Job Description: Mechanical Designer
Location: Grimsby (on site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Mechanical Designer to join our Engineering & Design team. In this role, you will be responsible for transforming product concepts into manufacturing-ready 3D models and 2D production drawings. This position focuses heavily on the design, optimization, and scaling of our premier commercial product lines, including retail garden centre fixtures, multi-tier transport carts, specialized display systems, and related component.. The role combines SolidWorks design and drafting with structural detailing, material takeoffs and costing to support estimating, manufacturing and installation. Hands-on experience with both costing and structural design or detailing is required.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical and structural design
- Develop new parts and improve existing components, from concept through SolidWorks modelling, prototyping and production release.
- 3D Modeling & Drafting: Utilize SolidWorks to create intricate, production=ready 3D models, weld assemblies, sheet metal designs and detailed 2D fabrication drawings.
- Custom Product Engineering: Design and adapt structures, and equipment – such as retail garden centre setups, greenhouse infrastructure, specialized agricultural cart systems and motorized curtain mechanism.
- Design Validation & Load Testing: Conduct structural calculations and stress testing to guarantee appropriate weight-load capacities and safety factors for retail environments and heavy material handling.
- Cost & Process Optimization: Evaluate existing fixture and cart designs to identify opportunities for material reduction, part standardization, and faster weld times.
- Product Line innovation Design, modify and expand our line of modular garden centre fixtures, heavy duty carts, shipping racks, retail display units
- Prepare complete fabrication and installation packages, including dimensions, tolerances, component details, cut lists, bills of material and assembly instructions.
- Develop structural layouts and details for frames, posts, beams, bracing, connections, base plates and anchoring arrangements, working with engineering input where required.
- Review customer requirements, site measurements and design notes to confirm scope, fit, constructability and installation requirements.
- Coordinate with internal or external engineers on loading requirements, structural calculations, design changes and required reviews or approvals.
- Create and maintain part numbers, item records, bills of material (BOMs) and revisions in the ERP system; ensure these match approved drawings.
Costing and estimating
- Prepare accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates for new products, custom designs, structures and modifications.
- Estimate material quantities, fabrication and assembly labour, finishing, purchased components, subcontracted work and installation requirements.
- Work with purchasing and production to confirm supplier pricing, material availability, lead times and manufacturing assumptions.
- Compare design and material options to improve cost, fabrication efficiency and product quality while meeting project requirements.
- Document costing assumptions, exclusions and revisions; review estimates against actual material use and labour to improve future costing.
Production and project support
- Work with sales, purchasing, production and installation teams to resolve technical questions and support project planning and quoting.
- Troubleshoot drawing, fabrication and installation issues; update designs and documentation to reflect approved solutions.
- Assist with prototypes, product improvements and final inspections to confirm finished products meet drawing and quality requirements.
- Occasionally attend sites to verify measurements and assist with estimating, installation or start-up.
- Manage assigned priorities and deadlines; communicate missing information, design risks and cost impacts promptly.
- Perform other related duties as required to support efficient company operations.
Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
- Modify and refine existing product lines to reduce production complexity, lower material costs and enhance real-world performance
- Partner with project managers, sales teams, and shop floor operators to ensure designs align precisely with client requirements and standard manufacturing tolerances.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Civil Engineering Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment, including hands-on costing and structural design or detailing experience.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modelling, assemblies and detailed 2D production drawings.
- Experience designing or detailing fabricated steel or aluminum structures, frames and connections, with an understanding of structural loads, stability and constructability.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare material takeoffs, bills of material and estimates covering materials, labour and manufacturing processes.
- Strong knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining, assembly and finishing processes, including their effect on design and cost.
- Experience using an ERP system to create and maintain part records, BOMs and costing information; JobBOSS experience is preferred.
- Problem-Solving: Strong structural intuition and analytical mathematical skills to handle custom, non-standard engineering applications.
- Strong Excel skills for costing, quantity calculations and analysis.
- Ability to interpret customer specifications, technical drawings and engineering requirements
- Clear written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively.
