Lead Designer

Vortex Aquatic Structures International; Pointe-Claire; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Company-paid training

Health and dental benefits

RRSP matching

Bonus program

Free on-site gym and parking

Onboarding buddy

Job summary

Vortex Aquatic Structures International seeks a Lead Designer to drive the evolution of our elevated aquatic play products. You will mentor designers, collaborate with Engineering, and steer concepts from ideation to launch.

You'll work across North America and Europe to ensure safe, manufacturable designs that meet market needs, industry standards, and sustainability goals. Fluency in French and English is required, with a hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product design and development within a manufacturing environment, ideally involving play structures, recreational equipment, or similar physical products.
• Proficiency in 3D modelling, visualization, sketches, and prototyping; strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience taking products from concept through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with safety standards, building codes, and accessibility requirements (ASTM, CSA, ADA, IBC, NBC, EN).
• Fluency in French and English (intermediate English acceptable).
• Stage-Gate process experience and AI tools for design/visualization are assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of elevated aquatic play structures from concept through prototyping and launch.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering to evolve the product platform.
• Translate market needs into functional, manufacturable designs.
• Develop 3D models, sketches, assemblies, and prototypes.
• Lead brainstorming, exploration, and rapid prototyping sessions.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes in designs.
• Work with Engineering, Drafting, and Operations to optimize for cost, materials, and sustainability.
• Support product testing, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Create design standards and technical documentation; support configurations and customer projects.
• Mentor designers and collaborate across North America and Europe.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft 365

Job description

Ready to shape the future of fun? At Vortex, we have been bringing communities, businesses, and families together with innovative aquatic structures since 1995. We are proud to have created 10 000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and 5 continents! Vortex creates precious memories for thousands of families around the world every day.

If you want an exciting career in an environment that values innovation and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome all applicants and are committed to diversity, equity and ensuring everyone is empowered to succeed.

Bring Your Creativity to Life at Vortex!

We are looking for a Lead Designer to help shape the future of our elevated aquatic play structures. In this role, you'll lead the design and evolution of an exciting product line, transforming creative ideas into engaging, safe, and innovative play experiences.

Working closely with Engineering and cross-functional teams, you'll bring concepts to life from ideation through product launch, while mentoring fellow designers and helping drive innovation.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of innovative elevated aquatic play structures, from initial concepts through prototyping and product launch.
• Drive the evolution of our product platform in close collaboration with Engineering.
• Translate market insights, customer needs, and emerging trends into creative, functional, and manufacturable designs.
• Develop 3D models, sketches, assemblies, and prototypes to bring new ideas to life.
• Lead brainstorming sessions, design exploration, and rapid prototyping initiatives.
• Create engaging, accessible, and safe play experiences while ensuring compliance with applicable standards and building codes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Drafting, and Operations to optimize designs for manufacturing, cost, materials, and sustainability.
• Participate in product testing, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop design standards and technical documentation while supporting product configurations and customer projects.
• Mentor fellow designers, share best practices, and collaborate with teams across North America and Europe.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product design and development within a manufacturing environment, ideally involving play structures, recreational equipment, or similar physical products.
• Strong experience taking products from concept through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft 365.
• Strong 3D modelling, visualization, sketching, and prototyping skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials, including steel, polymers, and composites.
• Understanding of applicable safety standards, building codes, and accessibility requirements (ASTM, CSA, ADA, IBC, NBC, EN).
• Ability to balance creativity, technical feasibility, user experience, and manufacturing constraints.
• Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and guide other designers.
• Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken. (Intermediate level of English is required)
• Experience with Stage-Gate product development processes and AI tools for design and visualization are considered assets.

Proficiency in English is required for this role as approximately 40% of the responsibilities involve regular communication with stakeholders based in the United States and Europe.

Why Join Vortex?

At Vortex, innovation, collaboration, and fun are at the heart of what we do. Our work creates opportunities for people to play, connect, and make memories around the world.

We offer:

• The opportunity to shape products enjoyed by families around the world.
• A collaborative, creative, and supportive culture.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Company-paid training and education reimbursement.
• Health and dental benefits, telemedicine, Employee Assistance Program, RRSP matching, and bonus program.
• Free on-site gym and parking.
• Personalized onboarding with a dedicated buddy.

Splash into fun!