Product Designer II
๐ Job Overview
Job Title: Product Designer II
Company: DIRTT
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design & Development
Date Posted: September 02, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site
๐ Role Summary
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Drive product innovation from concept to commercialization through a blend of creative design and rigorous engineering principles.
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Collaborate within cross-functional teams to translate market needs and consumer preferences into tangible, high-performing product solutions.
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Leverage advanced 3D modeling and design software to develop detailed technical drawings, prototypes, and fully functional products.
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Champion Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to optimize production efficiency and reduce costs.
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Contribute to DIRTT's mission of building adaptable, industrialized interior environments for diverse markets including workplace, healthcare, and education.
๐ Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a Product Designer II, implying a level of autonomy and leadership in design projects, beyond junior-level execution. The emphasis on "industrialized construction" and "adaptable interior environments" suggests a focus on modularity, scalability, and efficiency within the built environment sector, directly impacting the types of design challenges and solutions expected.
๐ Primary Responsibilities
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Conceptualize and develop new product opportunities, contributing to business case creation by aligning design with market needs and consumer preferences.
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Translate design briefs from internal teams and external partners into innovative and viable design concepts, presenting them effectively for stakeholder feedback and approval.
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Lead and actively participate in design charrettes and critiques, fostering collaborative environments for robust design development.
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Create detailed 2D/3D product designs, sketches, and technical drawings using industry-standard software, ensuring adherence to quality, functionality, ergonomics, and manufacturing standards.
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Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to simplify, optimize, and refine product designs for ease of production.
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Incorporate Design for the Environment (DFE) principles, considering the entire product lifecycle and sustainability.
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Oversee and participate in prototyping and mock-up development to validate design concepts, collaborating with engineering, production, and installation teams for design refinement.
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Research and recommend suitable materials and manufacturing processes that align with product pricing strategies, project budgets, and specific requirements.
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Develop comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, assembly instructions, installation instructions, and bills of materials (BOMs).
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Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for various internal and external teams, providing solution support, technical guidance, and design insights.
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Maintain and improve existing product lines through revision, refinement, and continuous improvement based on post-launch feedback and market evolution.
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Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product design and industrialized construction to drive continuous improvement.
๐ Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "Feature-Driven Development (FDD) and Agile methodologies" points towards a structured product development process requiring designers to work in iterative cycles, manage scope effectively, and adapt to changing requirements, which is crucial for managing complex construction projects.
๐ Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree, diploma, or professional equivalent in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Design, Engineering, or a related design discipline field.
Experience: Proven experience (5+ years) as a Product Designer, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial design setting, or progressive design experience in a product development, engineering, or manufacturing environment. Experience in the design and manufacturing of products is a mandatory requirement. Experience in interior construction is considered a strong asset.
Required Skills:
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Proficiency in 3D solid modeling software such as Inventor, Creo Elements Direct, Solid Designer, SolidWorks, Pro-E, AutoCAD 3D, or similar tools.
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Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office Suite.
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In-depth understanding of core design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and human factors engineering.
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Advanced knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes (including sheet metal, machined parts, aluminum and plastic extrusions, injection molded and die-cast parts), and rapid prototyping techniques, with a strong ability to design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA).
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Knowledge of current architectural and construction practices.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
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Strong problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
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Familiarity with Feature-Driven Development (FDD) and Agile methodologies. Preferred Skills:
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Experience in interior construction and modular building systems.
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Understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) principles.
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Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and Design for the Environment (DFE) practices.
๐ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific 3D modeling software (Inventor, SolidWorks, etc.) and other tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite indicates the essential technical proficiency required. The 5+ years of experience requirement, coupled with the "II" in the title, signifies a mid-level to senior role where candidates are expected to lead design initiatives and mentor others.
๐ Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop innovative product designs from initial ideation through to detailed technical specifications.
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Case studies showcasing successful application of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles, highlighting efficiency gains or cost reductions.
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Examples of 2D/3D technical drawings, renderings, and BOMs for manufactured products.
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Documentation of prototyping and testing phases, including any design iterations and resolutions.
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Projects that illustrate an understanding of user-centered design and human factors engineering.
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Evidence of sustainable design considerations (DFE) where applicable. Process Documentation:
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Showcase experience in creating detailed design documentation, including assembly instructions and installation guides for complex products.
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Examples of workflow management and collaboration within a product development lifecycle, ideally referencing Agile or FDD methodologies.
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Documentation of material and manufacturing process research and selection for specific product requirements.
๐ Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer II role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just present final designs but also the iterative process, problem-solving steps, and the rationale behind material and manufacturing choices, especially demonstrating DFM/DFA and DFE considerations. A strong portfolio will clearly articulate the candidate's contribution to the commercialization of products.
๐ต Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designer II roles in Calgary, Alberta, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $80,000 - $110,000. This estimate considers the company's focus on industrial construction and the required technical expertise.
Benefits:
- Competitive
Application Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a design or engineering discipline and possess at least 5 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in 3D solid modeling software and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials are required.