Mechanical Product Development & Prototyping Designer(Co-op / Part-Time / Full-Time)About FYELABS
FYELABS is an engineering innovation company building advanced physical products, automation systems, robotics, medical devices, and integrated electromechanical systems for startups and industrial clients across North America.
Our work combines:
- mechanical systems
- rapid prototyping
- manufacturing
- robotics & automation
- fluidics
- embedded systems
- product development
We specialize in turning difficult physical ideas into real working systems through fast iteration, hands-on engineering, and manufacturing-aware design.
FYELABS is headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario and is a proud spin-off of McMaster University.
Portfolio Requirement (Important)
A portfolio is required for this role.
This does NOT need to be professional industry work — personal projects, capstones, robotics teams, startup projects, fabrication work, and experimental builds are all welcome.
We’d simply like to see how you think and build.
Your portfolio can be shared through:
- PDF
- GitHub
- personal website
- Notion page
- or similar format
Please include things like:
- project renderings/photos
- prototypes
- mechanisms
- design concepts
- testing/build notes
- manufacturing approaches
- iteration process
CAD files are not required.
Applications without a portfolio are unlikely to be considered.
Role Overview
We are looking for highly hands-on, mechanically strong engineers who enjoy building complex physical systems under real-world constraints.
This is NOT a traditional CAD-only mechanical design role.
The ideal candidate:
- thinks in systems and mechanisms
- understands manufacturing deeply
- is strong in kinematics and motion systems
- enjoys rapid prototyping and experimentation
- understands motors, actuators, fluidics, and automation
- can creatively solve manufacturing and prototyping challenges
For example:
- using hybrid silicone tooling + 3D printing instead of injection molding for low-volume prototypes
- rapidly building test rigs to validate concepts
- simplifying mechanisms while preserving functionality
- designing practical systems under tight budgets and timelines
Typical Projects
Projects may involve:
- laboratory automation systems
- robotic and mechatronic devices
- medical and rehabilitation systems
- fluidic and pneumatic systems
- motion platforms and gantries
- automated manufacturing systems
- test rigs and validation fixtures
Core Responsibilities
- Design mechanical and electromechanical systems using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools
- Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and mechanism design
- Develop manufacturable prototypes under aggressive timelines
- Build and test physical systems rapidly
- Work directly with manufacturers and fabrication vendors
- Integrate motors, actuators, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and fluidic systems
- Support robotic systems, automation platforms, and motion systems
- Troubleshoot and iterate based on real-world testing
Core Skills (Non-Negotiable)Mechanical Systems & Kinematics
Strong understanding of:
- mechanisms
- robotic motion
- kinematics
- tolerance stack-ups
- motion systems
- system integration
Manufacturing & Prototyping
Strong familiarity with:
- additive manufacturing
- injection molding
- thermoforming
- CNC machining
- silicone tooling/casting
- sheet metal fabrication
- DFMA
- prototype-to-production tradeoffs
You should understand not only how to design parts —
but how to realistically manufacture, prototype, and assemble them.
Motors, Fluidics & Mechatronics
Strong familiarity with:
- motors and actuators
- pneumatics and hydraulics
- fluidic systems
- limit switches
- encoders and IMUs
- automation systems
- electromechanical integration
Secondary / Supporting Skills (Preferred)
The following are considered strong secondary skills:
- Arduino / ESP32
- Raspberry Pi
- embedded C/C++
- Python
- basic electronics integration
- sensors and motor drivers
- automation firmware
- industrial design sensibility, including product aesthetics, form development, sleek packaging, and consumer-facing product presentation
Deep embedded or PCB specialization is NOT required.
Ideal Backgrounds
Strong candidates often come from:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
Experience with Formula SAE, Baja, robotics teams, automation projects, hardware startups, advanced capstones, or hands-on fabrication projects is highly valued.
What Makes Someone Successful Here
The strongest FYELABS engineers are:
- mechanically intuitive
- experimentally driven
- manufacturing-aware
- resourceful builders
- comfortable with ambiguity
- strong physical-system thinkers
This role is ideal for engineers who genuinely enjoy building difficult physical systems and turning concepts into working prototypes.
Application Requirements
Please submit:
- PDF resume
- Portfolio (required)
- GitHub / project website / portfolio PDF
- Photos/videos of projects if available
Location
Hamilton, Ontario (On-site only)
Employment Types
- Co-op / Internship
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fixed-Term Contract
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract, Casual, Internship / Co-op
Pay: $20.00-$30.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have a portfolio/GitHub/project documentation showcasing hands-on engineering projects?
Experience:
- CAD (SolidWorks/Fusion 360/Inventor): 3 years (required)
- mechanical design: 2 years (required)
- hands-on prototyping/fabricatio: 1 year (required)
- robotics, automation, or mechatronics: 1 year (required)
- Manufacturing: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
