Mechanical Product Designer

Hardt is a food-service equipment manufacturer located in the west-end of Montreal. This long-established, privately-owned organization has been consistently profitable and is planning for future growth. Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Company focuses on quality, teamwork and commitment to outstanding customer service and support. The Organization’s values are reflected in its operating principles: communicate actively; voice and seek to resolve concerns; work cooperatively and respectfully and strive for improvements continuously.

Hardt provides solutions to supermarkets and big box stores, and is the exclusive supplier of rotisseries and warming racks to over 90% of the big box retailers in the United States. Our company is customer-centric, as demonstrated by our mission to provide reliable solutions that meet our customers' needs. Hardt is currently seeking a:

Mechanical Product Designer

ROLE

The Mechanical Product Designer is responsible for the design and development of mechanical components and sub-systems for Hardt’s complete product line. This role uses PTC Creo to create accurate 3D models and fabrication drawings, ensuring designs meet requirements for functionality, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost efficiency. The Mechanical Product Designer collaborates closely with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners throughout product development, from concept through production release and ongoing product maintenance. This role follows established engineering standards, drafting practices, and development processes and reports to the Director of Engineering.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Mechanical Design & Drafting (70%)

• Lead the mechanical design process from initial concept through to the final "Master Model" release, ensuring design intent is maintained throughout development.
• Design mechanical components, sub-systems, and accessories for Rotisseries, Heated Merchandisers, Dough Presses, and related product lines.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and heating components into complete product assemblies.
• Produce and revise detailed fabrication drawings for components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards to ensure proper fit and function.
• Select appropriate materials, finish, and fasteners for designs to ensure product reliability, safety, and longevity.
• Ensure proper functionality and incorporate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) and maintainability principles to create efficient and practical designs.

Documentation, Standards & Process Control (20%)

• Execute and manage drawing updates, BOM changes, and documentation revisions as part of Hardt’s ECO and NPI processes.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and traceability of engineering documentation within the company’s systems (ECO/ERP).
• Participate in the release of engineering packages, ensuring that all data (models, drawings, BOMs) meet internal quality standards before approval.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining the Mechanical Design Handbook and drafting/design standards.

Prototype, Test & Validation Support (10%)

• Support prototype builds by collaborating with technicians, following established procedures, and using shop tools safely.
• Inspect prototypes and assemblies to verify fit, form, and function, and document findings.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues identified in R&D builds, production, or field feedback, using structured root-cause analysis where required.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, product management, and manufacturing teams to validate design intent and resolve technical issues.
• Follow all CNESST and Hardt Health & Safety requirements, including proper use of PPE, safe handling of tools, and maintaining a hazard-free work area. Participate in mandatory safety training outlined in Hardt’s Safety Training Matrix.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to: Director of Engineering with daily tasks assignment and oversight from the Mechanical Product Designer, Lead Hand.

Direct Reports: N/A

EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

• DEC in Mechanical Engineering Technology, AEC/DEP in Mechanical Design, or a related technical diploma.
• A valid Class 5 (Québec) driver’s licence is an asset (occasional offsite supplier visits or testing requirements).

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Experience: 5+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, drafting, and product development, ideally in sheet-metal fabrication and mechanical assemblies. Experience releasing full product packages from concept to production; familiarity with NPI processes. Experience leading technical workstreams or coordinating small teams is a strong asset.
2. Languages: English is required due to the nature of the role, which involves working with English-language technical standards (UL, NSF, ASME) collaborating with suppliers, clients, and external agencies located outside Québec, interpreting English engineering documentation, certifications, and test data. Functional French and Spanish is an asset.
3. Skills & Competencies:

• CAD Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with 3D CAD software, specifically PTC Creo.
• Fabrication Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of modern sheet-metal fabrication processes (bending, punching, laser cutting) and their limitations.
• Drafting Standards: Strong experience creating mechanical fabrication drawings (parts and assemblies) according to ASME Y14.5 standards.
• GD&T: Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T.
• Materials & Fasteners: Proven ability in material and fastener selection (specifically regarding cost, reliability, and environmental factors).
• PDM/PLM Management: Proficiency with PDM/PLM systems for managing CAD data, revision control, and engineering workflows. Experience with PTC Windchill is a strong asset.
• Root Cause Analysis: Strong skills in troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Microsoft Office: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word).
• Advanced Analysis: Understanding of mechanical principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics) and analysis tools (FEA) is a significant asset.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of certification standards for commercial equipment (e.g., UL, CSA, NSF) is a significant asset.
• ERP Familiarity: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor) for item and BOM creation is an asset.
• Prototyping: Experience in the development and manufacturing of physical prototypes and safe use of basic shop tools.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Information Gathering: Skilled at working with engineers, technicians, and product managers to gather missing details, validate technical information, and resolve inconsistencies.
• Effective communication and ability to explain complex technical topics.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Strength Guidelines: Primarily an office-based design role with periodic movement within the R&D Lab or production area. Occasional lifting or handling of components, prototypes, or tooling up to 20–25 lbs, following proper ergonomic and safety practices.
2. Motion Parameters: Regular sitting, typing, and mouse use for CAD modelling and documentation work. Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and maneuvering around equipment, test benches, or prototypes in the R&D Lab. May occasionally require access to elevated, confined, or awkward areas when inspecting assemblies or verifying fit and function, with appropriate assistance and PPE.
3. Vision and Hearing Requirements: Requires excellent close-range vision for interpreting engineering drawings, reviewing CAD models, inspecting parts, and verifying tolerances. Adequate hearing is required for effective communication in office and lab environments where moderate background noise (machinery, tools, ventilation systems) may be present.
4. Psychological Demands: Requires sustained attention to detail, precision, and accuracy when designing, reviewing, or troubleshooting mechanical components. Involves periods of concentrated work, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and comfort working under occasional tight timelines. Frequent collaboration with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams is required, as well as resilience in problem-solving environments.

WORKING ARRANGEMENT & TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

• Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, occasional overtime.
• Primary Work Location: 1400, 50e Avenue, Lachine, Québec, H8T 2V3 OR
• Hybrid (Privilege): This role is based on a 3 full days in-office and 2 days from home schedule. The ability to work remotely is offered as a company-provided benefit to support work–life balance; however, this benefit is not guaranteed and may be modified or withdrawn at the company’s discretion based on business needs. At times, employees may be required to work 5 days per week in-office to support departmental priorities with tight deadlines.
• Travel Requirement: 5% for occasional visits to local suppliers.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• Complete benefits package offered: health care, dental care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD) insurance, all effective the first day of employment.
• Virtual healthcare (telemedicine).
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) matching plan.
• Potential bonus (based on Company performance and individual performance).
• Employee Referral Program.
• Five (5) paid discretionary days per year.

Qualified candidates can apply by sending their resume to: hr@hardt.ca with the mention of the job title in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Hardt endorses an Equal Employment Opportunity Program and invites women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, Aboriginal people and persons with disabilities to apply. The masculine gender is used solely for the purpose of shortening the text.