Automation Mechanical Designer

Wainbee; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wainbee is seeking an Automation Mechanical Designer to lead the mechanical design of custom automation equipment, robotic work cells, and turnkey manufacturing systems. You will work with project managers, controls engineers, and shop teams to turn customer requirements into practical solutions.

The role emphasizes SOLIDWORKS proficiency, DFMA and GD&T, and collaboration across disciplines. You will mentor junior designers and help ensure designs meet schedules and budgets, while supporting

Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering degree or diploma required.
• At least five years designing automation equipment in manufacturing.
• Strong SOLIDWORKS proficiency with large assemblies and BOMs.
• Knowledge of GD&T, DFMA, and machine safety principles.
• Experience with robotics, pneumatics, servos, and vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automation equipment and turnkey systems using SOLIDWORKS.
• Translate requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs.
• Develop layouts, assemblies, drawings, and BOMs.
• Apply engineering principles to optimize performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with project teams across PM, Controls, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Assembly.
• Provide guidance to junior designers and participate in design reviews.
• Support assembly, debugging, commissioning, and as-built documentation.

Skills

GD&T

DFMA

Mechanical design

Project management

Robotics integration

Education

Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

BOMs & drafting

Job description

Reports To:

Engineering Manager – Automation Division

Automation Mechanical Designer is responsible for the mechanical design and development of custom automation equipment, robotic work cells, special purpose machinery, and turnkey manufacturing systems. Working closely with Project Managers, Controls Engineers, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Assembly personnel, the Automation Mechanical Designer transforms customer requirements into innovative, practical, and cost-effective mechanical solutions.

The successful candidate will possess strong mechanical design skills, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to manage projects while ensuring designs meet customer specifications, industry standards, project schedules, and budget requirements.

Every project is unique, providing the opportunity to work on innovative automation solutions for a diverse range of manufacturing applications and customers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Design custom automation equipment, robotic work cells, special purpose machinery, secondary equipment, and turnkey manufacturing systems utilizing SOLIDWORKS.
• Translate customer requirements, engineering specifications, concept sketches, and applicable standards into complete manufacturing-ready mechanical designs.
• Develop machine layouts, assemblies, mechanisms, manufacturing drawings, Bills of Materials, and supporting engineering documentation.
• Apply sound engineering principles to optimize machine performance, manufacturability, reliability, ergonomics, serviceability, and overall cost.
• Evaluate engineering concepts and develop practical, innovative, and cost-effective mechanical solutions through engineering calculations, simulations, and sound design practices.
• Select appropriate purchased components and collaborate with suppliers to ensure technically sound and economical solutions.
• Work closely with Project Management, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Assembly throughout all phases of a project.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, incorporating feedback into final approved designs while ensuring compliance with customer requirements, project schedules, and company standards.
• Support machine assembly, debug, commissioning, and final "as-built" documentation by resolving mechanical design issues in a timely manner.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Junior Automation Designers while promoting engineering best practices and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant automation design experience.
• Minimum five years of experience designing custom automation equipment or special purpose machinery within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency with SOLIDWORKS, including large assemblies, manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, manufacturing processes, GD&T, machine design, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Experience integrating robotics, pneumatic systems, servo systems, vision systems, and other purchased automation components.
• Familiarity with engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, CAE/FEA, and machine safety principles.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• High attention to detail, professional integrity, and the ability to manage confidential customer information.