Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Designer

Our client is a growing manufacturer of fabricated steel structures, display products and carts. They are seeking an experienced Mechanical Designer to join the Engineering & Design team.

Position Overview

In this role, you will be responsible for transforming product concepts into manufacturing-ready 3D models and 2D production drawings. This position focuses heavily on the design, optimization, and scaling of our premier commercial product lines, including retail centre fixtures, multi-tier transport carts, specialized display systems, Centre Structures and related component.. The role combines SolidWorks design and drafting with structural detailing, material takeoffs and costing to support estimating, manufacturing and installation. Hands-on experience with both costing and structural design or detailing is required.

This role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical and structural design

• Develop new parts and improve existing components, from concept through SolidWorks modelling, prototyping and production release.

• 3D Modeling & Drafting: Utilize SolidWorks to create intricate, production-ready 3D models, weld assemblies, sheet metal designs and detailed 2D fabrication drawings.

• Custom Product Engineering: Design and adapt structures, and equipment – such as retail garden centre setups, greenhouse infrastructure, specialized agricultural cart systems and motorized curtain mechanism.

• Design Validation & Load Testing: Conduct structural calculations and stress testing to guarantee appropriate weight-load capacities and safety factors for retail environments and heavy material handling.

• Cost & Process Optimization: Evaluate existing fixture and cart designs to identify opportunities for material reduction, part standardization, and faster weld times.

• Product Line innovation Design, modify and expand our line of modular garden centre fixtures, heavy duty carts, shipping racks, retail display units

• Prepare complete fabrication and installation packages, including dimensions, tolerances, component details, cut lists, bills of material and assembly instructions.

• Develop structural layouts and details for frames, posts, beams, bracing, connections, base plates and anchoring arrangements, working with engineering input where required.

• Review customer requirements, site measurements and design notes to confirm scope, fit, constructability and installation requirements.

• Coordinate with internal or external engineers on loading requirements, structural calculations, design changes and required reviews or approvals.

• Create and maintain part numbers, item records, bills of material (BOMs) and revisions in the ERP system; ensure these match approved drawings.

Costing and estimating

• Prepare accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates for new products, custom designs, structures and modifications.

• Estimate material quantities, fabrication and assembly labour, finishing, purchased components, subcontracted work and installation requirements.

• Work with purchasing and production to confirm supplier pricing, material availability, lead times and manufacturing assumptions.

• Compare design and material options to improve cost, fabrication efficiency and product quality while meeting project requirements.

• Document costing assumptions, exclusions and revisions; review estimates against actual material use and labour to improve future costing.

Production and project support

• Work with sales, purchasing, production and installation teams to resolve technical questions and support project planning and quoting.

• Troubleshoot drawing, fabrication and installation issues; update designs and documentation to reflect approved solutions.

• Assist with prototypes, product improvements and final inspections to confirm finished products meet drawing and quality requirements.

• Occasionally attend sites to verify measurements and assist with estimating, installation or start-up.

• Manage assigned priorities and deadlines; communicate missing information, design risks and cost impacts promptly.

• Perform other related duties as required to support efficient company operations.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Modify and refine existing product lines to reduce production complexity, lower material costs and enhance real-world performance

• Partner with project managers, sales teams, and shop floor operators to ensure designs align precisely with client requirements and standard manufacturing tolerances.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Civil Engineering Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment, including hands-on costing and structural design or detailing experience.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks (or similar tool) for 3D modelling, assemblies and detailed 2D production drawings.

• Experience designing or detailing fabricated steel or aluminum structures, frames and connections, with an understanding of structural loads, stability and constructability.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare material takeoffs, bills of material and estimates covering materials, labour and manufacturing processes.

• Strong knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining, assembly and finishing processes, including their effect on design and cost.

• Experience using an ERP system to create and maintain part records, BOMs and costing information; JobBOSS ERP experience is preferred.

• Problem-Solving: Strong structural intuition and analytical mathematical skills to handle custom, non-standard engineering applications.

• Strong Excel skills for costing, quantity calculations and analysis.

• Ability to interpret customer specifications, technical drawings and engineering requirements

• Clear written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively.

Work Conditions

• Location: Grimsby Ontario area

• In Office environment within a plant setting 5 days / week

• • Salary $70-85k + company paid benefits + RSP Match + vacation allowance + personal and sick day allowance.