Lead Mechanical CAD Designer

Tetra Tech; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Merit-based rewards

Work/life balance

Career development

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking a Lead Mechanical CAD Designer for our Mechanical team in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This senior role focuses on leading 3D layouts, process equipment modeling, piping, and interdisciplinary coordination to deliver safe, constructible designs for mining and industrial facilities.

You will mentor junior designers, drive CAD standards, and collaborate with engineers and field teams on multiple concurrent projects, with periodic travel as required.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Mechanical Design or equivalent with strong heavy industrial exposure.
• Min 15 years of plant design experience in mining/mineral processing.
• Expertise in plant layout, pumps, piping, isometrics, conveyors, tanks.
• Proficiency in 2D/3D modelling and CAD standards.
• Willingness to travel periodically.

Responsibilities

• Lead mining and industrial equipment layouts in 3D, ensuring safety and constructability.
• Mentor junior designers and enforce quality standards.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, GA drawings, BOMs per codes.
• Coordinate with engineers and project teams for delivery.
• Perform field measurements and site verifications.

Skills

AutoCAD

2D/3D modelling

Leadership

Coordination

Industrial plant design

Education

Diploma in Mechanical Design

Tools

AutoCAD

Design platforms

Job description

The Opportunity

Tetra Tech is adding a Lead Mechanical CAD Designer to our Mechanical team based in Thunder Bay, ON . This is a new vacant position for which we are actively recruiting.

Why Tetra Tech

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.
Our local Thunder Bay office has proudly served the region for 70 years and is now backed by a Global firm of more than 25,000 employees across 500+ offices. Looking to collaborate and grow with likeminded individuals on challenging and diverse projects. Come join our team to discover your full potential and advance your career, sharpen your skills on exciting and rewarding projects.
Locally we specialize in mid-sized projects for clients across Canada and the globe. Scale of projects ranges includes complete new mineral processing and comminution facilities to single system optimization projects. Phases include concept development, feasibility studies, detailed engineering, and construction support.

Market Sectors Include

• Mining and Mineral Processing (Gold, Salt and Potash, Lithium, Uranium, and more)
• Heavy Industrial Facilities
• Municipal & Utilities
• Water Treatment
• Pipelines and Refineries

Your Impact

Join Tetra Tech and make a difference. Our work leverages the industry’s cutting‑edge technologies, software, and hardware to deliver today’s projects successfully. Share your experience, mentor others and build with our talented group.

Your Role

• Lead and assume ownership of complete mining and industrial equipment and plant layouts in 3D, including process equipment models, plant design, piping, and interdisciplinary coordination while employing your industry experience ensuring final products meet, safety, code, maintenance and constructability.
• Provide a confident voice to steer the continuous improvement and growth of our team, standards development, work flows, and softwares and tool sets.
• Prepare and oversee Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), general arrangement and detailed drawings, calculations, and bills of material in accordance with established codes, standards, and project specifications.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior and intermediate designers to support quality deliverables, technical development, and adherence to quality standards.
• Review and coordinate mechanical design deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance with client and project requirements.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to support efficient project execution and resolve complex design and layout challenges.
• Perform field measurements, site inspections, and verification activities related to industrial equipment, systems, and installations.
• Apply advanced knowledge and sound technical judgment in resolving complex design issues, while supporting continuous improvement of design practices, workflows, and CAD standards.
• Support project planning activities including prioritization of design tasks, scheduling of deliverables, and coordination across multiple concurrent projects.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, related discipline, or equivalent level of work experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive heavy industrial plant design experience, preferably within the mining and mineral processing industry. or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in industrial plant layout and mechanical design involving equipment installations, pumps, piping systems and isometrics, conveyors, chute works, plate works, pump boxes, storage bins, hoppers, and tanks.
• Strong understanding of industrial design practices, drafting standards, constructability considerations, and multidisciplinary coordination within heavy industrial environments.
• Proven experience leading or coordinating complex mechanical design deliverables and providing technical guidance to other designers.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D modelling software including AutoCAD and related design platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, project management, and field teams.
• Operational or construction related experience considered an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically as needed.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $130,000 per year. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.

Life At Tetra Tech

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. Our 25,000 employees work together to provide clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Tetra Tech may use AI-enabled tools to screen, assess, and assist in selecting applicants for this position based on job-related criteria. However, a human decision-maker will decide who moves forward throughout every stage of the hiring process.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information

• Organization: 719 ICE