Product Designer - Mechatronics - Paris & Cambridge

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Mechatronics - Paris & Cambridge

Company: Tigercat | MacDonald Steel

Location: Brant, Ontario, Canada; Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Mechanical Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop advanced mechatronic systems for rugged forestry equipment, integrating mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic components.

• Create detailed mechanical engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for new product development and enhancements.

• Collaborate closely with established engineering teams to ensure seamless product integration and performance optimization.

• Apply a strong understanding of engineering principles, control logic, and mobile computer systems to solve complex technical challenges.

• Develop user-friendly interface systems for operators and service technicians, enhancing equipment operability and maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a strong focus on Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering within a product development context. The role is deeply embedded in the engineering lifecycle, focusing on the design and integration of physical and control systems for heavy-duty machinery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Create and implement electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems, integrating hydraulic components, sensors, and control logic for direct, remote, automatic, or autonomous operation of mobile machinery.

• Develop efficient and intuitive user interface systems for operators and service technicians, improving equipment usability and maintenance accessibility.

• Analyze and select appropriate materials and components based on mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for manufacturing processes.

• Conduct comprehensive design validation through stress analysis, fatigue testing, vibration analysis, and control logic simulation to optimize performance, strength, and response characteristics.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, manufacturing, and quality control, to ensure seamless integration of designs into production workflows.

• Generate detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, control logic diagrams, and accurate bills of materials (BOMs).

• Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, and overall efficiency improvements throughout the product lifecycle.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during fabrication and assembly processes, and occasionally offer field support for equipment diagnostics and improvements.

• Occasionally travel within Canada and internationally for research, field support, and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design and problem-solving, requiring close interaction with manufacturing and field service, which is typical for product development roles in heavy machinery industries. The inclusion of "occasionally participate in hands-on troubleshooting" and "provide field support" highlights the practical application of design principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in product design and development, particularly within industries that utilize heavy-duty mobile equipment (e.g., construction, mining, transportation, material handling, agriculture).

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software, specifically SolidWorks.

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including mechanics, material science, and fluid dynamics.

• Expertise in designing electro-hydraulic systems, control logic, and integrating sensors and controllers.

• Ability to perform stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis to validate designs.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a strong mechanical aptitude for complex technical challenges.

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

• Adaptability to changing work environments, competing demands, and unexpected events.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Previous design experience in the forestry industry or similar sectors like construction, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming.

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

• Experience with hydraulic cylinders, components, control valves, and plumbing details.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (SolidWorks) and design areas (electro-hydraulics, control logic, welded fabrications) suggests a need for candidates with practical, hands-on design experience rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The "preferred skills" highlight a strong preference for candidates with direct relevance to heavy-duty mobile equipment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings created using SolidWorks, demonstrating proficiency in mechanical design and documentation.

• Present case studies of electro-hydraulic or computer-controlled systems designed, highlighting the integration of sensors, control logic, and hydraulic components.

• Include examples of user interface designs for operators or service technicians, emphasizing user-friendliness and efficiency.

• Demonstrate experience with material selection and component specification based on performance requirements and cost considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of technical documentation created, such as design specifications, control logic diagrams, and bills of materials (BOMs).

• Showcase how design processes were optimized for efficiency, cost reduction, or improved performance in past projects.

• Document the workflow for conducting design validation tests and troubleshooting during fabrication and assembly.

• Present examples of how cross-functional collaboration was managed throughout the design lifecycle, from concept to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on tangible product design for heavy machinery, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles, CAD skills, and analytical capabilities is crucial. The emphasis on documentation and process optimization suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate their design methodology and problem-solving approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The stated salary range is $32 - $38 per hour. Based on the experience level (Mid-Level, 2-5 years), location (Brant/Cambridge, Ontario, Canada), and the specialized nature of mechatronics and mechanical design for heavy equipment, this range appears competitive for an hourly position in this region. For a full-time role working 40 hours per week, this equates to an annual salary range of approximately $66,560 - $79,040 CAD.

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing: Celebration of company financial success through profit sharing.

• RRSP Matching Program: Support for retirement planning with an employer matching contribution to Registered Retirement Savings Plans.

• Skills Development and Training Reimbursement: Financial support for industry-related learning opportunities, subject to pre-approval.

• 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 for employees and their families.

• Active Social Committee: Involvement in various company-sponsored social events such as annual picnics, Christmas parties, theatre events, sporting events, and family outings.

• Discounted Attraction Tickets: Opportunities for discounted admission to attractions across Ontario.

Working Hours:

• Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

• Standard work week of 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided hourly and is within the expected market rates for a mid-level mechanical/mechatronics designer in Ontario, Canada, especially considering the specialized skills required. The benefits package is quite robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial security, and a strong sense of community.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing (Forestry, Construction, etc.)

Company Size: Tigercat is part of a larger group of companies, indicating a substantial operational footprint. While specific numbers for Tigercat | MacDonald Steel aren't provided, the company's global presence and product range suggest a medium to large enterprise environment within the manufacturing sector.

Founded: Tigercat was founded in 1992, signifying an established company with a long history of innovation and market presence in the forestry equipment sector.

Team Structure:

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

• Designers will likely report to a Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager, with close collaboration across design, manufacturing, and quality control departments.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes innovation and pushing boundaries in the rugged forestry industry, suggesting a culture that values creative problem-solving and continuous improvement.

• A strong focus on product performance, durability, and meeting rugged terrain challenges indicates a methodology that prioritizes robust engineering and field-tested solutions.

• The integration of electro-hydraulic and computer-controlled systems points to a modern engineering approach that blends mechanical and electronic design expertise.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tigercat's focus on specialized, heavy-duty equipment for challenging environments implies a culture that values durability, reliability, and practical engineering solutions. The mention of being a "family-oriented company" with frequent social events suggests a strong emphasis on employee community and work-life balance, which is a significant cultural differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It's a crucial position focused on the technical design and development of complex mechatronic systems within the engineering department.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a senior engineering lead or manager. They will work collaboratively with a team of engineers, designers, and technicians, and interact with manufacturing and quality control departments.

Operations Impact:

• The Product Designer directly impacts the performance, reliability, and efficiency of Tigercat's specialized forestry equipment.

• Innovations and design improvements by this role contribute to the company's competitive edge in rugged terrain machinery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in mechatronics, electro-hydraulics, control systems, or specific areas like welded fabrications and drive trains.

• Senior Design Roles: Progress to Senior Product Designer or Lead Engineer positions, taking on more complex projects and mentorship responsibilities.

• Project Management: Transition into project leadership roles, overseeing the development lifecycle of new equipment or system upgrades.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Opportunities to move into related fields such as manufacturing engineering, product management, or field support management, leveraging their deep product knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: Benefit from skills development and training reimbursement to stay at the forefront of mechatronics and engineering advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path suggests a strong emphasis on technical mastery within the mechatronics and mechanical engineering domains. Growth opportunities are geared towards increasing complexity, leadership, and specialization within the heavy equipment manufacturing sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Brantford or Cambridge, Ontario facilities. This indicates a traditional manufacturing engineering environment.

Office Location(s):

• 451 Elgin St, Brantford, ON

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve a combination of design office work and potential interaction with the manufacturing floor, fabrication shops, and assembly lines.

• Access to engineering software (SolidWorks), testing equipment, and prototyping facilities is expected.

• Collaboration with fellow engineers and designers will be a daily aspect, fostering a team-oriented problem-solving environment.

Work Schedule:

• Dedicated Day Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and dedicated day shift are typical for engineering roles in manufacturing. The workspace context highlights the blend of desk-based design work with hands-on engagement on the shop floor, which is an attractive aspect for engineers who enjoy seeing their work materialize.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially regarding mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and SolidWorks proficiency.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your engineering principles, design methodologies, and experience with electro-hydraulic systems, control logic, and stress analysis. Be prepared to elaborate on your problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review: A critical part of the process where you will present your design portfolio. Expect to walk through specific projects, explaining your design decisions, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. Focus on quantitative results and the impact of your designs.

• On-site Visit/Team Interview: Potentially a visit to the facility to see the manufacturing environment and meet with the engineering team. This assesses cultural fit, teamwork capabilities, and your enthusiasm for the industry.

• Final Interview: May involve discussions with senior management to confirm overall fit and suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Mechatronics Integration: Clearly articulate how you integrated mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems in your projects.

• Detail Your SolidWorks Skills: Present models and drawings that demonstrate advanced usage of SolidWorks, including assemblies, simulations, and complex surfacing if applicable.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, highlight measurable outcomes such as performance improvements, cost reductions, efficiency gains, or enhanced durability. Use data and metrics.

• Explain Your Process: Walk through your design methodology, from problem identification and concept generation to detailed design, analysis, prototyping, and validation.

• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss instances where you collaborated with other teams (e.g., manufacturing, quality) and how that collaboration influenced your design.

• User Interface Focus: If applicable, present designs that demonstrate a strong understanding of operator/technician usability and ergonomics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential technical challenges that might involve problem-solving scenarios related to hydraulics, control systems, or mechanical failures.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to troubleshooting and field support situations.

• Research Tigercat's product lines and the challenges faced in the forestry equipment industry to demonstrate informed interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential technical challenges underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this design role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical competence and problem-solving skills through tangible examples of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: SolidWorks (mandatory, extensive use expected).

• CAD/CAM Software: Potentially other CAD tools for specific tasks or legacy systems.

• FEA/Simulation Software: Tools for stress analysis, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS).

• Control System Design Tools: Software for developing and simulating control logic (e.g., PLC programming environments, MATLAB/Simulink for simulation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in analyzing test data, performance metrics, and failure reports is crucial. This might involve Excel, MATLAB, or specialized engineering analysis software.

• Documentation Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating technical documentation, reports, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, as it's focused on product engineering rather than sales or customer management.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the cornerstone technology for this role. Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools is also critical for design validation. The ability to work with control logic development environments is a significant plus given the mechatronics focus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Pushing Boundaries: A drive to continuously improve and develop cutting-edge equipment for challenging environments.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with colleagues across different departments to achieve common goals.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: A practical approach to design and engineering, valuing direct engagement and troubleshooting.

• Quality & Reliability: Commitment to building durable, high-performing machinery that meets rigorous industry standards.

• Customer Focus: Understanding the needs of operators and service technicians to create user-friendly and efficient equipment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional and collaborative, requiring engineers to work closely with manufacturing, quality control, and other design/engineering teams.

• Open communication and knowledge sharing are encouraged, especially in problem-solving scenarios.

• A culture that values practical application and field feedback to drive design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of high-performance engineering and a strong, supportive team atmosphere. The emphasis on "family-oriented" combined with "pushing boundaries" suggests a dynamic yet cohesive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Rugged Environments: Creating robust and reliable systems that can withstand extreme conditions, demanding specific material choices and design considerations for durability.

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

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

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new sensor technologies, control strategies, and automation possibilities in mobile machinery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Mechatronics Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced control algorithms, sensor fusion, and autonomous systems.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Potential for attending industry events to learn about the latest trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and designers within the established team.

• Skill Development Reimbursement: Financial support to pursue certifications or courses in relevant engineering disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the nature of heavy equipment design, requiring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with advancing technical expertise in a specialized engineering field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechatronic system you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a case study focusing on integration, control logic, and validation).

• "How do you approach balancing performance requirements with cost constraints and manufacturability in your designs?" (Discuss your trade-off analysis and decision-making process).

• "Walk me through your process for selecting materials and components for heavy-duty equipment." (Highlight your understanding of material properties, environmental factors, and supplier considerations).

Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and occasional unexpected events?" (Provide examples of your adaptability and problem-solving under pressure).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Mechatronics: Clearly explain the integration of different engineering disciplines in your projects.

• Demonstrate SolidWorks Proficiency: Show complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and any simulation results you've generated.

• Quantify Results: Use numbers and metrics to showcase the impact of your designs (e.g., "% improvement in efficiency," "% reduction in material cost," "increased durability by X%").

• Tell a Story: For each project, start with the problem, explain your design process, detail the solution, and conclude with the outcome and lessons learned.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, calculations, and troubleshooting aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples and quantifiable results from their past projects, especially those involving mechatronic systems and heavy equipment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - Mechatronics position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with mechatronics, mechanical engineering, SolidWorks, and relevant industries (forestry, construction, heavy equipment). Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your design capabilities, especially those involving integrated systems, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving. Quantify the impact of your work.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, technical challenges, and solutions. Be ready to discuss your experience with simulation and analysis.

• Research Tigercat: Familiarize yourself with Tigercat's product lines, their market, and their company culture. Understand the challenges of the forestry equipment industry.

⚠️ 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.