Careers

If you have an interest in machine design and want an opportunity to go beyond your computer screen and really get hands-on with building out and programming those very same designs, then we may have a role for you. If you want a position that offers you the chance to get elbow deep into mechanical design, industrial automation, programming, CNC fabrication, and robots, then please read on.

Prodesign Automation is growing and we’re looking for someone to join our engineering design team as a Machine Designer/Programmer.  The role is multi-disciplinary.  To qualify you must have demonstrated talent or potential to grow into all of the following roles:

• Mechanical designer
• CNC programmer, fabricator, and machine builder
• PLC, HMI, Robot programmer, and controls integrator

The Company:

ProDesign Automation is a Brampton based industrial automation company focused on the design and building of custom machines, automation lines, and industrial solutions for mid-sized companies.  Machines can range from something as simple as a work holding fixture, to a fully automated multi-station robotic assembly line.

 

 

The Role:

An overview of typical tasks required of the successful candidate are as follows:

CONTROLS/PROGRAMMING:

• Program PLCs and HMIs:
  • In primarily structured text and seldomly ladder logic, write efficient, commented, and reusable code for machine integrated PLCs, HMIs, and Safety PLCs.
  • Understand and adhere to existing company code standards and program templates to write clean code: ex/ You like to keep your global variables to a minimum. You are comfortable with Hungarian notation.  You code almost exclusively in function blocks.
• Program Robots:
  • Configure, install, program, integrate and test robot systems
• Integrate 3^rd Party Systems:
  • Quickly learn and integrate new third-party systems into machine designs
  • Examples include light curtains, code readers, RFID readers, labellers, VFDs, sensors, indicators, SCADA systems, actuators
• Develop Custom PC Applications:
  • Develop, code, integrate, and test your own custom PC based code for integration into machinery.
  • Python preferred; however, other languages may be required depending on application demands.
• Industrial Networking:
  • Design, setup, and configure industrial networks
  • Typical networking protocols used are Ethernet/IP, EtherCat, and Modbus.
• Field support work:
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose deployed machines (on-site or remote)
  • Implement design upgrades and retrofits as required.

 MECHANICAL:

• Machine Design:
  • From customer requirements and informed by your engineering analyses, develop safe, reliable, buildable, functional, and cost-effective mechanical equipment concepts and solutions.
  • From concepts and solutions, develop fully detailed 3D mechanical CAD models of machines.
  • Select function appropriate, properly sized, and cost-effective automation components for integration into machines (cylinders, motors, bearings, structures, material, etc.)
  • From 3D CAD model, create detailed production drawing packages to ASME-Y14.5 standards
• Make Parts:
  • Operate CNC and conventional machine shop equipment to produce high-quality and within tolerance parts
  • Supervise and provide engineering support to shop staff during parts fabrication and machine assembly phase
  • Interface and manage sub contractors and vendors
• Assemble Machines:
  • Based on production assembly drawings, assemble machinery using conventional shop tools.
• Test and Install Machines:
  • Perform subsystem and system level mechanical testing
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical machine snags
  • Install and commission machines at client’s site

 
OTHER RESPONSIBILITES:

• Project Management:
  • Address customer inquiries and requests
  • Organize, attend, and lead design reviews
  • Plan and manage resources, vendors and schedule to ensure on-time milestones and deliveries
• Sales:
  • Meet with potential clients to gather requirements for new potential projects
  • Estimate costs, time, and resources for new projects
  • Develop quotes for new projects
• Supervise Shop:
  • Ensure equipment is kept clean and well-maintained
  • Ensure consumables are kept stocked and source those that are low
  • Assist in the purchasing of new equipment or disposal of equipment no longer needed.
• Business development and Continuous Improvement:
  • Bring in new clients
  • Research and propose to upper management new avenues of business to explore
  • Improve existing and/or develop new operation procedures

Qualifications:

You MUST have…

• a university degree in a relevant area of engineering (engineering science, mechanical, computer, electrical, aerospace)
• a minimum of 2 years of experience working in an automation or engineering related field
• a strong understanding of 1^st year University engineering math and physics concepts and how to apply them to real world applications (classical mechanics, materials, linear algebra, basic circuit analysis, etc.)
• the ability to quickly read manuals, conduct independent research, and in general figure things out on your own.

You SHOULD have (or can demonstrate the potential to develop quickly) …

PROGRAMMING AND CONTROLS INTEGRATION:

• experience developing PLC code in structured text and occasionally ladder logic using Omron’s Sysmac environment. Experience on other modern mainstream platforms is acceptable.
• experience developing custom code and scripts beyond classroom exercises either through work or side projects (Python, C, C++, Arduino, Pi).
• experience programming HMIs (preferably Omron NAs and NBs)
• experience configuring and programming robots (Fanuc, Motoman, Kuka)
• knowledge of common third-party automation components and standard methods of integration.
• ability to use standard graphic design tools (photoshop, illustrator, inDesign)
• a basic understanding of industrial networks with respect to design, setup, and installation with particular emphasis on Ethernet/IP, and EtherCat.

MECHANICAL DESIGN:

• expert level of proficiency using 3D mechanical design (Solidworks preferred)
• ability to apply engineering concepts and calculations to inform design activities
• ability to take customer requirements and develop a fully detailed CAD design.
• experience creating fully detailed production ready drawing packages
• knowledge of common vendors and components actively used in automation machine building.
• familiarity of Ontario machine safety building codes in particular CSA Code Z432-16.

HANDS ON FABRICATION/ASSEMBLY:

• previous experience building and fabricating things either through work or hobbies
• experience using basic shop hand tools
• some experience with conventional machine shop equipment and have respect for the associated dangers (milling machines, lathes, table saws, drill presses, band saws)
• working knowledge of CAM programming, setups, and operating CNC lathes and vertical machining centers
• experience using basic metrology equipment (calipers, gauges, micrometers)
• an understanding of different materials used in automation, their properties, and common applicable finishes and treatments.

ELECTRICAL:

• Familiarity with common electrical design standards and components used in industrial machines
• basic understanding of electrical fundamentals

What it’s like working at ProDesign

The work environment is a mix of casual office, shop, and on-site at the client’s facility.  Some days you may spend the entire day running the CNC machines, fabricating parts and assembling subassemblies.  Some days you will be in the office at your desk working on your design in Solidworks, developing code in Sysmac, or running robot simulations.  Some days you will be on-site in a noisy customer facility with your laptop plugged into the machine troubleshooting the machine’s programming.  Week to week mix can vary considerably and is dependent on current demands.  Being flexible is key.

You will be joining a relatively small design team.  Team members are all approachable, kind, and willing to teach.  Domineering and abrasive personalities are absent from the team and we prefer to keep it like that.  We go out of our way to help each other and back each other up.  Work hours are flexible and dress is casual (A company issued ProDesign t-shirt keeps your wardrobe decisions simple).  For the most part, you will work independently, so you must be a self-guided and motivated individual capable of identifying what needs to be done and executing autonomously, but also aware of when to ask for support.

Unique to ProDesign is the broad scope that our design team members operate within.  Each design member has his/her own specialty; however, each member is also required to maintain cross-discipline skills.  Our electrical designer builds panels, but can also design and build pneumatic systems.  Our mechanical specialists design in Solidworks CAD, but are also responsible for programming the PLCs of the very same machines.  As a team member, you will be expected to cross train after establishing your specialty and be expected to back up your team mates as needed.

Although your role is primarily within an engineering capacity, you will also be required to work closely with shop staff to build and assemble the machines you design.  This means doing your own fabrication and assembly if required.  The successful candidate should feel comfortable with operating and using standard machine shop tools at a minimum.  We will train to fill in any gaps you may have, but a basic level of competence with tools is required at the outset of your tenure.

Our design team members are expected to own not only the design, but the build, and delivery.  This means that on occasion, you will be required to undertake some of the unglamorous (but necessary) tasks of building a machine.  This can mean anything from interfacing with the customer directly, doing sales, ordering parts, preparing machines for shipment, logistics, cleaning/fixing shop equipment, picking up/dropping off parts, or scheduling facility maintenance.

 

 

Example Backstory of Someone who SHOULD apply

• Example Candidate 1:

You have worked for a few years as a software developer, but while you can make cool things on the screen, you’ve always had an itch to make real physical things move.  You are looking for a role that will bridge your software coding experience with the real world.  You don’t have much experience in mechanical and hands-on work, but there is that interest you developed through your automotive repair and woodworking hobbies.

 

• Example Candidate 2:

You’re working at as a mechanical designer at a competitor automation house.  You are an expert at CAD and know how to make a full design from customer requirements to detailed drawing package.  You’re getting tired of being siloed into only mechanical design work and feel a strong desire to learn the other aspects of machine building that you never had the chance to get into (like fabrication, controls, and programming).  You’ve dabbled with Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, coding in Python and you’d like a chance to develop these types of skills in a real work environment.

 

 

Example of who SHOULD NOT apply

• You have designs on moving up a corporate ladder
• You are motivated by titles
• You are not comfortable with labour intensive hands-on work. You are almost guaranteed to get some type of machine grease or coolant on your hands daily in this job.
• You are fresh out of college/university with no work experience
• You have never designed/built anything yourself
• You are not okay with travelling and working at client sites

Other Details:

• Number of positions available: 1
• Compensation: paid hourly, starting at an effective annual rate of $75K. After probationary period, compensation to be reviewed and reassessed for potential adjustment up to $85K.
• Hours: 40 hrs/week with flexible work schedules. Overtime may be required during busy periods.
• On-site presence required with remote work where possible.
• Frequent domestic local travel required to client sites (Within GTA and surrounding area). International travel required infrequently.
• G-drivers license required with access to own vehicle

How to apply:

• Submit your resume and an illustrated/annotated portfolio of projects that you have done in the past to office@prodesignautomation.com. Your portfolio can include any relevant work projects, hobbies, personal coding projects, or side-hustles.  Do not include projects associated with undergraduate coursework.   Those submissions without a portfolio are less likely to receive a call back.
• Any claims made on your resume will be considered free game to be tested during future stages of the interview process with practical observed challenge exercises
• Do not call or drop-in to follow up on applications.
• We read all submissions. We regret that we do not have the resources to respond to everyone.  Only those selected to move on to the next stage will be contacted.