Sr. Mechanical Designer Automation

Company Mission Statement

Lincoln Electric Company of Canada Limited continually seeks to be the undisputed world leader in the arc welding industry, as well as, manufacturing and supplying the finest quality welding and cutting products. The Company takes pride in placing emphasis upon being the industry’s lowest cost producer and providing applications expertise and solutions to all customers. In addition, Lincoln Electric is committed to the development of new and innovative technologies with value added products and services that respond to customer needs

Business Unit

The Automation Division is responsible for providing engineered solutions, integrated systems, automation programming and technical support to Lincoln Electric’s ongoing sales efforts specifically focused upon robotics, hard automation, fume extraction systems and related solutions. The Department is further responsible for the provision of technical support to direct end-user customers for service / maintenance contracts and warrantee related solutions, as well as, troubleshooting and problem solving with respect to customer issues. The Automation Division is expected to deliver results while contributing to Lincoln Electric’s ongoing business activities and priorities, as well as, meeting internal and external customer requirements in a timely, discreet and ethical manner.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead projects for automated welding systems and industrial automation equipment—from scope and concept through detailed design, build, FAT/SAT, and customer handover.
• Serve as the technical project lead, planning scope, milestones, and risks; run design reviews; coordinate cross‑functional teams and suppliers to meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule targets.
• Lead the development and maintenance of mechanical designs, including heavy welded structures, bases, frames, positioners, and gantries.
• Work primarily on: Column & Boom manipulators, Gantry systems, Side Beam welders, and Custom  welding cells (including associated fixtures, tooling, and interfaces)
• Create 3D models, detailed designs, and modifications of mechanical components and assemblies— primarily in SolidWorks (weldments, sheet metal, large assemblies, configurations, PDM).
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) (SolidWorks Simulation preferred) to assess stress, deflection,  buckling, and fatigue; define load cases, boundary conditions, and safety factors; document assumptions and iterate designs accordingly.
• Generate layouts, drafts, and fabrication drawings to industry standards; apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5),  weld symbols, notes, BOMs, and inspection requirements.
• Collaborate with applications, controls/robotics, and manufacturing teams to convert concept designs into robust, build-ready products; conduct design reviews and participate in DFMEA/risk assessments.
• Occasionally visit customer sites during proposal/pre‑sales stages to support scoping, site  measurements, layout reviews, feasibility and risk assessments, and to capture requirements and interface constraints.

Main Responsibilities Continued

• Drive Continuous Improvement (CI): analyze existing products and designs for reliability, quality, and  performance; apply Lean/Kaizen, DFM/DFA, standardization, tolerance stack‑ups, and FEA‑based optimization to reduce cost, lead time, distortion, and maintenance time, and to improve safety.
• Select appropriate materials (e.g., structural steels, alloys) and specify manufacturing processes  (welding, machining, plate/laser cutting, forming) with DFM/DFA principles and tolerance stack-ups.
• Coordinate with suppliers and fabricators to source, qualify, and expedite key components; review vendor drawings and conduct design‑for‑weldability/manufacturability reviews.
• Support the manufacturing team on the shop floor; resolve design‑related issues, NCRs, and ECNs promptly; provide redlines and revision updates.
• Generate supporting documents to develop operation and maintenance manuals, spare parts lists, and assembly instructions
• Ensure compliance with machinery and automation safety standards (e.g., CSA Z432, CSA Z434, ISO 12100, ISO 10218) and incorporate guarding, interlocks, and risk mitigation into designs.
• Mentor junior engineers/designers and, where applicable, lead small project teams (task planning, scheduling, design reviews, configuration management/PDM discipline).
• Participate co‑operatively in the company’s Performance Appraisal Process and Merit Rating System.
• Actively participate in company, staff, and one‑on‑one meetings to strengthen teamwork, communication, and cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Contribute to company profitability by initiating, recommending, and implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) strategies.
• Fully abide by and actively support the company’s Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies, practices, and procedures.
• Conduct any general duties, specific projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the Automation Engineering Manager in a timely, professional manner

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent combination of technical education and work experience); 
• Professional Engineering Certificate preferred
• Minimum 5+ years of proven mechanical design experience on projects involving welding automation and/or industrial automation equipment.
• Direct experience with Column & Booms, Gantries, Side Beam welders, and/or Custom welding cells is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise designing heavy welded structures/weldments (bases, frames, positioners, lifting fixtures), validated via calculations and FEA.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (weldments, large assemblies, configurations, drawings, PDM); SolidWorks Simulation (linear static, contact, buckling; fatigue exposure is an asset).
• Proficient with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and creating fabrication‑ready drawings with weld symbols, datums, and inspection plans.
• Strong knowledge of machining practices and weld processes (e.g., GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, SAW) including distortion control and joint design.
• Solid foundation in engineering calculations (loads, welded/bolted joints, section sizing, stiffness/deflection, lifting points, shafts/bearings as applicable).

Position Qualifications Continued

• Familiar with manufacturing processes (welding, cutting, machining, forming) and DFM/DFA; capable of conducting tolerance stack‑ups.
• Experience collaborating with fabricators, shop floors, and suppliers; reviewing vendor drawings and managing long‑lead items.
  
• Familiar with machinery and automation safety standards (e.g., CSA Z432, CSA Z434, ISO 12100, ISO 10218) and risk assessment methodologies (e.g., DFMEA).
• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives (Lean/Kaizen, PDCA/DMAIC, DFM/DFA, standardization, mistake‑proofing).
• Proven experience leading projects or major design workstreams in an automation environment; ability to manage scope/schedule and drive cross‑functional delivery (PMP is an asset, not required).
• Proven ability to deliver assignments under tight timelines with minimal supervision; strong ownership, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Leadership/mentorship experience, including guiding junior engineers/designers and leading small design teams.
• Detail‑oriented self‑starter and team player with excellent oral and written communication and effective multi-tasking skills/problem-solving skills.