Senior Automation Designer

About the Company - Answer Precision Technologies (APT) is a rapidly growing automation and equipment manufacturer in Kitchener. We specialize in designing and developing state-of-the-art Assembly Automation Systems, Precision Checking Fixtures, and Mould Tooling. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and precision is at the core of everything we do!

About the Role - The Senior Mechanical Designer – Automation is responsible for the complete mechanical design process of custom automation equipment and tooling. This includes concept development, engineering calculations, detailed CAD modeling, component selection, and BOM creation. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams and customers, project coordination, occasional mentorship, and innovative problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Mechanical Design: Lead the design of automation systems and tooling from concept to final release, working closely with Sales and Engineering teams

CAD & Documentation: Create detailed SolidWorks models and manufacturing-ready drawings, ensuring accuracy, appropriate materials, components, hardness, finishes etc.

Team Collaboration: Align mechanical design with electrical and manufacturing requirements

Technical Support: Resolve design-related issues during manufacturing and quality checks

Project Coordination: Manage timelines, update stakeholders, and handle engineering change orders

Design Reviews: Lead design reviews, both internally and with customers, to collaborate with stakeholders around designed solutions, manufacturability, compliance with applicable standards, and end user experience

Engineering Calculations: Perform calculations with respect to strength of materials, speeds, horsepower, temperature, pressure, force etc. as related to machine and tool designs

Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior team members

Client Support: Travel to client sites as needed; ensure all travel documents are current and valid

Cost & Metrics: Develop and maintain BOMs and support departmental KPIs

Qualifications

Experience: 7+ years in automation tooling design with a focus on automation systems, including pneumatics, hydraulics, servos, custom mechanisms, sensors, switches, load cells, LVDT’s and safety integrations

Education: Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent industry experience

Required Skills

Certified in SolidWorks, CSWE is a benefit

Proficient in GD&T

Strong computer skills, including MS Office

Experience with AutoCAD or SkyCAD is a plus

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Able to convey ideas clearly and collaborate across teams, excellent English language skills, both verbal and written

Self-directed, organized, and effective in fast-paced environments

Efficient in identifying and solving complex design challenges

Able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

Adaptable to evolving project or client needs

Maintains high accuracy in design and documentation

Committed to completing projects thoroughly and on time

Energetic, team-oriented, and results-driven

Equal Opportunity Statement - In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) Answer Precision welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities to apply. We will make the necessary accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support all aspects of the recruitment process under AODA. Answer Precision Technologies is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of - age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, skin colour, relationship status or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.