Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brant, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T04:00:00

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 innovations.

• Create detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications utilizing CAD software, with a strong emphasis on user-centric product development.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of designs into production, adhering to stringent performance and safety standards.

• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis, including stress analysis and FEA, to validate and optimize product performance, strength, and durability in rugged environments.

• Maintain and update technical documentation, including design specifications and bills of materials, ensuring accuracy and completeness for production and field support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a blend of traditional mechanical engineering design and product development, with a clear emphasis on creating robust equipment for the demanding forestry industry. The "Product Designer" title suggests a focus on the entire product lifecycle from concept to implementation, requiring strong technical skills coupled with an understanding of user needs and manufacturability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive mechanical designs, including 3D models, detailed drawings, and specifications for new and existing forestry equipment components and systems.

• Perform critical engineering calculations and analyses, such as stress, fatigue, and vibration analysis, to validate design integrity and optimize performance characteristics.

• Select appropriate materials based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, manufacturing feasibility, and environmental considerations relevant to heavy-duty applications.

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

• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and design rationale, supporting both production and after-sales service.

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements throughout the product lifecycle, contributing to competitive advantage.

• Provide hands-on support for troubleshooting during fabrication and assembly processes, offering practical solutions to overcome manufacturing challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application in fabrication, assembly, and field support. This suggests a dynamic role where the designer is involved in the entire product lifecycle, from concept to operational deployment and continuous improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Previous design experience within heavy-duty equipment industries such as construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming is a significant asset.

Required Skills:

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

• Proven ability to create detailed mechanical designs, perform engineering calculations, and develop prototypes.

• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude to address complex design challenges in rugged environments.

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

• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected changes.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.

• Experience with FEA simulation software (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation). Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, plumbing, and advanced hydraulic power/electronic control systems.

• Knowledge of diesel engine installations, vehicle transmissions, and axle component selection.

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

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

• Experience with fluid power systems, engine systems, electrical and electronic systems, and drive train systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in mechanical engineering with a specialization in heavy machinery. Proficiency in SolidWorks and FEA is critical, as is practical experience with hydraulics, engines, and drive trains, reflecting the specific needs of the forestry equipment industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed 3D CAD models and 2D technical drawings of mechanical components or assemblies, demonstrating design intent and precision.

• Include case studies of past projects, highlighting the design process from concept ideation through to final implementation and testing.

• Present examples of engineering calculations and analysis performed (e.g., stress analysis, FEA reports) to validate design performance and integrity.

• Demonstrate experience with material selection rationale, explaining the choice of materials based on application requirements and performance characteristics.

• Provide examples of technical documentation created, such as Bills of Materials (BOMs) or assembly instructions, showcasing clarity and completeness. Process Documentation:

• Document the workflow for design ideation, concept development, and detailed design phases, emphasizing systematic approaches.

• Illustrate processes for conducting design reviews, incorporating feedback from cross-functional teams, and managing design iterations.

• Detail methodologies for performing validation testing and analysis, including stress analysis, FEA, and prototype testing, to ensure product reliability.

• Outline procedures for updating technical documentation and managing design changes throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as tangible evidence of design capabilities and problem-solving skills. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured design process, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate complex requirements into robust engineering solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $34 - $40 per hour CAD. Based on the provided salary data, this translates to an estimated annual salary range of $70,720 - $83,200 CAD for a standard 40-hour work week.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: In addition to competitive wages, employees share in the company's financial success through profit sharing.

• 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 are available with pre-approval and reimbursement.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive healthcare benefits beyond prescriptions, including coverage for massage, physiotherapy, and vision. An Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) is also provided.

• Active Social Committee: Participation in a variety of social events, including annual family picnics, Christmas parties, theatre events, sporting events, and family outings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Product Designer role with the specified experience level in Brant, Ontario. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, particularly through extensive social events and healthcare coverage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing (specifically for the forestry industry). Tigercat is a leading manufacturer of high-performance forestry machines, known for their durability and innovation in demanding environments. MacDonald Steel is part of this group, contributing to their manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries is a significant player in its niche, employing a substantial workforce across its operations. While specific numbers for MacDonald Steel aren't provided, the parent company's scale suggests a well-established organization with robust processes and a commitment to growth.

Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, establishing a strong reputation over several decades for quality and innovation in the forestry equipment sector. This history suggests a stable company with a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within the broader engineering department, comprising experienced mechanical engineers and designers.

• Reporting structure is expected to be hierarchical, with designers reporting to a lead engineer or engineering manager.

• Close collaboration with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially R&D teams is integral to the design and development process. Methodology:

• Data-driven design approach, utilizing engineering principles, simulations (FEA), and performance testing to validate designs.

• Emphasis on iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from manufacturing and field operations for continuous improvement.

• Structured approach to technical documentation and project management to ensure consistency and traceability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat is known for its focus on high-quality, durable equipment designed for extreme conditions. This implies a company culture that values engineering excellence, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to producing reliable machinery. The integration with MacDonald Steel suggests a vertically integrated approach to manufacturing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is positioned as an intermediate level, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It involves significant design responsibility and collaboration, serving as a crucial link between conceptualization and production.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Senior Mechanical Engineer or Engineering Manager, who oversees the product development lifecycle and team performance. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy on design tasks.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly impacts the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of Tigercat's forestry equipment. Successful designs contribute to market competitiveness, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the company's revenue and profitability through superior product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like hydraulic systems, powertrain design, or structural analysis within heavy machinery.

• Senior Designer/Engineer: Progress to more complex projects, mentor junior designers, and take on greater design leadership responsibilities.

• Project Management: Transition into roles managing specific product development projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, and team coordination.

• Technical Leadership: Become a subject matter expert in a particular design discipline or technology, influencing future product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer at Tigercat is strongly tied to deepening technical expertise in mechanical engineering and heavy equipment design. The company's commitment to training reimbursement suggests a supportive environment for professional development, enabling individuals to advance their careers within specialized engineering functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the designer to work from the facility in Paris, Ontario. The environment is likely a mix of office space for design work and close proximity to manufacturing, fabrication, and testing areas.

Office Location(s): 141 Consolidated Drive, Paris, ON. This location is within the Brant area, offering a rural setting characteristic of heavy manufacturing operations.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate interaction between designers, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.

• Access to essential design tools, including CAD workstations, software licenses (SolidWorks, FEA), and potentially prototyping facilities.

• Opportunities for hands-on engagement with machinery and manufacturing processes, allowing for direct observation and problem-solving on the shop floor.

Work Schedule: Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday. This provides a consistent work schedule with clear start and end times, suitable for maintaining work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is critical for a hands-on design position in heavy equipment manufacturing. Proximity to production and testing is essential for rapid iteration, troubleshooting, and gaining practical insights that inform design decisions. The established day shift offers predictability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions on engineering principles, mechanical design concepts, and specific experience with CAD/FEA software. Be prepared to walk through your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your design portfolio. This is where you'll showcase your best work, explaining the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meet with potential team members and managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with company values.

• On-site Visit/Practical Exercise (Potentially): May involve a tour of the facility and/or a short practical design challenge to assess on-the-spot problem-solving.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in mechanical design, CAD, FEA, and problem-solving relevant to heavy equipment.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the technical challenges you overcame, the tools you used, your specific contributions, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality renderings, clear technical drawings, and concise explanations. Include schematics of hydraulic or engine systems if applicable.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency with SolidWorks, FEA, material selection, and any experience with hydraulics, engines, or drive trains.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternatives considered, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Fundamentals: Brush up on core mechanical engineering principles, machine design, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material science.

• CAD/FEA Practice: Be ready to discuss or demonstrate your proficiency with SolidWorks and FEA. If a practical exercise is expected, practice common design tasks.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common design challenges in heavy equipment, such as optimizing for weight, strength, cost, or manufacturability.

• Company Research: Understand Tigercat's product lines, their market position, and the challenges of the forestry equipment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Product Designer role at a company like Tigercat will heavily weigh technical proficiency and practical application. A well-prepared portfolio is not just a collection of work but a narrative of your engineering capabilities and problem-solving acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling: SolidWorks (primary requirement for design, modeling, and drafting).

• FEA/Simulation: SolidWorks Simulation or other advanced FEA packages for stress, fatigue, and dynamic analysis.

• CAD Software: General familiarity with other CAD platforms may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how to interpret performance data from testing and field operations is crucial.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools might be helpful for interpreting simulation results and test data. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding product lifecycle management (PLM) systems could be advantageous for managing design data and revisions.

• Knowledge of ERP systems for understanding Bill of Materials (BOM) integration and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SolidWorks and FEA software is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to leverage these tools for detailed design, analysis, and validation is central to the Product Designer's responsibilities. Understanding the broader manufacturing technology stack provides valuable context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A deep commitment to robust design, rigorous testing, and high-quality manufacturing to produce reliable, durable equipment.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking better designs, materials, and technologies to improve product performance and customer value in challenging environments.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment where engineers, designers, and manufacturing staff work together to achieve common goals.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and hands-on approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, both in design and during production/field operations.

• Customer Focus: Designing equipment that meets the specific, demanding needs of the forestry industry, ensuring operational efficiency and longevity for customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active engagement with manufacturing, quality control, and potentially sales/service teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet market needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and direct communication regarding design intent, potential issues, and feedback for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing technical expertise and lessons learned across the engineering team to elevate collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat's culture is likely built around engineering prowess and a commitment to producing top-tier machinery. The values emphasize technical skill, practical application, and a collaborative spirit essential for designing equipment that performs under extreme conditions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rugged Environment Design: Engineering components and systems that withstand extreme conditions, heavy loads, and continuous operation in forestry environments.

• Balancing Performance and Cost: Optimizing designs for peak performance while managing material costs, manufacturing complexity, and overall product affordability.

• Integration of Complex Systems: Seamlessly integrating diverse systems such as hydraulics, engines, drive trains, and electronics into cohesive, high-performing equipment.

• Staying Ahead of Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and control systems to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced FEA, hydraulic system design, or powertrain engineering through specialized courses.

• Industry Conferences & Exhibitions: Exposure to the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in heavy equipment manufacturing and design.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced senior engineers and designers within the company, gaining insights into best practices and career development.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain a broader understanding of manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and product support to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the demanding nature of forestry equipment design. Growth opportunities are aligned with enhancing technical expertise in relevant engineering disciplines and gaining a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle within the heavy equipment 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 your process, analytical methods, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet stringent performance and safety standards for heavy-duty equipment?" (Discuss your use of calculations, simulations, and testing.)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting materials for a component that needs to withstand high stress and harsh environmental conditions." (Highlight your knowledge of material properties and trade-offs.)

• "How do you collaborate with manufacturing and quality control teams to ensure a design is feasible and can be produced efficiently?" (Emphasize communication, feedback loops, and compromise.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry specifically?" (Showcase your understanding of the industry's unique demands.)

• "How do you stay current with new design technologies and engineering principles?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in project scope or requirements. How did you handle it?" (Assess your adaptability and problem-solving under pressure.)

• "What do you see as the key differences between designing for consumer products versus heavy industrial equipment?" (Show your awareness of application-specific design considerations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Solution -> Key Technical Details (CAD, FEA, materials) -> Results/Impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your design (e.g., "reduced weight by 15%", "increased fatigue life by 20%", "improved manufacturing efficiency by X%").

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and show examples of your work in SolidWorks and any FEA software used.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase experience with heavy equipment, hydraulics, engines, or structural design.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, calculations, and any trade-offs you made.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals, practical design experience with relevant software, and the ability to articulate your problem-solving process and design rationale effectively. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience with mechanical design, CAD (SolidWorks), FEA, material selection, and any relevant industry experience (forestry, heavy equipment). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your strongest mechanical design projects. Include detailed explanations of your process, technical specifications, CAD renderings, analysis reports, and quantifiable results.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific design challenges, your problem-solving methodologies, and your familiarity with the tools and principles mentioned in the job description.

• Research Tigercat: Understand the company's products, mission, and the specific demands of the forestry equipment industry to articulate your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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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