Mechanical Designer - Automation

Johnson Electric • Hamilton, ON

28d • $90,100 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Mechanical Designer – Automation at Johnson Electric, you will be responsible for analyzing, concepting, and designing advanced production automation solutions supporting our manufacturing operations. This role plays a critical part in developing mechanical designs for automated equipment, robotic systems, and special‑purpose machinery while ensuring compliance with safety standards, customer requirements, and project timelines. You’ll collaborate closely with automation engineers, electrical designers, manufacturing teams, and external vendors to deliver innovative, reliable, and scalable automation solutions.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in special‑purpose equipment and/or automation design.
• Proven experience designing new pump assembly lines and retrofitting existing production lines.
• Hands‑on experience designing robotic cells.
• Experience with AMR / AGV system design and integration.
• Experience with automated solutions for powder metal operations, including compacting and sintering.
• Strong proficiency using SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of automation equipment and mechanical system design.
• Working knowledge of common machine shop techniques.
• Advanced ability to conceptualize and develop solutions for complex mechanical design challenges, often from sketches or verbal concepts.
• Thorough understanding of pneumatic systems and electrical devices such as switches, load cells, and LVDTs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Capable of giving and receiving direction in a project‑based environment.
• Strong team‑oriented mindset with effective collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• High level of integrity, dependability, sense of urgency, and results orientation.

Responsibilities

• Design robotic and automated assembly systems, production gauges, error‑proofing devices, assembly jigs, and automation equipment.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to determine dimensional, material, and mechanical requirements.
• Perform engineering calculations related to strength of materials, speeds, forces, horsepower, temperature, and pressure.
• Evaluate designs for compliance with machine safety standards, AGC requirements, and customer specifications.
• Collaborate with electrical designers to define input/output devices and electrical interface requirements.
• Review machine sequences and operations with cross‑functional project teams.
• Select purchased components for mechanical assemblies and create requisitions with appropriate delivery timelines.
• Produce working drawings, detailed drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks for assemblies and sub-assemblies.
• Review drawings for accuracy, material selection, machining methods, finishes, and hardness.
• Support manufacturing during build, debug, integration, and commissioning by resolving mechanical design issues.
• Communicate with customers, internal engineering teams, and vendors regarding technical requirements and specifications.
• Manage and communicate design changes with the Automation Group and leadership team.
• Provide time estimates, resource requirements, and design status updates to the Automation Engineering Manager.
• Periodically oversee mechanical design efforts at the project level and delegate work to team members.
• Organize and maintain project documentation including quotes, drawings, schedules, correspondence, and requisitions.
• Assist with proposals and estimate mechanical design labor hours.
• Support the development of design and departmental standards.
• Provide guidance and oversight to Co‑op students and Junior Designers as required.
• Adhere to health, safety, and quality system requirements.
• Coordinate and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Recognition Programs – Employee recognition and long‑service awards.
• Strong Benefits – Health, dental, vision, out‑of‑country coverage, short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Paid Time & Support – Paid overtime after 40 hours, paid meal breaks, sick days, floaters, and safety allowances.
• Innovation & Growth – Work in a technically advanced automation environment with opportunities to influence design standards.
• Retirement Security – Competitive and generous pension plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees