Production Designer

Wolf Steel Ltd; Barrie; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grill and hearth manufacturer in Canada is seeking a Production Designer to develop innovative designs and accurate CAD models for their products. This role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in product design, proficiency in SolidWorks, along with project management and problem-solving skills. A commitment to quality and innovation is essential in delivering customer satisfaction.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)

Tuition Allowance

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product design or engineering.
• Experience leading design-related VAVE or cost-reduction projects.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and CAD data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve product designs using SolidWorks.
• Create accurate 2D/3D CAD models and detailed drawings.
• Lead and support VAVE projects for cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot design issues.

Skills

SolidWorks

Project management

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

College Diploma or University Degree in Engineering Technology/Product Design/Industrial Design

Tools

PLM software

CAD data management systems

Job description

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality. Our award-winning products offer a best-in-class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon is also fortunate to operate on a world-wide scale.

The warmth and experience that a Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to enhance everyday living across the globe. Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

Title

Production Designer - Grills/Hearth

Reports to

Assistant Manager Production Engineering

Location

214 Bayview Drive / 9 Napoleon Road, Barrie (hybrid)

Job Purpose

The Production Designer develops, improves, and supports Napoleon products by applying sound engineering and design principles to create accurate, manufacturable CAD models, components, and assemblies. The role ensures products meet performance, quality, safety, and cost requirements while supporting production readiness, resolving design-related issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Additionally, the Production Designer leads and contributes to design-driven VAVE initiatives to identify cost-reduction opportunities and implement changes that enhance product value without compromising customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Develop new product designs and update existing ones using SolidWorks.
• Create accurate 2D/3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings that meet manufacturability, safety, quality, and cost requirements.
• Lead and support design-driven VAVE projects.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, evaluate feasibility, develop design solutions, and coordinate implementation without compromising product performance or customer value.
• Build, measure, and evaluate prototypes and pre-production samples.
• Support validation testing, analyze results, document findings, and recommend design changes based on performance and compliance requirements.
• Lead projects and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Facilitate meetings, track action items, and ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved.
• Work closely with Production Coordinators for proper documentation and tracking.
• Work with Purchasing, suppliers, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality to develop concepts, review manufacturability, confirm tooling readiness, and support PPAP/PQV activities.
• Align designs with sourcing and production needs.
• Manage design tasks, schedules, ECO-related updates, VAVE project documentation, and CAD database accuracy.
• Ensure project timelines, deliverables, and change records are completed and communicated effectively.
• Problem-solve with line associates, QA personnel, and R&D associates.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and PD&T teams to troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Perform root-cause analysis, resolve design-related concerns, and support smooth production launches and engineering changes.

Education and Experience

• College Diploma or University Degree in a related discipline (e.g., Engineering Technology, Product Design, Industrial Design) or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in product design, engineering, or manufacturing; experience leading design-related VAVE or cost-reduction projects is highly desirable.
• CSWA / CSWP, PMP / CAPM is considered an asset.
• Proficient in SolidWorks, PLM software and CAD data management systems.
• Strong knowledge of materials, component selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with design for manufacturability, including stamping, forming, die casting, and injection molding.
• Skilled in manufacturing, assembly, and production support processes.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot design issues.
• Proven ability to lead design-related VAVE projects: generating cost-saving ideas, developing solutions, coordinating cross-functional teams, and implementing improvements.

Project Management Skills

• Expert in project planning/execution methodologies.
• Proficient in risk management, cost control, scheduling, resource planning, and coordination across sites (domestic & international).
• Strong ability to work under strict timelines with attention to detail and ability to fast track projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through product lifecycle phases (design → launch).
• Familiarity with ERP (MS Dynamics or other) and production readiness requirements (e.g., PPAP, 1st-offs).

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to align diverse functional teams.
• High accountability, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Ignite Your Career: Competitive Benefits

• Competitive Compensation / Wages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP/DPSP)
• Tuition Allowance
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Associate Purchase Programs, Product Discounts, In-house Sales
• Appreciation Events, Raffles, Draws, Fundraising, BBQ’s, Competitions
• Napoleon Cares – Associates helping Associates
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Napoleon Recognition Program
• GOevisits, virtual doctor visits
• And more!

The Napoleon Group of Companies is committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain Associates with disabilities. This includes providing accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle. Accommodation is available upon request.

We thank you for your interest in The Napoleon Group of Companies and for participating in our competition. Only those candidates selected for consideration will be contacted.