Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Mechanical Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to enhance existing products and drive new product development initiatives.

• Perform detailed mechanical design tasks, including calculations, material selection, and prototype development, ensuring adherence to performance and safety standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on mechanical product design within the heavy equipment manufacturing sector, specifically for forestry applications. While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities are deeply rooted in mechanical engineering and design operations, requiring a strong understanding of machinery, materials, and manufacturing processes. The emphasis is on tangible product development and enhancement rather than user interface or digital product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications for heavy-duty forestry equipment, utilizing CAD software and adhering to industry standards.

• Conduct comprehensive calculations for mechanical components, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and durability requirements.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for rugged terrain applications.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control personnel, to ensure seamless product integration and production.

• Execute and interpret various tests, including stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis, to validate design integrity and optimize performance characteristics.

• Generate essential technical documentation, such as detailed design specifications, engineering drawings, and accurate bills of materials (BOMs).

• Proactively identify opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiency improvements throughout the product lifecycle.

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

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and implement design improvements based on real-world operational feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of design, analysis, and practical application. The inclusion of "hands-on troubleshooting" and "field support" indicates a practical, problem-solving approach to design, where understanding manufacturing and operational challenges is crucial. This goes beyond theoretical design and emphasizes a results-oriented approach to product development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Previous design experience within heavy-duty mobile equipment industries (e.g., construction, mining, agriculture, material handling) is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling and CAD software, specifically SolidWorks.

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including machine design fundamentals, mechanics, material properties, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and simulation software (e.g., Simulation for SolidWorks) for structural analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical documentation, including design specifications and bills of materials.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and strong mechanical aptitude for tackling complex technical challenges.

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

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment with the ability to manage competing demands and unexpected events. Preferred Skills:

• Design experience in specific areas such as welded steel fabrications, hydraulic cylinders and components, diesel engine installations, vehicle drive train transmissions, and axle component selection.

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

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

• Knowledge of manual and robotic welding processes for steel fabrication.

• Understanding of structural FEA and dynamic simulation of machine components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and practical application through CAD and FEA. The preferred skills highlight specific industry expertise, suggesting that candidates with direct experience in similar heavy machinery design will have a significant advantage. The blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings created using SolidWorks, demonstrating proficiency in design documentation.

• Include case studies of mechanical components or systems designed, highlighting the problem statement, design process, material selection rationale, and final solution.

• Present examples of FEA simulations performed, illustrating stress analysis, fatigue testing, or vibration analysis and how results informed design improvements.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to heavy equipment, such as welding, machining, and assembly, as applied in your designs.

• Provide examples of technical documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs) and design specifications, that clearly articulate design intent and requirements. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to design optimization, including methodologies used for cost reduction and efficiency improvements in mechanical systems.

• Illustrate your process for material selection, explaining how properties, cost, and manufacturing feasibility were evaluated for specific applications.

• Showcase your workflow for collaborating with manufacturing and quality control teams, ensuring designs are production-ready and meet quality standards.

• Document your approach to testing and validation, explaining how stress analysis, fatigue, and vibration tests were conducted and their impact on design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mechanical design role, the portfolio should be heavily focused on tangible design outputs and the engineering process behind them. It's crucial to demonstrate not just the ability to use CAD software but also the engineering thought process, analytical skills, and understanding of manufacturing realities. The emphasis on materials, testing, and cross-functional collaboration is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers/Mechanical Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in the Cambridge, Ontario region, the estimated salary range is CAD $65,000 - $90,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of heavy equipment design and the company's focus on rugged terrain applications.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: Beyond a competitive base salary, employees share in the company's financial success through profit sharing.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning through an employer-matched Registered Retirement Savings Plan.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Opportunities for professional growth with reimbursement for pre-approved, industry-related learning initiatives.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive health coverage including massages, physiotherapy, and vision, along with access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support services.

• Active Social Committee: Engagement in various company-sponsored social events, including family picnics, holiday parties, theatre outings, and sporting events, fostering a strong sense of community.

Working Hours: A dedicated Day Shift schedule of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for mechanical design roles in Ontario, Canada, with 2-5 years of experience. Factors considered include the specialized industry (heavy equipment manufacturing), the technical requirements (CAD, FEA, hydraulics, engines), and the company's established presence. The benefits package is detailed directly from the job description, highlighting aspects valued by engineering professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, specializing in forestry machinery. Tigercat | MacDonald Steel is a prominent player in designing and building robust equipment for challenging terrains, known for its durability and performance in demanding environments.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries is a significant global manufacturer. While exact numbers for the specific Cambridge/Brantford/Paris facilities aren't provided, the parent company is large enough to maintain a global presence and extensive product lines, suggesting a well-established operational structure.

Founded: Tigercat Industries was founded in 1992. This history indicates a company with deep-rooted expertise and a proven track record in its specialized market, likely fostering a culture of long-term stability and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of experienced Mechanical Engineers and Designers who specialize in different aspects of heavy equipment (e.g., hydraulics, powertrains, structures).

• Reporting structure is typical for an engineering department, with designers reporting to an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with manufacturing engineers, assembly line personnel, quality control inspectors, and potentially R&D or product management teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing CAD, FEA, and simulation tools to inform design decisions and validate performance.

• Iterative Development: Employing a cycle of design, testing, analysis, and refinement to optimize products.

• Manufacturing Integration: Ensuring designs are practical and efficient to manufacture, with close feedback loops to production teams.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking opportunities to enhance existing designs and reduce costs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a specialized, established manufacturing environment. The culture is likely built around engineering excellence, durability, and practical problem-solving, reflecting the demands of the forestry industry. The "family-oriented" and "tight-knit" descriptions suggest a collaborative and supportive workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is positioned as an intermediate-level position, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of relevant experience. It involves significant responsibility in product development and design validation, requiring independent work and the ability to contribute to complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Lead Designer, or Engineering Manager, providing direct guidance and oversight on design projects and technical development.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly influences the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of Tigercat's forestry equipment. Their designs are critical for the company's ability to compete in its niche market, impacting product reliability, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue through the sale of high-quality machinery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of heavy equipment design, such as advanced hydraulics, powertrain systems, or structural integrity for extreme conditions.

• Senior Design Engineer: Progress to roles with greater project leadership, mentorship responsibilities for junior designers, and involvement in strategic product planning.

• Engineering Management: Transition into leadership positions, managing design teams, overseeing project pipelines, and contributing to broader engineering strategy within the organization.

• Cross-functional Moves: Opportunities to move into manufacturing engineering, product management, or technical support roles, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer in this industry typically involves deepening technical specialization or moving into project leadership and management roles. The company's emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation suggests ample opportunities for those who demonstrate strong technical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site manufacturing environment, likely involving a combination of office space for design work and access to the manufacturing floor for collaboration and troubleshooting.

Office Location(s): Positions are available in Cambridge, Brantford, and Paris, Ontario. These locations are within proximity to each other, offering some flexibility for candidates and potential for cross-site collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Design Office: Access to modern CAD workstations and software (SolidWorks, FEA tools) for design and analysis tasks.

• Manufacturing Floor: Opportunities for direct interaction with engineers, technicians, and assembly teams to observe processes, conduct troubleshooting, and gather practical insights.

• Collaborative Spaces: Likely access to meeting rooms and common areas conducive to teamwork and cross-functional discussions.

Work Schedule: The schedule is a fixed Day Shift: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. This provides a consistent work structure, which can be beneficial for planning and work-life balance in a demanding engineering role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is explicitly stated. This is crucial for a product design position involving heavy machinery, as it necessitates direct interaction with prototypes, manufacturing processes, and hands-on troubleshooting. The multiple locations might indicate opportunities within different product lines or teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with a focus on relevant experience and education.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions on mechanical engineering principles, CAD/FEA proficiency, and problem-solving scenarios. Be prepared to discuss your design process and technical decision-making.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on explaining your role, the challenges, the design solutions, and the outcomes, particularly highlighting your contributions to efficiency, performance, or cost reduction.

• Team/Manager Interview: An opportunity to discuss your fit with the team culture, your collaborative style, and how you approach working with cross-functional departments. Behavioral questions related to adaptability and problem-solving will likely be prominent.

• On-site Visit (Potentially): Depending on the stage, a visit to the facility might be arranged to understand the work environment and meet more team members.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in mechanical design, CAD, FEA, and relevant industry experience (heavy equipment).

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific responsibilities, the design process, the tools used (SolidWorks, FEA), the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results or improvements achieved.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your projects to the required and preferred skills mentioned in the job description (e.g., "This project involved significant work with hydraulic systems, aligning with the company's need for expertise in fluid power").

• Demonstrate Process Thinking: Explain why you made certain design choices, how you iterated, and how you collaborated with others. This shows your engineering thought process.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about the technical details of your projects, including material choices, stress calculations, and manufacturing considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to heavy equipment, such as improving fuel efficiency, increasing durability, or reducing manufacturing costs. Think about how you would approach these systematically.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of machine design fundamentals, material science, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

• Company Research: Understand Tigercat's product lines, their applications in the forestry industry, and their commitment to ruggedness and performance. This will help you tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for a mechanical design role will be technically focused. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not only their design capabilities but also their engineering rationale and problem-solving methodologies. A well-curated portfolio is essential for showcasing practical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as a required skill, indicating it's the primary tool for creating designs, assemblies, and detailed drawings.

• FEA/Simulation Software: Simulation (likely SolidWorks Simulation or a similar integrated package) is required for stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis, crucial for validating designs under load.

• Technical Documentation: Tools for creating Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and specification documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, engineers may use internal tools or spreadsheets for tracking design iterations, material costs, and test results.

• Performance data from field testing or manufacturing feedback might be used to refine designs, requiring an understanding of how to interpret and apply such data. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, as it's focused on product development rather than sales or customer relationship management. However, understanding how product specifications feed into broader operational systems might be beneficial.

• Automation in manufacturing processes (e.g., robotic welding) is relevant to the design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on design and analysis tools. Proficiency in SolidWorks and FEA software is non-negotiable. The emphasis is on the tools that enable detailed mechanical design and validation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A strong emphasis on technical proficiency, robust design, and adherence to engineering principles to create high-performance, durable equipment.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages creative solutions to complex technical challenges inherent in rugged terrain equipment.

• Durability & Reliability: A core value focused on building equipment that can withstand harsh environments and demanding use, reflecting the company's reputation.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A commitment to working together across departments to ensure designs are manufacturable, functional, and meet market needs.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to optimize designs, processes, and products for better performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially R&D teams to ensure designs are practical and meet production requirements.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where feedback from manufacturing and field operations is valued and used to inform design iterations.

• Direct Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential when discussing technical details, design changes, and troubleshooting issues with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be deeply rooted in engineering quality, practicality, and a commitment to building tough, reliable equipment. The collaborative style emphasizes practical application and continuous feedback loops between design and manufacturing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Environments: Developing equipment that reliably functions in rugged, often harsh forestry conditions requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of material science and mechanical stress.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Finding the optimal balance between high performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing is a constant challenge in heavy equipment design.

• Integrating Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in areas like hydraulics, electronics, and sensor technology to integrate them effectively into robust machinery.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively translating complex engineering designs and requirements to non-engineering stakeholders in manufacturing and assembly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of mechanical engineering, such as advanced FEA techniques, hydraulic system design, or powertrain optimization, potentially through external courses or certifications.

• On-the-Job Skill Development: Learning from experienced engineers and technicians, gaining practical insights into manufacturing processes and field performance of equipment.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of equipment designs and enhancements, broadening your understanding of the entire product lifecycle and different engineering challenges.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior engineers, guiding career development and technical skill enhancement within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to heavy equipment design, requiring a blend of technical skill, problem-solving, and practical application. Growth opportunities focus on deepening technical expertise and gaining broader project experience within the company's specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe a complex mechanical design project you worked on. Walk me through your process from concept to final design, including challenges and how you overcame them." (Prepare to discuss your CAD/FEA usage, material selection, and any collaboration involved.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a component in our forestry equipment is experiencing premature failure in the field. How would you approach diagnosing the root cause and proposing a design solution?" (Focus on systematic troubleshooting, data gathering, and iterative design.)

• Collaboration: "How do you ensure your designs are manufacturable and meet the needs of the production team? Describe a time you had to balance conflicting requirements from different departments." (Highlight your communication skills and understanding of manufacturing constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry, and specifically for Tigercat?" (Research Tigercat's products, reputation for ruggedness, and market position.)

• "How do you stay updated on new technologies and engineering best practices in mechanical design?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a collaborative team culture." (Align your response with the company's emphasis on teamwork and family-oriented culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a compelling story about the problem, your solution, and the impact. Focus on your direct contributions.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality renderings, drawings, and simulation results. Annotate them to explain key features and findings.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the benefits of your design (e.g., "Reduced weight by 15%", "Increased fatigue life by 20%", "Improved efficiency by 10%").

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your project selection and presentation to highlight skills and experiences most relevant to the job description (e.g., hydraulics, stress analysis, material selection for harsh environments).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, practical design experience, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their design process and impact effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful mechanical design projects. Ensure they showcase your proficiency in SolidWorks, FEA, material selection, and problem-solving relevant to heavy equipment.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with mechanical design, CAD/FEA software, and any relevant industry background (e.g., mobile heavy-duty equipment, hydraulics, engines). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your role, the engineering challenges, your design solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your design process and technical rationale.

• Research the Company: Understand Tigercat's products, their applications in the forestry industry, and their reputation for durability. This will help you articulate your interest and align your skills with their needs.

⚠️ 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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