Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Mechanical Engineering & Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for heavy-duty equipment within the rugged forestry industry.

• Collaborate closely with an established engineering team to enhance existing products and drive new product developments.

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

• Create comprehensive technical documentation, such as design specifications and bills of materials, to support manufacturing and quality control.

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Product Designer here is deeply embedded in mechanical engineering, focusing on the design and development of physical products rather than digital interfaces. The emphasis is on tangible product creation for heavy machinery, requiring a strong understanding of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs, perform necessary calculations, and create prototypes for components, ensuring adherence to performance, safety, and industry standards.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials, considering mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability for demanding applications.

• Engage in close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, manufacturing personnel, and quality control, to ensure seamless product integration into production.

• Execute and interpret tests such as stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis to validate design integrity and enhance performance characteristics.

• Generate precise technical documentation, including detailed design specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and assembly instructions.

• Proactively identify and propose solutions for design optimization, cost reduction initiatives, and overall efficiency improvements in product lifecycle.

• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting during fabrication and assembly processes as needed.

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and contribute to continuous improvement efforts based on real-world performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product design, bridging conceptualization with practical application and field support. This indicates a role that requires not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to engage directly with the manufacturing and operational aspects of the products.

🎓 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, land clearing, and farming is considered a significant asset.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in creating detailed designs, performing engineering calculations, and developing prototypes.

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

• Effective communication and reasoning skills for cross-functional team collaboration.

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment and ability to manage competing demands.

• Ability to balance aesthetic considerations with practicality in product design.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies.

• Solid understanding of machine design fundamentals, mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

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

• Experience with 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.

• Experience with FEA simulation software.

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

• Familiarity with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing details.

• Experience implementing advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems, sensors, and controllers.

• Knowledge of diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train transmissions/axle component selection.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of traditional mechanical engineering disciplines with practical application in heavy machinery. The preference for specific software like SolidWorks and FEA simulation, alongside domain-specific design experience, points to a need for candidates who can immediately contribute to complex product development cycles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed mechanical designs, including 3D models and 2D technical drawings with precise dimensions and tolerances.

• Present case studies of product development projects, highlighting the design process from concept to prototype or production.

• Include examples of material selection justifications and analysis of mechanical properties.

• Demonstrate experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) through rendered images or interactive models.

• Provide evidence of performing and interpreting engineering analyses such as stress (FEA) and dynamic simulations.

• Document projects that involved collaboration with manufacturing or other engineering disciplines. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the workflow for taking a design from initial concept through to detailed design, including iteration and refinement stages.

• Show examples of creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical specifications for production.

• Document approaches to design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).

• Present case studies where design improvements led to cost reductions or efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role focused on mechanical engineering, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical design skills and engineering acumen. Emphasis should be placed on the tangible aspects of design, analysis, and the ability to translate complex engineering requirements into manufacturable products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Mechanical Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Cambridge, Ontario region, the estimated salary range is CAD $65,000 - $90,000 annually. This estimation considers the specialized nature of heavy machinery design and the company's industry.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: In addition to competitive wages, employees benefit from profit sharing, reflecting shared success.

• RRSP Matching Program: The company offers an RRSP matching program to support retirement planning.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Opportunities for self-identified, industry-related learning with pre-approval and reimbursement are available.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive healthcare benefits (including massage, physiotherapy, vision) and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) are provided.

• Active Social Committee: Engagements include an annual family picnic, Christmas parties, theatre events, sporting events, and discounted attraction tickets.

• Family-Oriented Company Culture: Regular social events, BBQs, and pizza parties foster a strong team environment.

Working Hours: Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Mechanical Product Designer with mid-level experience in Ontario, Canada, considering the industrial sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with larger manufacturing organizations that prioritize employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, specifically focused on forestry machinery. The company operates within a niche but critical sector of the industrial equipment market, known for its demanding environments and high-performance requirements.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries is a significant player in its market, with multiple manufacturing facilities and a global presence. The company size suggests a robust organizational structure with opportunities for specialization and career advancement, while retaining a strong sense of community.

Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, building a reputation for designing and manufacturing high-quality, durable forestry equipment. This history indicates a company with established processes, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to innovation and product longevity.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of specialized engineers and designers focused on different aspects of heavy machinery (e.g., hydraulics, powertrain, fabrication).

• Reporting structures are expected to be hierarchical, with designers reporting to engineering leads or managers, facilitating clear project direction and oversight.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with manufacturing, quality control, product support, and potentially R&D teams to ensure designs are practical and meet market needs. Methodology:

• Data-driven design and analysis, utilizing CAD and FEA tools to simulate performance and validate designs before physical prototyping.

• Iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from testing, manufacturing, and field support to refine products.

• Emphasis on robust engineering principles and material science to ensure durability and reliability in extreme conditions.

• Focus on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) to optimize production efficiency and cost.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as family-oriented and team-driven, with a strong emphasis on innovation and quality within the heavy machinery sector. This context is vital for candidates to understand the work environment and the company's values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It involves contributing to the design and development of complex mechanical systems, requiring a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical application. The role is instrumental in the product lifecycle, from concept through to supporting production and field operations.

Reporting Structure: Designers will likely report to a Senior Design Engineer or Engineering Manager. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while expecting independent contribution to design tasks and projects. Collaboration with peers in design, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines is a key aspect of the daily workflow.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of Tigercat's heavy forestry equipment. Successful designs contribute to increased operational efficiency for customers, enhanced product reliability, and a stronger market position for the company. Innovations in design can lead to competitive advantages and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas such as hydraulics, powertrain, structural design, or automation within heavy machinery.

• Advancement: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Lead Engineer, or Engineering Management roles, taking on greater project responsibility and leadership.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for advanced training in CAD/FEA software, materials science, and specific industry technologies, supported by company reimbursement programs.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and product support, broadening overall engineering understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Product Designer in this environment emphasizes deep technical expertise in mechanical engineering and a progression towards more complex design challenges and leadership responsibilities within the heavy equipment sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site manufacturing and engineering environment. This means working within a facility that houses design offices, engineering labs, and manufacturing floors.

Office Location(s): The position is located in Cambridge, Ontario, with specific offices also noted in Brantford and Paris, ON. These locations are within a region known for its industrial and manufacturing base.

Workspace Context:

• The design office will likely be equipped with standard engineering workstations, CAD software, and access to relevant technical documentation and product data.

• Opportunities for collaboration will be abundant, with direct interaction with engineers, manufacturing teams, and potentially assembly line personnel.

• Access to prototyping facilities and testing labs will be integral to the design validation process.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is a dedicated day shift from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. This provides a consistent schedule with a typical 40-hour work week, allowing for work-life balance within a manufacturing setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is critical, requiring candidates to be comfortable working within a manufacturing and engineering facility where direct interaction with physical products and production teams is a daily occurrence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess foundational qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your mechanical engineering knowledge, CAD proficiency (especially SolidWorks), FEA experience, and understanding of heavy machinery design principles. Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving and design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your design portfolio. Expect to walk through specific projects, explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your technical skills, analytical capabilities, and ability to deliver tangible results.

• On-Site/Team Interview: This may include meeting with potential team members and managers to assess cultural fit, teamwork capabilities, and communication style. You might be asked to elaborate on your experience with cross-functional collaboration and your understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your fit with the company's long-term vision and your potential contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your mechanical design skills, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving abilities relevant to heavy equipment.

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your design approach, the tools and techniques used (CAD, FEA, etc.), the challenges encountered, your proposed solutions, and the final outcome or impact (e.g., performance improvement, cost savings, successful prototype).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. For example, "Reduced component weight by 15%," or "Improved stress resistance by 20%."

• Highlight Collaboration: If a project involved significant teamwork, be prepared to discuss your role and how you effectively collaborated with colleagues from different departments.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to explain the technical details of your designs and analyses, demonstrating a strong grasp of engineering principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, perhaps related to a specific component or system in heavy machinery. This might involve sketching concepts, outlining your approach, or discussing potential trade-offs.

• CAD/FEA Scenario: You might be asked about how you would approach a specific design task using CAD or how you would set up an FEA simulation for a given component.

• Troubleshooting: Expect questions about how you would approach troubleshooting a mechanical issue in a prototype or in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly emphasizes practical application and the ability to articulate design decisions. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases technical proficiency and problem-solving skills is paramount for success in this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling (CAD): SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as a required software. Proficiency in creating complex assemblies, detailed part drawings, and feature-based modeling is expected.

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Simulation software (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar) is required for structural and dynamic analysis of machine components.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, expect to use data from simulations, test results, and potentially manufacturing feedback for design iteration and reporting. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function but may be used indirectly for project management or internal communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core mechanical design and analysis tools, with a specific emphasis on SolidWorks and FEA software. Candidates should be well-versed in these applications and their practical use in product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly enhance product design, performance, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Quality & Durability: A commitment to building robust, reliable equipment that can withstand demanding operational environments.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across departments to achieve common goals and successful product launches.

• Problem-Solving & Technical Excellence: A culture that values analytical thinking, strong engineering fundamentals, and effective solutions to complex challenges.

• Safety & Responsibility: A paramount focus on safety in design and manufacturing processes, ensuring the well-being of operators and end-users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with manufacturing engineers, quality control specialists, and product support teams to ensure designs are optimized for production and field performance.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs to foster continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Project-Oriented: Collaboration is structured around specific product development projects, requiring clear communication and shared accountability among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are deeply rooted in the industrial manufacturing sector, emphasizing precision, durability, and collaborative problem-solving to deliver high-performance heavy equipment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Design Constraints: Designing for extreme operational environments (e.g., forestry) presents unique challenges related to durability, power, and material stress.

• Balancing Performance & Cost: Optimizing designs to meet high-performance requirements while managing manufacturing costs and material expenses.

• Integration of Systems: Ensuring seamless integration of various complex systems (hydraulics, engines, drivetrains, electrical) within a single piece of equipment.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and digital design tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced FEA, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), or specific material applications.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications related to mechanical engineering, CAD/FEA software, or specific industry standards.

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead design projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic product development decisions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working within different engineering disciplines or understanding manufacturing operations more deeply.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges inherent in heavy equipment design, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and specialization within a demanding yet rewarding industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design challenge you faced and how you approached solving it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving process and technical analysis).

• "How do you ensure your designs are optimized for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness?" (Discuss DFM/DFA principles and your experience with manufacturing constraints).

• "Walk me through your process for selecting materials for a critical component in a high-stress application." (Highlight your understanding of material properties and selection criteria).

• "How do you stay current with new technologies and design methodologies in mechanical engineering?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the heavy forestry equipment industry?" (Demonstrate an understanding of the industry's demands and your enthusiasm for it).

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing and quality control teams?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills).

• "What are your thoughts on Tigercat's product line and its position in the market?" (Show research and genuine interest in the company).

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in project scope or requirements." (Assess your adaptability and resilience). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your presentation with your most impressive and relevant projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the technical details, and the results. Use visuals effectively.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your designs, calculations, and simulations.

• Highlight Tools Used: Explicitly mention your proficiency with SolidWorks, FEA software, and any other relevant tools.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the reasoning behind your design choices, not just what you did.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating technical expertise, demonstrating a structured problem-solving approach, and showcasing an understanding of the specific demands of the heavy equipment industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight mechanical engineering skills, CAD proficiency (especially SolidWorks), FEA experience, and any relevant industry background (heavy equipment, forestry, construction).

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional design portfolio showcasing 3-5 key projects. Ensure each project clearly details the problem, your design process, technical analyses, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Technical Deep Dive: Prepare to discuss core mechanical engineering principles, material science, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and your experience with stress/vibration analysis. Practice explaining complex designs and engineering trade-offs.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's product lines, history, and company values. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the forestry equipment industry.

⚠️ 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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