Intermediate Mechanical Designer

ATS Automation; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in the Region of Waterloo, Cambridge, is seeking an Intermediate Automation Designer. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and analyzing mechanical systems, creating CAD models, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role requires proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, with at least 3 years of mechanical design experience. Join a dynamic team that emphasizes innovation and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive starting salaries

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Employee bonus and RSP matching

Employee Share Purchase Program

Subsidized breakfasts and lunches

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of mechanical design experience.
• Experience in designing tooling from sketches or verbal concepts.
• Familiarity with ISO procedures and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems and detailed CAD models.
• Evaluate feasibility of multi-machine operations.
• Lead mechanical design activities and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Proficient in AutoCAD

Proficient in SolidWorks

Strong knowledge of drafting principles

Understanding of pneumatics

Understanding of hydraulics

Effective communication skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree in mechanical design or engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 1000 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission-critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation. Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget. Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them.

Major Duties

Intermediate Automation Designer plays a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions for mobility, specialty automation, and nuclear sectors. You are responsible for designing and analyzing mechanical systems, creating detailed CAD models and technical drawings, and ensuring your work meets required standards.

In this role, you collaborate with engineers, programmers, and fabricators to bring automation systems from concept to full integration and commissioning. You’ll apply your technical expertise and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges—delivering reliable, precise systems in some of the most regulated and demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations for machine and tool designs, including strength, speed, horsepower, temperature, pressure, and force.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to determine dimensions, materials, and mechanical properties for equipment and components.
• Evaluate the feasibility of multi-machine and sequential operations within automated systems.
• Create detailed assembly drawings, as well as bills of materials, using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable standards such as OSHA, CE, and ISO.
• Review and validate drawings for accuracy, material selection, machining techniques, and finishes.
• Collaborate with customers, internal teams, and vendors to gather technical requirements and specifications.
• Communicate design updates and task progress to the Manager of Mechanical Engineering and project stakeholders.
• Lead mechanical design activities at the project level, including delegating tasks to team members and mentoring junior staff.
• Coordinate and organize all relevant project documentation such as quotes, drawing registers, requisitions, and schedules.
• Estimate time and resource needs for assigned design tasks and communicate these to project leads.
• Work with electrical designers and programmers to align mechanical design with electrical and operational requirements.
• Support the build and integration phases by assisting fabricators, machinists, toolmakers, and electricians.
• Specify tools, fixtures, and equipment required for mechanical component fabrication and assembly.
• Select and requisition purchased mechanical components based on design and performance requirements.
• Interpret project documentation to define testing procedures, objectives, and equipment.
• Oversee and support co-op students and junior designers on assigned tasks and projects.
• Follow all ISO procedures and uphold compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental regulations, report hazards, and use required PPE at all times.

Qualifications

• A post-secondary diploma or degree in mechanical design, mechanical engineering or equivalent.

Experience

• 3+ years of mechanical design experience.

Skills

• Proficient in AutoCAD and Solid Works.
• Strong knowledge of drafting principles.
• Experience in designing tooling from sketches or verbal concepts.
• Understanding of pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical devices.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Analytical skills for engineering calculations and design analysis.
• Attention to detail for reviewing drawings and documentation.
• Familiarity with ISO procedures and quality standards.

Health & Safety Requirements

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct

Why Join ATS Industrial Automation?

• Be a part of an engaged, empowered and innovative global workforce
• We offer a robust total rewards package- Competitive starting salaries, comprehensive health and dental benefits, overtime pay, employee bonus, RSP matching, Employee Share Purchase Program
• We provide awesome work perks such as treat days, gourmet coffee and beverages, subsidized breakfast and lunches in our cafeteria, employee referral bonuses and lots more.
• We are intentional about your professional growth and development through internal career opportunities and our educational reimbursement program.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to a personal disability. We would ask that those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary

If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.