Senior Mechanical Designer
About SPM Automation
SPM Automation develops advanced plastic joining and custom automation solutions for leading global manufacturers. Proudly based in Windsor, Ontario, our expertise spans laser, infrared, hot plate, vibration, and ultrasonic welding bringing together applied science, machine design, and intelligent controls to solve demanding production challenges for customers around the world.
We build more than machines - we build long-term customer partnerships. By working closely with customers to understand their products, processes, and goals, we turn complex manufacturing problems into practical innovations that improve quality, productivity, and reliability.
At SPM, you can make a direct contribution and see the results. Our researchers, designers, controls specialists, and machine builders work side by side, connecting ideas and engineering decisions to equipment on the shop floor and performance in customers’ facilities.
As we grow, we are investing in our people and strengthening how we work by sharing knowledge, developing technical capability, and continuously improving our processes. We are looking for people who take pride in their craft, bring curiosity to difficult problems, and want to help customers and teammates succeed.
The Opportunity
Design it. See it built. Help make it better.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer who wants to own the outcome - not just complete the design.
You will lead the mechanical design of plastic welding machines and industrial automation equipment within agreed customer requirements, project scope, schedules, and engineering-hour budgets. Your involvement will extend from machine concepts and customer reviews through detailed design, assembly support, debugging, and equipment validation.
Working directly with engineering colleagues and the technicians building the equipment, you will turn design concepts into practical, reliable machines. You will also provide project-level design leadership, mentor colleagues, and help improve the tools and processes we use from one project to the next.
This full-time, on-site position is based in Windsor, Ontario, and reports to the Mechanical Engineering Manager. The role provides technical and project leadership but has no direct reports.
See Our Work
Laser-Focused on Innovation - Design Engineering https://www.design-engineering.com/features/laser-focused-on-innovation/
Festo & SPM Automation: Designing Smarter Production Together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2p4RkEMB3Q
Key Responsibilities
Machine Design and Technical Ownership
Develop machine concepts, layouts, and operating sequences based on customer specifications, process requirements, and project scope.
Use SolidWorks to develop complete 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and equipment plans, including associated tooling, processing units, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling.
Develop safe, practical, manufacturable, and serviceable designs supported by appropriate mechanical calculations, component selection, material selection, and tolerance assessments.
Project Execution and Design Quality
Monitor design progress and communicate technical risks, scope changes, resource requirements, and potential delays early.
Apply design-for-manufacture and assembly principles to improve equipment quality, accessibility, reliability, and cost.
Resolve design-related issues during assembly, debugging, and validation, and support customer acceptance and installation activities as required.
Technical Leadership and Continuous Improvement
Use and help develop AI-assisted tools and workflows to improve documentation, knowledge sharing, design consistency, and repetitive engineering tasks.
Qualifications and Experience
Required
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and bill-of-materials development.
Strong computer, mathematical, and mechanical problem-solving skills, including engineering calculations, component selection, and tolerancing.
Preferred
Experience designing plastic welding equipment or tooling for laser, infrared, hot plate, vibration, or ultrasonic processes.
What Success Looks Like
During your first year, you will be expected to:
Contribute reusable designs, documented lessons learned, and practical workflow improvements, including appropriate AI-assisted tools.
Why Join SPM?
Collaborative technical teams: Work alongside experienced researchers, designers, controls specialists, and machine builders.
Position Details
Employment: Full-time, on-site
Reporting to: Mechanical Engineering Manager
