Mechanical Design Engineer

About the Company

Founded in 1991, the Mircom Group of Companies is North America’s largest independent designer, manufacturer and distributor of intelligent building and life safety solutions. Reaching customers in over 100 countries worldwide, our portfolio includes: fire detection & alarm, communications & security, mass notification, nurse call, and building automation & smart technologies.

Mircom’s mission is to save lives and protect property by providing a line-up of innovative and advanced solutions which are scalable to satisfy diverse user demands, from small buildings to the largest complexes. Our unwavering commitment to North American manufacturing enables us to offer the highest quality and best competitive value across our vast range of products and solutions.

Mechanical Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: Vaughan, ON

Reports To: Chief Technology Officer

About the Role

• Assist in the full product development cycle, from conceptualizing design ideas in SolidWorks and developing engineering drawings for prototypes, to sourcing suppliers, testing, and supporting production.
• Field test new products and collect customer feedback for design improvements.
• Maintain BOMs in SolidWorks and Microsoft AX, and compile BOMs for production.
• Identify opportunities to improve the company’s design process.
• Manage data for models and drawings, and maintain revisions using SolidWorks PDM and Vault.
• Collaborate with technical writers to produce production instructions and customer manuals.
• Design jigs for production and engineering.
• Program and maintain FDM and SLA 3D printers, including post-processing printed components.
• Assist with UL/ULC testing and ensure mechanical designs meet industry standards.
• Lead the maintenance and administration of mechanical reports.
• Engage and cultivate positive interdepartmental relationships.
• Provide rendered images and animations using KeyShot for product representations on websites and marketing brochures.
• Communicate with suppliers on engineering updates, quotes, and prototype sourcing.
• Create and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for mechanical design modifications and new component releases.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Mechanical R&D and Design Project Concepts (approx. 40% of time)

• Determine feasibility and manufacturability of concepts.
• Create physical prototypes to test fitment.
• Understand customer working conditions and environments to select the correct components and details.

Manage SolidWorks Models and Drawings (approx. 40% of time)

• Update models and drawings according to new revisions.
• Generate flat patterns for production.
• Compile technical drawings for production and suppliers.
• Create exploded views and BOMs to show installation steps.

Maintain AX BOMs and Compile Production Data (approx. 10% of time)

• Update AX BOMs based on requests from team members.
• Create and present ECOs for engineering changes.
• Create part numbers and their respective product codes.
• Compile BOMs for new products.

Oversee Additive Manufacturing with 3D Printers (approx. 10% of time)

• Program FDM printers and post-process printed parts.
• Program SLA printers and post-process printed parts.
• Perform monthly maintenance on printers.
• Manage inventory of printer materials.

Qualifications

• College diploma or university degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a mechanical design role.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks; CSWP certification is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of plastic design, sheet metal, and aluminum milling.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, IK, and IP ratings.
• Strong ability to work independently and communicate complex ideas effectively.

Problem-Solving and Judgement

• Quickly identify and resolve production issues, determining whether they stem from design or manufacturing, and update drawings or liaise with suppliers to prevent recurrence.
• Make decisive, cost-effective decisions under tight deadlines.
• Prepare documentation and presentations for proposed changes, securing approval from Engineering and Production Managers.

Who You’ll Work With

• Hardware Engineers (internal): Collaborate to build products, provide PCB dimensions, and check fitment.
• Warehouse Manager (internal): Procure parts for prototype builds and check for batch or revision problems.
• Production Lead Hand (internal): Receive feedback from the production line, provide installation information for new products, and resolve line issues.
• Production Staff (internal): Review assembly procedures, look for improvements, and remove hazards.
• Production Manager (internal): Work together in AX to create costing and material usage for the metal shop.
• Engineering Manager (internal): Discuss product scope, target customers, and company vision.
• Suppliers (external): Communicate product revision updates, source new suppliers, and request quotes for new and existing components.

Leadership and Accountabilities

• 1 direct report.
• Manage 3D printer usage and printing priorities.
• Maintain 3D printer material inventory and stock levels.
• Keep spare consumable and repair parts on hand to keep printing running and reduce downtime.

What the Role Demands

• Constant troubleshooting.
• Observant and keen on creative trends.
• Ability to multitask.
• Multiple reporting relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Working Environment

• Tools and equipment: 3D printers, handheld drill, common hand tools, sander, and Dremel.
• Physical effort: Mostly seated work; able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs when moving products.
• Travel: Local driving to supplier or customer sites approximately once a month.
• On call during work hours: When production needs help, issues must be resolved promptly, which may require setting aside the task at hand.