Product Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer I

Company: LMI Technologies

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering

Date Posted: August 20, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for an entry-level Mechanical Product Designer focused on the design and development of innovative 3D machine vision solutions within the Opto-Mechanical (SMECH) team.

• Candidates will be responsible for executing assigned tasks within larger projects, requiring a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to high-quality work.

• The position involves hands-on design work using 3D CAD software, creating detailed technical documentation, and contributing to data-driven analysis of product performance.

• Collaboration with senior engineers and participation in peer design reviews are integral to the role, fostering continuous improvement and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer I," the description clearly indicates a strong mechanical engineering focus, particularly in opto-mechanical systems for 3D machine vision. The role is positioned for an early-career professional, emphasizing support and execution within a team environment rather than independent design leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Development: Assist in the design, development, and testing of mechanical and opto-mechanical components for high-performance 3D sensor products.

• Data-Driven Analysis: Support the team by applying statistical analysis (e.g., Lean Six Sigma concepts) to sensor data from builds to assess adherence to design requirements and identify areas for improvement.

• Task Execution & Clarification: Take ownership of assigned tasks within larger projects, proactively seeking clarification on requirements through insightful questions to ensure the highest standard of work quality and timely completion.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identify technical obstacles during task execution and collaborate with senior engineers to research, test, and propose effective alternative solutions.

• Technical Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed 3D CAD models (SolidWorks preferred), 2D fabrication drawings with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Bill of Materials (BOMs), and thorough test reports.

• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in peer design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to contribute to the team's collective knowledge and ongoing product development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core mechanical design tasks and analytical contributions. The emphasis on "assisting" and "supporting" reinforces the entry-level nature of the role, while the requirement for detailed documentation and data analysis points to a structured engineering process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a directly equivalent technical degree.

Experience: Co-op, internship, or entry-level product design experience in a high-technology manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, with SolidWorks being the preferred tool, for part and assembly modeling.

• Basic understanding of statistical analysis for decision-making, including concepts like Lean Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), or analyzing build data.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain technical documentation, including 3D CAD models, 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to facilitate effective collaboration across departments.

• A self-driven, passionate, and proactive mindset with a strong motivation to meet goals accurately and on time. Preferred Skills:

• Academic exposure, internship experience, or a strong knowledge base in 3D metrology, machine vision, robotics, or precision sensor design.

• Exposure to or coursework involving opto-mechanical design, precision lens mounting, or the integration of optical components.

• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python for data analysis or task automation.

• Registration or eligibility to register as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

• Familiarity with project management software tools for task tracking and status maintenance.

• Exposure to AI-driven engineering tools (e.g., generative design in CAD) or advanced productivity tools (e.g., LLMs for scripting, data analysis, task automation).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-haves" clearly define the foundational requirements for an entry-level mechanical engineer. The "Bonus Points" provide a strong indication of desirable specialization and forward-thinking technical interests, particularly in AI and automation, which are becoming increasingly relevant in engineering roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of 3D CAD models created using SolidWorks or similar software, demonstrating proficiency in part and assembly design.

• Examples of 2D fabrication drawings, including clear application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards.

• Creation of Bill of Materials (BOMs) for designed components or assemblies, illustrating an understanding of component management.

• Documentation of personal projects or academic work that involved a structured design process, from concept to detailed design. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or contributing to technical documentation for engineering projects, detailing design choices, testing procedures, and results.

• Examples of applying analytical methods to design challenges, such as basic statistical analysis of test data or performance metrics.

• Demonstrations of a systematic approach to problem-solving, outlining how challenges were identified, analyzed, and resolved.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio expectations are focused on demonstrating foundational skills and a structured approach rather than extensive project histories. The emphasis is on the quality of the design artifacts and the ability to document processes, reflecting the core responsibilities of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,100 CAD to $88,578 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Full health care coverage, including dental, vision, and prescription drugs for the employee and their family, with 100% paid premiums.

• Work-Life Balance: Support for a healthy balance through hybrid work arrangements, flextime options, and competitive paid time off.

• Growth & Development: An annual Education Support Program for professional training and development, complemented by annual performance reviews.

• Office Perks: Access to free snacks and drinks, regular team-building events, tenure awards, and a unique company holiday ("May the 4th").

• Wellness Initiatives: On-site fitness facility, tennis/basketball court, and company-wide wellness programs.

• Profit Sharing: Eligibility for participation in the Profit Sharing Program, contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period and overall business performance.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through flextime arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for an entry-level Mechanical Product Designer in the Burnaby, BC area. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting LMI Technologies' commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are significant attractors for operations and engineering talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Machine Vision Technology, specializing in 3D and 2D sensors for factory automation.

Company Size: Medium-sized technology company.

Founded: [Company Founded Date Not Provided] - LMI Technologies has established itself as a global leader in industrial vision solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Opto-Mechanical (SMECH) team, focused on designing and delivering 3D machine vision solutions.

• The team likely comprises experienced mechanical and opto-mechanical engineers, with this role reporting to a senior engineer or engineering manager.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, software development, and product management. Methodology:

• Emphasis on engineering excellence, innovation, and delivering high-performance, cost-effective vision technologies.

• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, with the application of statistical analysis (like Lean Six Sigma) to product performance.

• A culture of continuous improvement is fostered through peer design reviews and proactive problem-solving.

Company Website: https://lmi3d.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: LMI Technologies positions itself as a technologically advanced, globally recognized leader with a strong emphasis on innovation and engineering quality. The company culture appears to value collaboration, continuous learning, and employee well-being, which are key attractors for technical professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Product Designer I) position, suitable for individuals with a Bachelor's degree and limited professional experience (0-2 years). It represents the initial step in a career path within mechanical and opto-mechanical product design.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer I will likely report to a Senior Mechanical Engineer or the Manager of the Opto-Mechanical (SMECH) team. They will work under the guidance of senior team members, executing assigned tasks within larger project frameworks.

Operations Impact: While not directly a "Revenue Operations" role, this position contributes to the GTM strategy by ensuring the design and development of high-quality, innovative 3D machine vision products. The performance and reliability of these products directly impact customer satisfaction, market competitiveness, and ultimately, revenue generation for LMI Technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in opto-mechanical design, 3D metrology, and machine vision technologies, potentially leading to senior design roles.

• Technical Advancement: Gain experience with advanced tools and methodologies, including AI-driven design tools and scripting for automation, paving the way for roles in R&D or advanced engineering.

• Career Progression: Progress from Product Designer I to Product Designer II, Senior Product Designer, or specialized roles within R&D, project management, or technical leadership within the engineering department.

• Learning & Development: Utilize the annual Education Support Program for formal training, certifications, and professional growth, supported by regular performance reviews and mentorship from senior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role provides a clear entry point into a specialized engineering field with defined growth paths. The company's investment in employee development through education support and performance reviews suggests a commitment to nurturing talent internally.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model based at the Burnaby, BC headquarters.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada (V5J 5J8). Preference is given to local candidates.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is fostered, with specific days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) designated for in-office work to promote team interaction and collaboration.

• Access to an on-site fitness facility, tennis/basketball court, and company-wide wellness initiatives supports a healthy work environment.

• The workspace will be equipped with necessary engineering tools and technology, including SolidWorks and potentially other advanced design and analysis software.

Work Schedule: A 40-hour work week is standard, with the option of flextime to accommodate work-life balance. The hybrid model requires employees to be in the office three days a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is clearly defined, emphasizing collaboration and team synergy. The on-site amenities and wellness programs indicate a company that prioritizes employee well-being and a positive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Talent Discovery (HR): Initial screening call focusing on professional background, communication skills, and cultural alignment. Overview of the role and company.

• Role Fit (Hiring Manager): In-depth discussion about technical experience, knowledge, and skills. Expectations for the role and team initiatives will be shared.

• Team Fit (Peers/Colleagues): Opportunity to meet with potential team members and cross-functional colleagues to discuss experiences and work at LMI.

• Assessment (Potential): Some roles may include a technical assessment to evaluate specific technical capabilities and skills relevant to product design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Core Skills: Prioritize examples demonstrating proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D part and assembly modeling, and clear application of GD&T on 2D fabrication drawings.

• Document Process: For each project, briefly outline the design process, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented. This shows a structured approach.

• Highlight Analysis: If possible, include examples where you analyzed data (even from academic projects) to inform design decisions or validate performance.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly explains the context and your specific contributions to each project. Focus on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss fundamental mechanical engineering principles, CAD best practices, and your understanding of opto-mechanical systems.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Practice articulating how you would approach common design challenges, including identifying root causes, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating trade-offs.

• Data Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with basic statistical concepts and be ready to discuss how you would interpret build data or test results to assess design adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage, designed to assess technical fit, cultural alignment, and collaborative potential. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating core mechanical design skills and a structured approach will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: SolidWorks (preferred), for part and assembly modeling.

• 2D Drafting Software: For generating fabrication drawings with GD&T.

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Tools or spreadsheets for tracking components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Tools: Familiarity with methods like SPC, DOE, or basic statistical analysis for interpreting sensor data.

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially Excel, or scripting languages like Python for more advanced data manipulation and analysis.

• Technical Documentation Software: For creating reports and specifications.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools for task tracking and maintaining project status.

• Scripting Languages (Preferred): Python for potential data analysis or task automation.

• AI-Driven Engineering Tools (Preferred): Exposure to generative design features in CAD or LLMs for productivity enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as preferred, making proficiency in this software a key requirement. The emphasis on statistical analysis and potential use of Python and AI tools indicates a modern engineering environment that values data-driven insights and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to designing and delivering high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective machine vision solutions.

• Innovation: Driving advancements in 3D and 2D machine vision technology for industrial automation.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Opto-Mechanical team and across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively participating in design reviews and seeking opportunities to enhance products and processes.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing statistical analysis and performance data to inform design decisions and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Works closely with senior engineers and peers on projects, with a focus on shared learning and problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional: Engages with other engineering disciplines (electrical, software) and potentially product management to ensure integrated product development.

• Feedback-Rich: Encourages active participation in peer design reviews, valuing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to align with typical high-tech engineering environments, emphasizing technical proficiency, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The values suggest a focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Concepts to Design: Effectively translating theoretical concepts and requirements into detailed, manufacturable 3D CAD models and 2D drawings.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Developing the skill to accurately analyze and interpret sensor build data to identify design flaws or areas for optimization.

• Proactive Problem Identification: Learning to anticipate potential technical issues in designs and proactively collaborating to find solutions.

• Balancing Task Execution with Learning: Managing assigned tasks efficiently while actively seeking learning opportunities and mentorship from senior engineers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Skills: Deepen expertise in opto-mechanical design, precision engineering, and the nuances of 3D machine vision systems.

• Software Proficiency: Master SolidWorks and explore its advanced features, potentially including generative design. Gain practical experience with scripting for engineering tasks.

• Analytical Methodologies: Develop a strong understanding and application of Lean Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE principles in a product development context.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the industrial automation and machine vision markets, understanding customer needs and competitive landscapes.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and knowledge transfer from experienced engineers within the SMECH team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an entry-level engineering role, focusing on skill acquisition and application. The growth opportunities are well-defined, highlighting pathways for technical specialization and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design you worked on (academic or internship). What were the key challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and design choices.)

• "How would you approach designing a mounting bracket for a delicate optical sensor, considering factors like vibration, thermal expansion, and alignment precision?" (Assess design thinking and consideration of critical parameters.)

• "Imagine you receive build data for a new sensor component that shows a higher-than-expected failure rate in one specific area. How would you begin to investigate the root cause?" (Prepare to discuss data analysis and troubleshooting methodology.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LMI Technologies and our 3D machine vision solutions?" (Research LMI's products, market position, and recent innovations.)

• "How do you approach receiving constructive criticism on your designs during peer reviews?" (Highlight your openness to feedback and commitment to improvement.)

• "Describe a time you had to proactively seek clarification on project requirements. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate initiative and effective communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Walkthrough: For each portfolio item, clearly state the project's objective, your role, the tools used, the design process, key decisions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Highlight GD&T: Be prepared to explain the GD&T callouts on your drawings and why they are critical for manufacturing and assembly.

• Data Integration: If you have examples of analyzing data to inform design, present them clearly, showing the data, your analysis, and the resulting design changes.

• Focus on Learning: For any areas where your experience is limited, frame it as a learning opportunity and express enthusiasm for developing those skills at LMI.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating foundational mechanical engineering knowledge, a structured problem-solving approach, proficiency with CAD tools, and an understanding of statistical analysis principles. The portfolio is a critical component for showcasing practical skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer I position:

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

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best 3D CAD models (SolidWorks preferred), 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T, and any relevant technical documentation or project reports. Highlight projects where you applied analytical thinking or problem-solving skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, any relevant internship or co-op experience in design or manufacturing, proficiency in SolidWorks, and understanding of statistical analysis concepts. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your technical projects in detail, articulate your problem-solving methodology, and explain your understanding of opto-mechanical design principles. Practice presenting your portfolio items clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LMI Technologies, their product lines (especially 3D machine vision sensors), their market position, and their stated company values. Understand their commitment to innovation and engineering excellence.

⚠️ 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.