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: IPEX Group

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Product Design and R&D team, focusing on the end-to-end development of innovative rigid plastic products.

• It involves driving continuous product improvement initiatives to enhance performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost-effectiveness through rigorous product design operations.

• The position requires advanced proficiency in CAD software, particularly SolidWorks, for creating production-ready models and drawings.

• A strong understanding of various plastic molding processes, especially injection molding, and metal fabrication methods is critical for design validation and troubleshooting.

• The role demands a blend of creative problem-solving and analytical engineering skills to support R&D efforts and optimize product lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into Product Development Operations and Engineering, with a focus on physical product design for manufacturing. The "operations" aspect comes from managing the product development lifecycle, ensuring manufacturability, cost optimization, and collaboration with manufacturing teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support Project Leaders by generating conceptual sketches, detailed CAD models, and studies to effectively communicate technical solutions and address project challenges.

• Innovate and develop novel solutions to existing product issues and identify potential avenues for new product development, patents, and cost-saving opportunities.

• Conduct essential engineering calculations for mechanical and fluid dynamic aspects to support design ideation and validate product performance.

• Provide necessary data for advanced CAE studies such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Mold Flow Analysis, and subsequently optimize designs based on the insights gained.

• 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 equipment for rapid prototyping to facilitate efficient design validation and iteration cycles.

• Stay current with the latest advancements in product design methodologies and plastic goods manufacturing technologies to ensure competitive product offerings.

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

• Lead and participate in design reviews with both internal teams and external stakeholders to proactively identify potential challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Develop and manage realistic timelines for product development activities, ensuring projects stay on track and meet key milestones.

• Engage with vendors for quote requests, manage purchase order submissions, and oversee supplier interactions related to product development components.

• Attend critical project meetings and collaborate closely with Product Management and Operations teams to clearly define project scope and product specifications.

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

• Identify and select the most suitable materials and manufacturing methods to meet the demanding performance requirements of new and existing products.

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

• Understand and adhere to existing company policies, procedures, work instructions, and standards, while actively recommending improvements for continuous operational enhancement.

• Maintain a clean and safe work area, strictly adhering to all health and safety rules as outlined in the employee handbook and facility guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on the practical application of engineering principles within a product development framework, emphasizing hands-on CAD work, simulation analysis, and collaboration with manufacturing. This is typical for a product design role that bridges engineering and operations.

🎓 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 industry.

Required Skills:

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

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

• Strong grasp of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and their application in design.

• Expertise in tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure product assembly and functional integrity.

• Proven ability in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, specifically for plastic components and tooling.

• Experience in creating detailed, production-ready engineering drawings and comprehensive technical documentation.

• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Strong project coordination and time management abilities to manage product development timelines. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with extrusion processes and their application in product design.

• Direct experience in injection mold design, including understanding of gating, cooling, and venting.

• Experience utilizing SolidWorks Product Data Management (PDM) for version control and collaboration.

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

• Experience with Moldex3D or similar Mold Flow Analysis software for simulating plastic injection molding.

• Knowledge of plumbing industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements relevant to product applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core mechanical and plastics engineering competencies, with a strong emphasis on CAD and DFM. Preferred skills indicate areas for advanced specialization and indicate the company's interest in candidates with broad manufacturing process knowledge and simulation experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive product development case studies, demonstrating the full lifecycle from ideation to commercialization.

• Include detailed examples of CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical specifications for plastic components and assemblies.

• Present evidence of successful application of DFM principles, highlighting how designs were optimized for manufacturability and cost reduction.

• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing simulation data (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow) to inform design decisions and validate product performance, ideally with visual representations of results.

• Provide examples of experimental testing and validation procedures, including reports or summaries of findings. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to managing engineering change requests (ECRs), including typical workflows and communication protocols.

• Illustrate your process for conducting design reviews, detailing how feedback is gathered, incorporated, and tracked to ensure design integrity.

• Explain your methodology for material selection and manufacturing process identification, linking choices to product performance and cost objectives.

• Showcase your system for creating and maintaining production-ready documentation, including drawings, BOMs, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to translate concepts into manufacturable products. The emphasis is on tangible results and a structured approach to product development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,800 - $81,000 CAD annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within the typical band for a Product Designer with 3-5 years of experience in the Mississauga, Ontario region, considering the emphasis on specialized engineering skills like SolidWorks and injection molding. The benefits package is standard for a full-time role in Canada.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Plastics & Building Materials)

Company Size: IPEX Group is part of Aliaxis, a global leader in fluid management systems. While IPEX's specific size isn't detailed, Aliaxis employs over 16,000 people globally, suggesting a substantial corporate structure with significant resources and reach.

Founded: IPEX was founded in 1969, bringing decades of experience and established market presence in the Canadian building materials sector.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Product Design team, reporting to the Product Design Manager.

• This team likely collaborates closely with R&D, Product Management, Manufacturing Operations, and Quality Assurance departments.

• The structure encourages cross-functional teamwork to ensure seamless product development and commercialization. Methodology:

• A data-driven approach to product development, utilizing engineering calculations, CAE simulations, and experimental testing for validation.

• Emphasis on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and continuous improvement to optimize product performance, cost, and manufacturability.

• Collaborative problem-solving and design review processes involving diverse stakeholders.

• Commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements in design and manufacturing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and its position within the larger Aliaxis group indicate a stable, established organization with a focus on innovation and quality in the building materials sector. The culture likely values technical expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to product excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Product Designer, requiring 3-5 years of relevant experience. It's a hands-on engineering role focused on the execution of product design and development tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports directly to the Product Design Manager, providing a clear line of communication and mentorship. This manager likely oversees multiple product development projects and designers.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's product portfolio, influencing innovation, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and ultimately, revenue generation through successful product launches and improvements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced injection molding design, simulation analysis (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow), or extrusion processes.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially leading smaller R&D initiatives.

• Cross-functional: Transition into roles within Product Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or Quality Assurance, leveraging a strong understanding of product development and manufacturing operations.

• Technical Certifications: Pursue certifications in advanced CAD software, simulation tools, or specific manufacturing processes to enhance technical capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation in product development within a manufacturing context. Growth paths are clearly defined, moving towards greater technical responsibility, project leadership, or broader operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is primarily on-site at the Mississauga R&D facility, emphasizing a collaborative and hands-on work environment.

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada - a major hub with good access to transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Access to advanced CAD workstations and relevant design software.

• Proximity to 3D printing equipment for rapid prototyping and testing.

• Opportunities to collaborate directly with manufacturing engineers and technicians on the shop floor.

• A dedicated R&D environment focused on innovation and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule of 40 hours per week is expected. Flexibility may be required for critical project deadlines or urgent troubleshooting needs, consistent with product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the hands-on nature of the role, necessitating direct interaction with physical prototypes, manufacturing processes, and the broader R&D and operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter for alignment with required qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on SolidWorks proficiency, injection molding knowledge, DFM principles, and engineering calculation experience. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss 2-3 key product development projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Manager/Team Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with IPEX's values. May involve a brief case study or design problem.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select projects that best showcase your skills in rigid plastic product design, CAD modeling, and DFM.

• For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the design process, key technical challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements, patent applications).

• Be ready to walk through CAD models and drawings, explaining your design choices and technical considerations.

• Highlight your experience with simulation tools and how their outputs influenced your design decisions.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with manufacturing processes, especially injection molding, and how you ensured designs were manufacturable. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss common issues in injection molding (e.g., sink marks, warpage, weld lines) and how design can mitigate them.

• Prepare examples of how you have used GD&T and tolerance analysis to ensure product functionality.

• Think through how you would approach troubleshooting a product failure or a manufacturing defect.

• Brush up on basic mechanical engineering principles and fluid dynamics calculations relevant to plastic part design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical expertise and practical application. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is critical for demonstrating capabilities beyond what a resume can convey.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: Essential for 3D modeling, assemblies, and creating production-ready drawings. Advanced proficiency is required.

• SolidWorks PDM: Preferred for managing design files, version control, and collaborative workflows.

• 3D Printing Equipment: For rapid prototyping and design validation. Familiarity with operating and preparing files for these machines is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CAE Software (FEA, CFD): Experience with tools like ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, CFX, or Fluent is highly preferred for performance analysis and validation.

• Mold Flow Analysis Software: Proficiency with Moldex3D or similar is preferred for simulating the injection molding process and optimizing part design.

• Experimental Testing Equipment: Familiarity with equipment used for product performance and durability testing.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/MRP Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how product designs integrate into manufacturing planning systems (like those used by IPEX/Aliaxis) is advantageous.

• Engineering Change Management Systems: Experience with ECR processes and associated documentation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around CAD and simulation tools critical for product design and development in the plastics industry. Proficiency in SolidWorks is a non-negotiable requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop new and improved products that meet market needs and leverage new technologies.

• Quality: Commitment to high standards in design, manufacturing, and product performance, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction.

• Efficiency: Focus on optimizing designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and efficient production processes.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional communication, and shared problem-solving across departments.

• Technical Excellence: Valuing deep engineering knowledge, analytical skills, and continuous learning in design and manufacturing.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication channels between design, engineering, R&D, and manufacturing teams.

• Regular design reviews involving diverse perspectives to ensure robust solutions.

• A culture that encourages asking questions and seeking input from colleagues and stakeholders.

• Shared responsibility for product success, from concept to commercialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to foster a balance between innovation and practical execution, with a strong emphasis on technical rigor and collaborative problem-solving, which is essential for a product development role tied to manufacturing operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation and Manufacturability: Developing novel designs that are also cost-effective and feasible to produce at scale using existing manufacturing capabilities.

• Complex Material Properties: Working with various plastic types and understanding their performance characteristics under different conditions.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all product designs meet stringent industry codes and standards, especially within the plumbing sector.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating technical details and design rationale to non-technical stakeholders and integrating feedback from various departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Simulation Training: Deepen skills in FEA, CFD, and Mold Flow analysis through specialized courses or internal expertise.

• Material Science Specialization: Focus on the properties and applications of advanced polymers.

• Project Management Skills: Develop capabilities to lead product development projects from inception to launch.

• Industry Conferences: Attend events related to plastic design, manufacturing, and the building materials industry to stay informed of trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex engineering challenges and grow into more specialized or leadership positions within product development and manufacturing operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design requirements, such as performance, cost, and manufacturability. How did you prioritize and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making process and trade-offs.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a new plastic component for injection molding, from initial concept to production-ready drawings. What key DFM considerations do you always include?" (Demonstrate your structured approach and technical knowledge.)

• "How do you use simulation tools (FEA, CFD, Mold Flow) in your design process? Provide an example of how simulation results led you to modify a design and the benefits of those modifications." (Highlight your analytical skills and ability to leverage data.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IPEX and our product offerings in the building materials sector?" (Research IPEX's products, market position, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing teams? Describe a situation where your design had to be adapted based on manufacturing feedback." (Showcase your teamwork and flexibility.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest advancements in plastic design and manufacturing technologies?" (Indicate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Challenges -> Solutions -> Results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality CAD renderings, drawings, and simulation results. Annotate key design features and DFM considerations.

• Data: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "reduced material usage by 10%," "improved part strength by 15%").

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed technical questions about your design choices and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of product development processes, strong technical skills in CAD and DFM, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an operations-focused environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday portal.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience with SolidWorks, injection molding, DFM, and product development lifecycles. Quantify achievements with metrics related to cost savings, performance improvements, or project timelines.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your best work in rigid plastic product design. Ensure clear documentation of your process, challenges, and successful outcomes. Be ready to present this virtually or in-person.

• Research IPEX: Understand their product lines, target markets, and any recent innovations or company news. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse responses to technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on concrete examples and your problem-solving approach. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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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