Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brant, ON, Canada / Brantford, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

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 established engineering and cross-functional teams to bring innovative designs from concept to production.

• Apply strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills to create detailed designs, drawings, and specifications for rugged terrain applications.

• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis, including stress, fatigue, and vibration, to validate and optimize product performance, ensuring adherence to safety and industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Product Designer" is interpreted in the context of the description to heavily lean towards a Mechanical Engineering design role, focusing on physical product development for heavy machinery rather than digital product design. The "2-5 Years" experience level is an inference based on the typical career progression for a Bachelor's degree holder in Engineering undertaking such design responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications for heavy-duty forestry equipment, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and industry standards.

• Perform engineering calculations and develop prototypes for mechanical components, materials, and systems, optimizing for strength, response, and durability.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing feasibility for demanding operational environments.

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

• Conduct comprehensive design validation through various tests, such as stress analysis (FEA), fatigue testing, and vibration analysis, to optimize product performance and longevity.

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

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

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during the fabrication and assembly processes, resolving design-related issues as they arise.

• Offer field support for equipment troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives when required, gaining practical insights into real-world application challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are detailed to reflect the practical application of design principles in heavy machinery, emphasizing collaboration, testing, documentation, and field support as critical components of the role. The inclusion of "field support" and "hands-on troubleshooting" suggests a need for practical, hands-on engineering skills beyond pure CAD work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of relevant design experience, ideally within industries such as mobile heavy-duty equipment (construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming).

Required Skills:

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

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving capabilities.

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

• Adaptability to a changing work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected events.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software, with a strong preference for SolidWorks.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools, specifically Simulation.

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

• Ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly product designs that balance aesthetics with practicality.

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

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

• Experience with hydraulic cylinders, control valve systems, plumbing details, and advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems.

• Familiarity with diesel engine installations and vehicle drive train/axle component selection.

• Design experience with equipment attachments, considering load distribution, stress analysis, material selection, and ease of installation.

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

• Experience in providing field support for equipment troubleshooting and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been populated by synthesizing the "Skills and Experience" and "Qualifications" sections from the raw description. The "Preferred Skills" section specifically extracts the detailed design experience areas mentioned in the "Qualifications" section, framing them as advantageous rather than mandatory. The experience level is inferred as 2-5 years, which is a common range for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree and possessing the specific technical skills required for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed mechanical designs and engineering drawings created using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks), demonstrating proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting.

• Include examples of design validation through FEA and simulation, illustrating the process of stress analysis, dynamic simulation, and performance optimization.

• Present case studies of product development cycles, highlighting your contribution to design challenges, material selection, and manufacturing considerations.

• Demonstrate experience in creating comprehensive technical documentation, such as bills of materials (BOMs) and detailed design specifications.

• Provide evidence of problem-solving in design contexts, potentially including examples of design optimization for cost reduction or efficiency improvements. Process Documentation:

• Document the workflow from initial design concept through to detailed engineering drawings and BOM creation.

• Illustrate the process of material selection based on mechanical properties, cost, and manufacturing constraints.

• Detail the methodology used for design testing and validation, including stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis.

• Outline the collaboration process with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality control) to ensure design integration and troubleshoot issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is an inference based on the nature of a Product Designer role in heavy machinery. A strong portfolio demonstrating CAD proficiency, analytical skills (FEA/simulation), and the ability to document design processes and outcomes is crucial for such positions. The emphasis is on tangible evidence of design capability and process understanding.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $34.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing: A share in the company's financial success.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Opportunities for pre-approved industry-related learning.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including prescriptions, medications, massages, physiotherapy, and vision care.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free programs and support services.

• Active Social Committee: Participation in company-sponsored events like picnics, parties, theatre, and sporting events.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a dedicated Day Shift schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are directly extracted from the provided data. The working hours are also directly stated. The description of benefits has been expanded slightly for clarity, aligning with typical employer descriptions. The "On-site" work arrangement is confirmed by the job description mentioning Brantford and Paris, ON, and the absence of remote work options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Machinery Manufacturing, specifically focused on equipment for the forestry industry. This sector demands robust, durable, and highly reliable products designed for challenging operational environments.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries is part of a larger group that is a significant player in its industry, suggesting a well-established organization with structured processes and a substantial market presence. This size implies potential for diverse projects and career development opportunities within a stable environment.

Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, indicating a company with decades of experience and a proven track record in product development and market leadership within the forestry equipment sector. This history suggests a deep understanding of customer needs and industry evolution.

Team Structure:

• The role involves working closely with an established engineering team, implying a collaborative environment with experienced professionals.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with design/engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams, highlighting a project-driven, integrated approach.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Mechanical Engineering Manager or Lead Designer, providing guidance and oversight on design projects. Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and specifications that meet stringent performance and safety standards.

• A strong focus on design validation through rigorous testing, including stress analysis, fatigue, and vibration testing.

• The process includes material selection based on technical properties, cost, and manufacturability.

• Continuous improvement is encouraged through identifying opportunities for design optimization and cost reduction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the "Tigercat | MacDonald Steel" name, the product focus on forestry equipment, and the company's website. The description of industry, size, and founding year provides a backdrop for the operations role. Team structure and methodology are inferred from the responsibilities and general industry practices for engineering design roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate Product Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves taking ownership of design tasks, contributing to new developments, and collaborating across teams, moving beyond junior support roles.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Engineering Manager or Lead Product Designer, who oversees the design department's projects and team development. Close collaboration with manufacturing and quality control teams is also a key aspect of the workflow.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the performance, reliability, and market competitiveness of Tigercat's heavy-duty forestry equipment. Successful designs contribute to operational efficiency for customers, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced brand reputation for product durability and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like hydraulics, powertrain systems, structural analysis, or advanced materials through project work and training.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design projects, managing timelines, and mentoring junior designers as experience grows.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Opportunities to move into roles within manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, or product management, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Continuous Learning: Access to skills development and training reimbursement supports staying current with evolving technologies and engineering practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis infers growth paths based on the intermediate nature of the role, the industry, and the company's stated commitment to skills development. It connects the "Product Designer" role to broader "operations" impact by focusing on product lifecycle and business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the Product Designer to work from one of the company's facilities in Brantford or Paris, ON. This environment is likely a blend of office space for design work and close proximity to manufacturing floors for collaboration and troubleshooting.

Office Location(s): Brantford, Ontario, Canada and Paris, Ontario, Canada. These locations offer access to a skilled workforce and are situated within a region known for manufacturing and industrial activity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate close collaboration with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and quality control.

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

• Opportunities for hands-on engagement with equipment and manufacturing processes will be available, fostering a practical design approach.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, operating on a dedicated day shift from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This consistent schedule supports work-life balance and integration with manufacturing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates from the "On-site" work arrangement and the provided locations. It assumes a typical engineering design office environment within a manufacturing company, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter, focusing on relevant mechanical engineering design experience and CAD proficiency (SolidWorks).

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve a discussion of your engineering principles knowledge, experience with FEA/simulation, and problem-solving approaches. You may be asked to walk through a past design project.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your design portfolio. Be prepared to detail your design process, material selections, challenges overcome, and the outcomes achieved for specific projects.

• Cross-Functional/Team Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues from engineering, manufacturing, or quality control to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase CAD Proficiency: Include detailed examples of 3D models and 2D drawings created in SolidWorks. Highlight complex assemblies and detailed component designs.

• Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Present case studies where you used FEA or simulation to validate designs, optimize performance, or troubleshoot issues. Clearly explain the inputs, outputs, and your interpretation of the results.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, describe your design methodology, including requirements gathering, ideation, material selection rationale, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Select projects that showcase your ability to overcome design challenges, improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance product reliability. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Tailor to Tigercat: Emphasize experience with heavy-duty equipment, hydraulics, powertrains, and welded fabrications if applicable, aligning your work with Tigercat's product lines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss common mechanical engineering challenges in heavy equipment design, such as managing stress, vibration, heat, and material fatigue.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to designing for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA).

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you may need to present design solutions to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crafted based on standard interview practices for engineering design roles. The emphasis on portfolio review and specific technical skills (SolidWorks, FEA, hydraulics, etc.) is tailored to the job description's requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & CAD: SolidWorks (explicitly mentioned as required software). This is the core tool for creating mechanical designs, assemblies, and drawings.

• FEA & Simulation Software: Simulation (explicitly mentioned), likely integrated with SolidWorks or a similar platform. Used for stress analysis, dynamic simulation, and validating designs under load.

• Technical Documentation Software: Tools for creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), design specifications, and engineering drawings. This may include PDM (Product Data Management) systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing test data from stress, fatigue, and vibration tests.

• Software for performance tracking and reporting on design iterations and improvements. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned for this role, understanding how design data integrates with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for manufacturing and supply chain management would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is directly populated from the "Qualifications" section of the raw job description, identifying the primary software tools mentioned. Other categories are included to provide a broader context of a typical engineering technology stack, with notes indicating where specific tools were not mentioned.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance existing products and develop new solutions for the challenging forestry industry.

• Technical Excellence & Problem-Solving: A commitment to rigorous design, analysis, and problem-solving to ensure product performance and reliability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality control teams to achieve shared project goals.

• Durability & Reliability: A core value in designing equipment that withstands rugged terrain and demanding operational conditions.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet stringent industry and safety standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Working closely with engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control to ensure seamless design implementation and to resolve issues proactively.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing test results, simulations, and performance data to inform design choices and optimizations.

• Hands-on Engagement: A willingness to be involved in fabrication and assembly processes to gain practical insights and troubleshoot effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's industry (heavy machinery, forestry), the product description (rugged terrain, durability), and the stated responsibilities (cross-functional collaboration, troubleshooting).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Conditions: Developing robust designs that can withstand the harsh environments and demanding operational loads of the forestry industry.

• Balancing Performance, Cost, and Manufacturability: Optimizing designs to meet high performance standards while remaining cost-effective to produce and easy to manufacture.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Seamlessly incorporating fluid power, engine, electrical, and drive train systems into cohesive equipment designs.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with new materials, manufacturing techniques, and digital design tools to maintain product competitiveness.

• Field Support Demands: Responding effectively to troubleshooting needs in diverse and potentially remote field locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD/FEA Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in SolidWorks, Simulation, and other advanced design and analysis tools.

• Specialization in Heavy Equipment Systems: Gaining in-depth knowledge of hydraulics, powertrains, engine integration, and material science as applied to heavy machinery.

• Mentorship from Experienced Engineers: Learning from seasoned professionals within the engineering team to develop advanced design strategies and problem-solving techniques.

• Exposure to Manufacturing Processes: Gaining a deeper understanding of fabrication, welding, and assembly processes through close collaboration with the manufacturing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the nature of designing heavy machinery for the forestry sector. Growth opportunities are linked to the company's stated commitment to skills development and the inherent learning potential in a specialized engineering role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design project you worked on. What were the key challenges, your design approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving, design process, and results.)

• "How do you approach material selection for components that will experience high stress and fatigue?" (Assess understanding of material science and its application.)

• "Walk us through your process for using SolidWorks and FEA (Simulation) to validate a design." (Evaluate technical proficiency and analytical methodology.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are manufacturable and cost-effective?" (Test awareness of DFMA principles and cost considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing equipment for the forestry industry specifically?" (Gauge passion and alignment with the company's niche.)

• "How do you handle competing demands or unexpected changes in project requirements?" (Assess adaptability and problem-solving under pressure.)

• "Describe a time you collaborated with manufacturing or quality control on a design issue. What was your role and the resolution?" (Evaluate cross-functional communication and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solutions (with visuals!), the tools used (SolidWorks, FEA), and the final results/impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced stress by X%", "improved efficiency by Y%", "reduced manufacturing cost by Z%").

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, calculations, and troubleshooting steps. Know your projects inside and out.

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight experience with different aspects of mechanical design, such as welded fabrications, hydraulics, and powertrain systems, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the core competencies required for a Product Designer role in heavy machinery, focusing on technical skills, problem-solving, and collaboration. Portfolio advice is tailored to showcase the specific requirements of this engineering design position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with SolidWorks, FEA/Simulation, mechanical design principles, and any relevant industry experience (forestry, heavy equipment, hydraulics, etc.). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your mechanical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with relevant software and systems. Ensure clear documentation and visuals.

• Practice your presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects, explaining your design process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral interview questions.

• Research Tigercat: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's product lines, their commitment to innovation in the forestry sector, and their company culture as described on their website.

⚠️ 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.