Sr Product Designer

Reports to: Technology / Engineering Manager

Location: 214 Bayview Drive, Barrie (hybrid)

Job Purpose: Designing product concepts, creating 3D rendered images for concept approval, creating detailed prototype designs and designs suitable for mass production; including creating detailed drawings, specifications and information necessary for product literature. Plan and manage moderate to large or complex size project(s) for new accessories or product developments from concept through to mass production, ensuring technical requirements, deadlines and cost targets are achieved: and maintain/upgrade current product line-up, where necessary, to maintain relevance in the market. Where applicable, work in close collaboration with project launch manager to ensure an “on-time” and effective production launch.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Define concepts or ideas, considering competitive products, benchmarking, trends & lesson learnt.
• Sketches and simple 3D concept models, rendered images, technical scope documents suitable for obtaining project approval; including presenting ideas to R&D team and management.
• Detailed 3D models suitable for prototype and mass production, including DFA/DFM/DFS, (Design for Assembly, Manufacture and Serviceability - including installation).
• Design for cost, aesthetic appearance, robustness, reliability and quality; considering project targets and project deadlines and whilst working in collaboration with other departments, other sites and outside vendors.
• Validate the design concept: Using recognized design tools, including design reviews, functional analysis, (&, where applicable, input to simulation), tolerance stack ups for fit, form and function etc; Actively participate in Stage Gate runs to practically validate part fit, form and function, manufacturability and drawing accuracy. Collaborate with Technology / Engineering Manager to provide input for the creation of a suitable test program to validate that the design meets safety and technical requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed 2D drawings and specifications where applicable. Create bill of materials, including all necessary details required to populate ERP system. Drawing release, (after checking), for prototype, purchasing, samples, etc. Ensure latest math data (2D and 3D) is maintained in company CAD database.
• Maintain current product line up. Championing Change Notices that improve on product robustness and correct quality and field issues for the first 12 months after production launch. Updating or supporting changes to existing models, drawings, based on Continuous Improvements, Change Notices and/or corrections.
• Work directly with Technology / Engineering Manager to plan all development activities, for R&D, with the vender and the cross functional team that are necessary to develop and launch the product, where applicable in collaboration with the project launch manager.
• Track project schedules and report all project open issues weekly using the department open issues list, identifying all critical tasks, all tasks that require cross functional support. Inform the responsible person regarding assigned tasks and follow up to ensure completion. Identifying variances or delayed tasks to the technology /engineering manager in a timely manner, collaborating to create recovery plans. Regularly communicate project status to cross functional team and to management.
• Periodically review the design with technology / engineering manager to ensure progress to technical goals and deadlines. Ensure that design and peer reviews are completed prior to each stage gate and after each test phase. Document all issues and identify project risks and actions required.
• Plan and manage prototype phase(s), engineering production run and/or samples to validate the product design and drawings. Where applicable collaborate with the project launch manager to plan the process run, (where the intended process is validated) and ensure all design changes are documented and implemented prior to production run. Actively support the production run as required. Ensure all stage gate or accelerated stage documentation is completed and approved by the technology / engineering manager ahead of stage gate reviews.
• Provide drawings and data to support creation of product manuals, work instructions, compliance / certification, service parts, marketing information, etc. Work with assigned technical writer to completion of clear and accurate manuals, leaflets, and technical marketing support information for assigned products and accessories. Review draft documentation with technology manager and applicable cross function team members. Take necessary actions to validate the accuracy of information in literature, with PPET evaluation where applicable.
• Champion and facilitate the set-up of appropriate service parts, new kits and plan all accessories, for assigned projects to be fully validated and available at product launch.
• Some local and international travel maybe required.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to junior designers. Provide oversight and design reviews. Sign off where applicable.

Education and Experience:

• Preference given to those with a University Degree or College Diploma in Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Must have a minimum of 3 year directly related product design or development experience, specifically using 3D CAD software, (Solidworks, SolidEdge, ProE, Catia, Mechanical Desktop, etc.). Demonstrated experience in either simulation or CAM would be considered as an advantage.
• Experience in a directly related field such as hearth or other thermodynamic products, (HVAC, boilers, heat pumps, etc.), is required.
• Knowledge of PLM software systems is considered an asset, (SAP, Team Center, SolidWorks PDM etc.), from the perspective of a user and for the purposes of basic system administration. (No requirement for experience as system architect or planner).
• Must possess knowledge and some practical experience of material and manufacturing processes. Some "hands on" mechanical or fabrication experience would be an asset.
• CSWA, (Certified SolidWorks Associate), or willingness to achieve this requirement during 75 day onboarding process is required. CSWP and CSWE, (Professional and Expert) would be considered an asset in this position.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks, (or demonstrated experience with equivalent 3D software and willingness to learn Solidworks) and MS office.
• Sheet metal component design, consumer products and/or furniture design experience is required.

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage – 100% of premiums paid by the Company!
• Long Term Disability Protection
• Well-being support programs and virtual medical visits
• Employee & Family Assistance Program for mental health and well-being (EAP)

• Training Allowance and continuous learning opportunities and programs
• Leadership development and mentorship programs
• Clear pathways for advancement

• Appreciation events, raffles, and team building activities
• Napoleon Cares – A fund sponsored by Associates to help Associates in times of need

• Competitive total compensation package, inclusive of bonus opportunity
• Retirement savings plan with matching Company contributions (RRSP/DPSP)
• Exclusive Associate discounts on our award-winning products