Lead / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Heavy Machinery (Weldments)

Location: Scarborough, ON (Onsite Only)
Travel: Occasional U.S. travel (must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident)
Department: Engineering – 
Reports To: VP, Engineering 
Compensation: Targeted: $125,000 – $135,000 base salary (commensurate with experience) + benefits

Company Overview

Our client is a global leader in lifting, hoisting, and façade access systems for construction and building maintenance.
Our Scarborough Engineering team designs custom-engineered equipment that combines structural integrity, mechanical precision, and manufacturing practicality.

We are seeking a Lead / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer who can perform hand calculations, design in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, and lead the design of custom heavy mechanical systems.
This is a true engineering role, ideal for someone coming from engineered-to-order equipment manufacturers such as Heidelberg, Kubota, or Hepburn Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Development (≈ 35%)

• Lead the design of custom mechanical systems including welded structures, booms, davits, lifting frames, gear drives, and hydraulic mechanisms.

• Develop complete design packages from concept through manufacturing and field commissioning.

• Apply design-for-manufacturing principles and ensure mechanical robustness and code compliance.

Engineering Calculations & Analysis (≈ 35%)

• Perform hand calculations for beams, welds, bolts, pins, lifting devices, and load paths.

• Conduct hydraulic and mechanical sizing (motors, brakes, gearboxes, cylinders).

• Validate designs using FEA in SolidWorks Simulation while maintaining manual analytical verification.

• Ensure compliance with:

  • AISC 360 / CSA S16 / CSA S157 (Steel & Aluminum)

  • AWS D1.1 / D1.2, CSA W47 / W59 (Welding)

  • ASME / OSHA / CSA safety standards

Mentorship & Technical Leadership (≈ 15%)

• Review and check work of intermediate engineers and designers.

• Provide mentoring and direction on calculations, design intent, and engineering judgment.

• Lead design reviews and ensure technical consistency and quality.

Project Coordination & Documentation (≈ 15%)

• Develop BOMs, ECRs, NCRs, and design reports compliant with ISO 9001.

• Interface with production, procurement, and commissioning teams to ensure design intent and manufacturability.

• Support root-cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s an asset).

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensed in Ontario or eligible within 6 months.

• 10+ years of mechanical design experience in custom, heavy industrial equipment (e.g., Heidelberg, Kubota, Hepburn Engineering, mining, cranes, hoists, or tunneling systems).

• Proven ability to perform hand calculations independently.

• Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD for 3D modeling and drafting.

• Deep understanding of strength of materials, structural mechanics, and welded assemblies.

• Experience designing hydraulic and electro-mechanical systems.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with lifting, hoisting, or façade access systems.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead design teams.

• Hands-on understanding of fabrication, assembly, and field service.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset — an engineer first, designer second.

Why Join?

• Work for a global brand recognized for innovation, safety, and engineering excellence.

• Lead complex, purpose-built projects from concept to commissioning.

• Join a team that values true engineering ability — calculations, design logic, and accountability.