Product Designer Mechatronics

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Mechatronic Systems

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brantford, Paris, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Product Development

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop advanced mechatronic systems for rugged, heavy-duty forestry equipment, focusing on electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled integration.

• Create detailed mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications to enhance existing products and drive new product development initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team to ensure seamless integration of designs from concept through to production.

• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis, including stress, fatigue, and vibration, to validate designs and optimize performance, safety, and durability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the design and development of physical mechatronic systems for heavy machinery, rather than software or purely digital product design. The emphasis is on mechanical engineering principles integrated with electronic controls and hydraulic systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for mechatronic systems, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and industry standards.

• Create electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems by integrating hydraulic components, sensors, input devices, and control logic for mobile machines.

• Develop user-friendly interface systems for operators and service technicians, balancing functionality with ease of use.

• Select appropriate materials and components based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing process suitability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, manufacturing engineers, and quality control, to ensure successful design implementation and integration into production.

• Conduct comprehensive tests such as stress analysis, fatigue testing, vibration analysis, and control logic validation to confirm design integrity and performance.

• Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, control logic diagrams, and detailed bills of materials.

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and overall efficiency improvements in product development.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during fabrication and assembly processes, and occasionally during field application.

• Travel domestically and internationally as required for research, field support, and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional mechanical design with advanced mechatronic and electro-hydraulic system development, emphasizing practical application in a heavy machinery context. The inclusion of field support and travel indicates a need for adaptability and on-site problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Previous design experience with similar industries to forestry, such as mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming is a strong asset.

Required Skills:

• A hands-on, creative, self-motivated, and passionate approach to tackling diverse and challenging technical tasks.

• Solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles, control logic, mobile computer systems, user interfaces, low-power electrical design, and mobile hydraulic systems.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and mechanical aptitude, with a keen eye for detail and precision.

• Excellent communication and reasoning skills, essential for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams on complex projects.

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

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

• A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies to drive innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing welded steel fabrications (manual and robotic welding).

• Design experience with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing details, including advanced hydraulic power and electronic control systems.

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

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

• Understanding of machine control theory, sensor technologies, remote control, and autonomous control systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a practical, hands-on approach alongside theoretical knowledge. Proficiency in SolidWorks is explicitly stated, and experience in specific heavy equipment sub-systems (hydraulics, drive trains, welding) is highly valued, suggesting a need for candidates with direct industry relevance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed mechanical designs and 3D models created using SolidWorks, demonstrating complex assemblies and part designs.

• Include case studies of mechatronic systems you have designed or contributed to, highlighting the integration of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic components.

• Present examples of technical documentation created, such as engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and design specifications.

• Demonstrate projects where you've performed calculations for stress analysis, fatigue, or vibration, with clear explanations of your methodology and findings.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of your process for translating conceptual ideas into detailed engineering drawings and CAD models.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to material selection and component sourcing for heavy-duty applications.

• Work samples showing how you document control logic and electro-hydraulic schematics.

• Case studies detailing your involvement in prototype development, testing, and design iteration cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, requiring tangible evidence of design work, particularly in 3D modeling and system integration. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, material selection rationale, and testing methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $32.00 - $38.00 per hour.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This hourly range is based on the provided salary data for the Brantford and Paris, ON region, factoring in the experience level (2-5 years) and the specialized nature of mechatronic design within the heavy equipment industry. Industry benchmarks for similar roles in Ontario suggest this range is competitive for mid-level engineers.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages and Profit Sharing: Employees receive competitive hourly rates and share in the company's financial success through profit sharing.

• RRSP Matching Program: A program designed to support employees' retirement planning with employer matching contributions.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Opportunities for employees to pursue relevant industry-related learning, with potential reimbursement for approved courses and certifications.

• Company-Paid Healthcare Benefits and EAP: Comprehensive healthcare coverage extending beyond prescriptions to include services like massage therapy and physiotherapy, plus access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) offering various free support services.

• Active Social Committee: Numerous company-sponsored social events, including family picnics, holiday parties, theatre outings, sporting events, and discounted attraction tickets across Ontario.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial security, and a strong social culture. The dedicated day shift offers a predictable schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy-duty equipment manufacturing, specifically for the forestry industry. Tigercat specializes in purpose-built machines for demanding logging operations.

Company Size: Tigercat Industries is part of a larger group of companies, indicating a substantial organizational structure with significant resources and a global presence.

Founded: Tigercat was founded to meet the needs of the forestry industry with specialized, high-quality equipment. Its history is rooted in innovation and dedication to its specific market niche.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team is established and experienced, providing a supportive environment for product design and development.

• The role involves close collaboration with other designers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control personnel.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on hands-on design, prototyping, and rigorous testing to ensure product reliability and performance in extreme conditions.

• A collaborative approach to problem-solving, leveraging the collective expertise of the engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Focus on continuous improvement and innovation to maintain a competitive edge in the specialized forestry equipment market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat's culture appears to be family-oriented, emphasizing teamwork, innovation, and a strong commitment to its employees and the forestry industry. The emphasis on purpose-built machinery suggests a culture of high engineering standards and durability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a mid-level Product Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of relevant experience. It offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to product development and gain exposure to complex mechatronic systems.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into an established engineering team, likely under an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer, with day-to-day collaboration across various engineering disciplines.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, your work directly impacts the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Tigercat's heavy machinery. Successful designs contribute to customer satisfaction, operational uptime, and the company's reputation for robust equipment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like electro-hydraulics, control systems, or advanced materials for heavy equipment.

• Leadership: Progress into senior design roles, project leadership, or team management within the engineering department.

• Skill Development: Leverage the training reimbursement program for advanced certifications or specialized courses in mechatronics, CAD/CAE, or relevant industry technologies.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in manufacturing processes, product support, and field applications, providing a holistic view of the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for technical specialization within heavy machinery design. Growth opportunities are linked to deepening expertise, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership positions within the engineering function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence at the Tigercat facility in Brantford or Paris, ON. This environment is typical for heavy equipment manufacturing, involving office-based design work alongside access to engineering labs, prototyping facilities, and manufacturing floors.

Office Location(s): Brantford and Paris, Ontario, Canada. These locations are situated within a manufacturing hub, offering good access to industrial infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office space designed to foster teamwork among engineers and designers.

• Access to advanced design tools, including SolidWorks and potentially simulation software.

• Opportunities to interact directly with manufacturing personnel, technicians, and potentially field support teams, providing practical insights into product application and assembly.

• A hands-on environment where theoretical designs are directly translated into physical machinery.

Work Schedule: A consistent Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM schedule, providing a structured work week with predictable hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is critical for hands-on design, prototyping, and collaboration with manufacturing. The workspace is geared towards an industrial engineering setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review your application and resume for basic qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about your mechanical engineering and mechatronics knowledge, focusing on design principles, control systems, and problem-solving scenarios. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SolidWorks and other relevant software.

• Portfolio Review: A significant part of the interview will involve presenting and discussing your design portfolio. Be ready to walk through specific projects, explain your design choices, detail the challenges you faced, and articulate the outcomes.

• Team/Manager Interview: This stage may involve meeting with potential team members or the hiring manager to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and overall suitability for the team.

• Potential Practical Exercise: Depending on the interviewer's discretion, a short design challenge or problem-solving exercise related to mechatronics or mechanical design might be presented.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Mechatronics: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to integrate mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic components.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your design methodology, from concept generation and CAD modeling to analysis and testing.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to highlight the impact of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced weight, enhanced durability, cost savings).

• SolidWorks Proficiency: Ensure your SolidWorks work is well-organized, clean, and demonstrates a strong understanding of best practices in 3D modeling and drawing creation.

• Problem/Solution Format: Structure your case studies around a problem statement, your proposed solution, and the executed design, followed by the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, materials science, and fluid mechanics.

• Refresh your knowledge of electro-hydraulic systems, control logic, sensors, and basic electrical design.

• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making rationale clearly and concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design problem related to heavy equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical design skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts. A well-prepared portfolio showcasing mechatronic integration and SolidWorks proficiency is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: SolidWorks is a mandatory requirement, indicating its central role in the design and development process.

• CAD/CAE Software: Beyond SolidWorks, experience with other Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for simulation (e.g., stress analysis, computational fluid dynamics) would be beneficial.

• Documentation Tools: Proficiency in creating detailed engineering drawings, technical specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as primary tools, analytical skills will be applied using CAD/CAE software for simulations and performance analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this product design role, as the focus is on engineering design and development rather than sales or marketing operations. However, understanding how designs feed into manufacturing and product support systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the key technical tool for this role. Candidates should emphasize their proficiency in this software and any related simulation or analysis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Quality & Durability: A commitment to engineering excellence, producing robust and reliable heavy machinery designed for harsh environments.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across departments to achieve common goals and solve complex challenges.

• Hands-on Approach: Valuing practical application, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how machines function in real-world conditions.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that meet the specific, demanding needs of forestry professionals.

Collaboration Style:

• Close-knit, collaborative environment where engineers and designers work together daily.

• Open communication channels between design, manufacturing, and quality control to ensure seamless product development and production.

• A culture that encourages sharing knowledge and best practices to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values practical engineering, teamwork, and a dedication to producing high-quality, durable equipment. Collaboration is key, with a strong link between design and manufacturing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Environments: Developing mechatronic systems that can withstand the harsh conditions of forestry operations (dust, vibration, temperature extremes, heavy loads).

• Integrating Complex Systems: Seamlessly integrating mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems into a cohesive and functional product.

• Balancing Performance and Cost: Optimizing designs for peak performance while managing manufacturing costs and material selection.

• Staying Ahead of Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in automation, sensors, and control technologies relevant to heavy machinery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Utilize the training reimbursement program for advanced courses in mechatronics, hydraulics, control systems, or specific CAD/CAE software.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of the forestry equipment market and its unique engineering challenges.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced engineers and designers within an established team.

• Project Diversity: Work on a variety of projects involving different machine types and technological challenges, broadening your engineering skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent to heavy machinery design but offers significant opportunities for specialized learning and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechatronic system you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, technical decisions, and outcomes.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for a new operator control panel for heavy forestry equipment, considering factors like ergonomics, safety, and ease of use?" (Demonstrate your user-centric design thinking and material selection rationale.)

Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you typically collaborate with manufacturing engineers and quality control teams during the design process?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Organize by Project Type: Group your portfolio items by the type of mechatronic system or mechanical component you designed.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality 3D renderings, schematics, and photos of prototypes or finished products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your design solution, the technical considerations, and the final outcome or impact.

• Focus on Metrics: Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., 15% increase in efficiency, 10% weight reduction).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process, technical decisions, and how you integrate different engineering disciplines. Your portfolio is your primary tool for demonstrating your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with SolidWorks, mechatronics, electro-hydraulics, and heavy machinery design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best projects, emphasizing mechatronic integration, mechanical design, and your process. Ensure it's easily accessible for review.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear explanations of your design process, technical challenges, and solutions. Be ready to discuss your role in each project.

• Research Tigercat: Understand Tigercat's product lines, their position in the forestry industry, and their company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural 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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