Product Designer, Research & Development***Concepteur de produits, Recherche et Développement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Research & Development (Concepteur de produits, Recherche et Développement)

Company: Aliaxis

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle for rigid plastic goods, from initial concept ideation to full commercialization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market demands.

• Champion continuous product improvement initiatives, focusing on enhancing performance, optimizing manufacturability, elevating quality standards, and achieving cost efficiencies through meticulous process analysis.

• Leverage advanced CAD skills and a deep understanding of plastic part design principles to generate innovative solutions and technical documentation that support project goals and drive product innovation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management and Operations, to gather product specifications, ensure compliance with industry codes, and facilitate seamless product integration into manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities and required qualifications strongly indicate a role within a product development operations or engineering function, focusing on the technical execution and optimization of product design for manufacturing. The emphasis on R&D, manufacturing processes, and engineering calculations places this role firmly within an operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support Project Leaders by generating conceptual sketches, detailed CAD models, and technical studies to clarify, communicate, and resolve complex engineering challenges.

• Develop innovative product solutions that address immediate project issues, identify opportunities for new product development, secure intellectual property, and drive cost savings.

• Execute critical engineering calculations, including mechanical and fluid dynamic analyses, to support design ideation and validate product performance.

• Provide essential data for CAE studies such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Mold Flow Analysis, and iteratively optimize designs based on simulation results to enhance performance and manufacturability.

• Create production-ready CAD models and detailed drawings for tooling, with a primary focus on injection molds, and actively participate in the review and troubleshooting of plastic parts.

• Utilize 3D printing technology for rapid prototyping to facilitate timely design validation and iterative refinement.

• Stay current with advancements in product design methodologies and manufacturing technologies within the plastic goods industry to maintain a competitive edge.

• Design and execute experiments and tests to rigorously validate product designs, documenting findings and recommendations in comprehensive written reports.

• Conduct thorough design reviews with both internal stakeholders and external partners to proactively identify potential challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Develop and manage realistic timelines for product development activities, ensuring project milestones are met efficiently.

• Manage vendor interactions, including requesting quotes, submitting purchase orders, and overseeing supplier deliverables to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Attend key project meetings, collaborating with Product Management and Operations teams to precisely define project scope and product specifications.

• Review and ensure product designs comply with all applicable industry codes and standards, and define clear inspection standards for quality assurance.

• Identify and select optimal materials and manufacturing methods that meet stringent product performance requirements and cost targets.

• Ensure accurate and timely execution of tasks related to Engineering Change Requests (ECR), providing comprehensive responses within established timeframes.

• Understand and adhere to existing company policies, procedures, and work instructions, actively recommending improvements for operational efficiency and process optimization.

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, strictly adhering to all health and safety regulations outlined by the company and individual manufacturing facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly detailed and cover the full spectrum of product development within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on technical analysis (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow), design for manufacturing (DFM), and collaboration with operations teams clearly positions this as a role deeply embedded in operational execution and improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Plastics Engineering.

Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated product development experience within the plastics manufacturing sector, with a proven track record of bringing products from concept to market.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks for complex CAD modeling, assemblies, and part design.

• Deep understanding of injection molding processes, including material behavior, cycle times, and defect analysis.

• Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure part interchangeability and assembly integrity.

• Comprehensive understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles specifically applied to plastic components and tooling.

• Proven experience in creating detailed, production-ready drawings and comprehensive technical documentation for manufacturing and quality control.

• Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong project coordination abilities, with a focus on managing timelines and deliverables within a product development framework. Preferred Skills:

• Practical knowledge of extrusion processes for plastic manufacturing.

• Direct experience in injection mold design, understanding tooling concepts and manufacturability.

• Familiarity with SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM) systems for version control and workflow management.

• Hands-on experience with simulation software such as ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, CFX, or Fluent for advanced engineering analysis.

• Experience utilizing Moldex3D for in-depth mold flow simulation and optimization.

• Knowledge of plumbing industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements relevant to Aliaxis products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is robust and directly applicable to an operations-focused product development role. The inclusion of DFM, GD&T, and specific CAD/simulation software requirements highlights the need for a candidate who can translate design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality products, a core tenet of operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two distinct product development projects where you were instrumental in taking a rigid plastic product from concept to commercialization, detailing your specific contributions at each stage.

• Include examples of your CAD modeling work (SolidWorks preferred), highlighting complex assemblies, part designs, and any intricate tooling designs (e.g., injection molds).

• Present case studies demonstrating your application of DFM principles, GD&T, and tolerance analysis to solve design challenges and improve manufacturability.

• Provide evidence of your experience with engineering calculations and CAE simulations (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow), illustrating how these analyses informed design decisions and led to performance improvements.

• Demonstrate your ability to create production-ready drawings and technical documentation, including examples of ECRs you have managed or contributed to. Process Documentation:

• Document a workflow for a typical product development cycle you have managed or significantly contributed to, emphasizing stages like ideation, design, simulation, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing handover.

• Illustrate your process for conducting design reviews, including how you solicit feedback, document action items, and ensure resolution of identified issues.

• Detail your methodology for selecting materials and manufacturing processes, including how you balance performance, cost, and production constraints.

• Showcase your approach to collaborating with manufacturing operations teams, including how you transfer design intent and troubleshoot production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on R&D and product commercialization within a manufacturing environment, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of engineering principles, design for manufacturability, and project lifecycle management is crucial. This section infers the need for a portfolio that proves hands-on experience and process-oriented thinking, which is standard for engineering and operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,800 - $81,000 CAD annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement savings plan options, such as a Group RRSP, to assist with long-term financial planning.

• Paid time off, including vacation days and statutory holidays, to ensure work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning to enhance skills and career growth.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives, rewarding contributions to project success and company objectives.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is primarily an on-site position requiring presence at the facility five days per week, with standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific. The benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time roles in Canadian companies of this size and industry, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for operations professionals who often value stability and support. The working hours are explicitly stated as on-site, 5 days a week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aliaxis operates within the building materials and industrial products sector, specifically focusing on fluid management solutions. This industry context means a strong emphasis on product durability, performance under pressure, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. For a Product Designer, this translates to a need for precision, robust design, and a deep understanding of material science and manufacturing processes.

Company Size: Aliaxis is a global leader with a significant workforce (likely several thousand employees based on its global presence and industry standing), indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and ample opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: Founded in 2003 (as Aliaxis Group), the company has a history of growth and consolidation, suggesting a dynamic environment that values innovation and strategic development within its established market segments.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is part of the Research & Development (R&D) function, likely comprising several specialized designers and engineers focused on different product lines or material types.

• Reporting to a Product Design Manager, this role will interact closely with Project Leaders, Product Management, and the Operations team, indicating a matrixed or collaborative reporting structure within projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring seamless communication and integration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and sales departments to ensure successful product launch and lifecycle management. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical, particularly in utilizing CAE simulation results (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow) to inform design decisions and validate product performance.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are employed throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept generation to design for manufacturability and iterative testing.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, especially through the use of advanced CAD tools, 3D printing for rapid prototyping, and potentially PDM systems for streamlined design management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Aliaxis's industry and scale is inferred from general knowledge of the company and its market position. The R&D and operations context is derived from the job description's focus on product development and manufacturing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Product Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It signifies a hands-on contributor who can independently execute design tasks, perform technical analyses, and contribute to project teams, but is not yet in a senior leadership or strategic planning role. The focus is on technical execution and problem-solving within the product development process.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Product Design Manager. They will also work closely with Project Leaders, Product Management, and Operations teams, indicating a collaborative environment where communication across departments is key to project success.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly impacts revenue and business decisions by developing innovative, cost-effective, and high-performance products. Their work in optimizing manufacturability and quality reduces production costs and improves product reliability, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. Successful product launches directly contribute to revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Advance expertise in specific areas like injection mold design, advanced simulation techniques (CFD, FEA), or material science within plastics.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading smaller product development projects or taking on more complex design challenges as a Senior Product Designer.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles within Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Product Management, leveraging a deep understanding of product design and development.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers or interns, guiding them through design processes and technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career progression for a Product Designer in an industrial manufacturing company typically involves deepening technical expertise, taking on more project responsibility, or moving into related operational or management roles. The growth opportunities outlined are standard for this career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role requiring a full-time presence at the Aliaxis R&D facility in Mississauga. The environment is expected to be a blend of office space for design work and collaboration, and potentially access to labs or pilot manufacturing areas for prototyping and testing.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Aliaxis R&D facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This location is accessible within the Greater Toronto Area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, fostering interaction with other designers, engineers, and project stakeholders. Access to advanced design software and potentially 3D printing facilities is expected.

• Operations tools and technology will be central to the role, including high-performance workstations for CAD and simulation software, and potentially access to testing equipment.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, involving design reviews, project meetings, and informal discussions with colleagues to solve design and manufacturing challenges.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, there might be occasional flexibility required for critical project deadlines or urgent troubleshooting, but the core expectation is consistent daily presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" and "5 days per week" requirement is explicitly stated. The workspace context is inferred from the nature of R&D and product design roles within a manufacturing company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's technical requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially senior engineers focusing on your design process, CAD skills (SolidWorks), understanding of injection molding, DFM, GD&T, and experience with CAE tools. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a detailed case study of a past product development project, highlighting your problem-solving approach, design decisions, technical analysis, and collaboration with manufacturing/operations.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing your teamwork, communication, problem-solving approach, and fit with Aliaxis's company culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term career aspirations within Aliaxis.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate your thought process, design iterations, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Use visuals extensively.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics demonstrating how your designs improved performance, reduced costs, enhanced manufacturability, or met specific project goals. Focus on ROI.

• Highlight Operations Integration: Emphasize how your designs considered manufacturing constraints, material properties, and assembly processes. Demonstrate your understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).

• Tailor to Aliaxis: Research Aliaxis's product lines and target markets. If possible, subtly weave in how your skills and experience align with their specific product development needs and industry challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to plastic components, injection molding, or fluid dynamics. Practice breaking down problems, proposing solutions, and justifying your choices based on engineering principles.

• CAD/Simulation Scenarios: If applicable, be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific modeling task in SolidWorks or interpret results from a Mold Flow or FEA simulation.

• DFM/Manufacturing Questions: Anticipate questions about optimizing designs for injection molding, troubleshooting common defects, or selecting appropriate materials for specific applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is inferred based on standard practices for technical and design roles in manufacturing companies. The advice is tailored to emphasize the operational aspects of product design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: Essential for 3D modeling, assemblies, and creating production-ready drawings. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• 3D Printing Equipment: For rapid prototyping and design validation. Familiarity with common 3D printing technologies (e.g., FDM, SLA) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CAE Simulation Software:

  • FEA (Finite Element Analysis): For structural integrity and stress analysis (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation).
  • CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics): For analyzing fluid flow and thermal performance (e.g., ANSYS CFX, Fluent, SolidWorks Flow Simulation).
  • Mold Flow Analysis: For simulating the injection molding process, predicting fill patterns, warpage, and defects (e.g., Moldex3D, SolidWorks Plastics).

• Technical Documentation Tools: Standard office suites for creating reports, specifications, and design review materials.

CRM & Automation:

• SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management): Preferred for managing design revisions, version control, and team collaboration on CAD files.

• ERP/MRP Systems: While not directly used for design, understanding how design data integrates with enterprise resource planning or manufacturing resource planning systems is advantageous for optimizing production.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project or similar for timeline creation and task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly derived from the "Required" and "Preferred" qualifications in the job description, with additional context provided on their operational use.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: Aliaxis values a forward-thinking approach, encouraging the exploration of new materials, processes, and product designs to drive market leadership. For operations, this means a willingness to experiment and adopt new technologies.

• Performance & Quality: A strong emphasis is placed on delivering high-performing, durable products that meet stringent quality standards. Operations professionals are expected to uphold these standards in all aspects of their work.

• Efficiency & Cost Optimization: Driving value through efficient processes and cost-effective solutions is a key operational focus. Designers are expected to consider manufacturability and cost implications in their designs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Success is achieved through effective cross-functional collaboration. Operations personnel are expected to work seamlessly with R&D, sales, and production teams.

• Safety & Responsibility: Maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to all regulatory standards is paramount. This applies to both the design process and the manufacturing floor.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product Management to define product requirements and with Operations to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. Regular design reviews involving multiple departments are standard.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages feedback and continuous improvement of design and development processes. Open communication channels are vital for troubleshooting and problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices in design, simulation, and manufacturing techniques across teams to elevate collective expertise and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company values are inferred from general corporate messaging and the nature of the industry and role. The emphasis is on how these values translate into an operational context for a Product Designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Manufacturability: The primary challenge is developing novel product features while ensuring they can be efficiently and cost-effectively manufactured using existing or feasible plastic molding technologies.

• Material Science Limitations: Working within the constraints of specific plastic materials to achieve desired performance characteristics (e.g., strength, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance) can be challenging.

• Global Standards Compliance: Ensuring product designs meet diverse international codes, standards, and regulatory requirements for plumbing and fluid management systems.

• Rapid Prototyping to Production Scale-Up: Translating successful rapid prototypes into robust, high-volume production processes while maintaining design integrity and quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Simulation Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in FEA, CFD, and Mold Flow analysis, potentially leading to certifications.

• New Material Exploration: Engaging with material suppliers and R&D to understand and test emerging plastic materials and their applications.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management, potentially leading to project leadership roles.

• Industry Standards & Certifications: Gaining deeper knowledge of plumbing industry codes and pursuing relevant professional certifications in engineering or product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are derived from the nature of product design in the industrial manufacturing sector, focusing on the interplay between innovation, engineering, and operational execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance innovative design features with strict manufacturing constraints. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on DFM, collaboration with operations).

• "Walk me through a complex CAD model or assembly you created in SolidWorks. What were the key design considerations and challenges?" (Demonstrate technical skill and problem-solving).

• "How have you used CAE simulations (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow) to inform your design decisions and improve product performance? Provide a specific example." (Highlight analytical skills and data-driven design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aliaxis and our role in the fluid management industry?" (Research company mission, products, and market position).

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure a smooth product launch?" (Emphasize communication and understanding of operational realities).

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your design based on feedback from a stakeholder outside of R&D. How did you handle it?" (Assess adaptability and stakeholder management). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your approach, the solutions implemented, the results achieved, and your specific role.

• Visuals are Key: Use clear CAD renderings, simulation plots, and prototype photos. Annotate them to explain critical design features or analysis findings.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced material usage by 15%", "improved flow rate by 10%", "passed structural integrity tests with a 20% margin").

• Focus on Operations Relevance: Highlight how your designs were optimized for injection molding, material cost, assembly ease, and compliance with industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific technical requirements of the role and the operational context of product development in a manufacturing setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience with SolidWorks, injection molding, DFM, GD&T, and any CAE simulation tools. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible, focusing on product development successes.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest product development projects. Prepare clear visual aids and concise descriptions that showcase your design process, technical analysis, and collaboration with manufacturing/operations. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common SolidWorks functions, injection molding principles, and basic FEA/CFD/Mold Flow concepts. Practice explaining engineering calculations and design trade-offs.

• Research Aliaxis: Understand Aliaxis's product offerings, their position in the market, and their commitment to innovation and sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.