, to understand production processes and troubleshoot issues.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular collaboration with engineering colleagues, manufacturing personnel, and quality control teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., SolidWorks, FEA simulation tools) and potentially rapid prototyping equipment.

Work Schedule: A dedicated day shift from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, totaling approximately 40 hours per week. This consistent schedule supports work-life balance while ensuring accessibility during core business hours for team collaboration and production support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site, manufacturing-focused environment is key. Candidates should be comfortable working in a production setting and understand that design work is integrated with real-world manufacturing challenges and timelines. The multiple location options suggest flexibility in onboarding but require candidates to be open to working in any of the listed areas.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core qualifications and experience requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with engineering team members focusing on mechanical design principles, CAD proficiency, problem-solving approaches, and experience with relevant systems (fluid power, engines, etc.). Expect questions about past projects and technical challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their best work from their portfolio, detailing design challenges, their solutions, the impact of their work, and their role in the process. This is a critical step to demonstrate practical skills and thought process.

• On-site/Final Interview: A meeting with hiring managers and potentially senior leadership to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and overall suitability for the team and company. This may include a tour of facilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include diverse projects demonstrating skills in different areas of mechanical design, from concept to detailed design and analysis.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and impact on each project, especially in team-based work.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to showcase the positive outcomes of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced material cost by Y%, increased durability).

• Explain Your Process: Walk through your design methodology, including how you approach problem-solving, select materials, conduct analyses, and collaborate with others.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize projects related to heavy equipment, mobile machinery, or similar industries to demonstrate industry-specific understanding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or a problem-solving scenario related to mechanical systems. Focus on your thought process, how you would approach the problem, what information you'd need, and potential solutions.

• CAD/Analysis Exercise: Some roles may include a practical test involving CAD software or a basic analysis task to assess technical proficiency.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle disagreements, integrate feedback, and communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely to be a significant part of the evaluation. Candidates should meticulously prepare to walk through their projects, emphasizing their technical contributions, problem-solving skills, and the tangible outcomes of their design work. Understanding the company's industry and product types will be crucial for tailoring portfolio examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as a required skill. Proficiency in creating complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and performing basic design checks within SolidWorks is essential.

• FEA/Simulation Software: Experience with simulation tools like SolidWorks Simulation or other FEA packages (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis is highly valued.

• Technical Documentation Software: Familiarity with tools for creating and managing technical drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role involves conducting analyses (stress, fatigue, vibration), which implies the use of analytical and reporting capabilities within simulation software.

• Data analysis skills to interpret test results and performance metrics to inform design optimization. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this mechanical design role, as the focus is on product development rather than sales or customer relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on SolidWorks and FEA simulation tools is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these specific software packages, highlighting how they have used them to solve design problems and validate product performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, robust engineering, and product reliability is paramount in the heavy equipment industry.

• Innovation: Driving continuous improvement and developing cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving industry demands and customer needs.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where individuals work together effectively across departments to achieve common goals.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.

• Safety & Durability: Prioritizing the safety and long-term performance of equipment designed for demanding environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially field service teams, ensuring designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet real-world operational requirements.

• Feedback-Driven: An openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices within the engineering team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely revolve around ruggedness, reliability, and engineering prowess, reflecting the nature of their products. A collaborative spirit, especially with manufacturing, is essential for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Environments: Developing components and systems that can withstand harsh conditions, heavy loads, and continuous operation in forestry and similar industries.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Finding optimal solutions that meet high performance and durability requirements while remaining cost-effective to produce and easy to manufacture.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Ensuring seamless integration of diverse systems such as hydraulics, engines, electrical controls, and drive trains into cohesive equipment designs.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with new materials, manufacturing techniques, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in product development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to training programs and reimbursement for courses in specialized areas of mechanical engineering, CAD/FEA software, or material science.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of the forestry and heavy equipment industries through product development and field support.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and designers within the team, gaining insights into best practices and complex problem-solving.

• Professional Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant professional engineering certifications or specialized accreditations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are directly tied to the demanding nature of the equipment and its operating environments. Growth opportunities are clearly linked to deepening technical expertise and understanding the intricacies of heavy machinery design and manufacturing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Problem Scenarios: "Describe a complex mechanical design problem you've solved. What was your approach, what were the constraints, and what was the outcome?"

• System Integration: "How would you approach integrating a new hydraulic system into an existing machine platform, considering space, power, and control?"

• Material Selection: "If you needed to select a material for a high-stress, wear-prone component in a forestry machine, what factors would you consider and what materials might you evaluate?"

• Collaboration & Conflict: "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a manufacturing engineer about a design. How did you resolve it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry?"

• "How do you stay updated on new engineering technologies and materials?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it."

• "How do you approach balancing competing priorities when working on multiple design projects?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear CAD models, drawings, simulation results, and photos of prototypes or finished products to illustrate your work.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs contributed to product performance, cost reduction, manufacturability, or customer satisfaction.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, practical design experience, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with CAD software (especially SolidWorks), FEA, mechanical design principles, and any relevant industries (heavy equipment, forestry, construction, etc.). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest design projects that best represent your skills and experience. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, process, and the impact of your work.

• Research Tigercat: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's product lines, their applications in the forestry industry, and their commitment to engineering and durability. Understand their company culture and values.

• Practice Technical Explanations: Be ready to discuss mechanical engineering concepts, design challenges, and your problem-solving methodologies in detail.

⚠️ 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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