Industrial Engineer jobs in Waterloo, ON

Position Overview

Prime Automation is seeking an experienced Applications Engineer – Mechanical Systems to support our sales and engineering teams by developing robust, practical automation concepts focused on custom machine design and mechanical systems.

This role is critical in translating customer requirements into mechanically sound, buildable solutions that align with real-world manufacturing constraints. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in custom machine building, mechanical design, and system integration, and can confidently bridge the gap between concept development, shop build, and field deployment.

The Applications Engineer works closely with Sales, Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, Controls, and Manufacturing teams to define scope, develop layouts, estimate costs, identify risks, and ensure proposed solutions are both technically sound and executable.

Key Responsibilities

Applications & Sales Support

• Participate in customer RFQ reviews and technical discussions, both on-site and internally
• Analyze customer requirements and develop practical mechanical concepts for custom automation equipment and systems
• Develop concept-level mechanical designs and supporting models to communicate proposed solutions
• Define mechanical architectures, including machine structures, material handling approaches, tooling, guarding, and system interfaces
• Create preliminary CAD models, assemblies, and detail concepts to support proposal development and costing
• Develop technical scopes, assumptions, and solution strategies with strong emphasis on mechanical feasibility and buildability
• Support labor, material, machining/fabrication, and purchased component cost estimating
• Prepare draft quotations and proposals with clearly defined mechanical scope
• Provide technical input for customer presentations, demonstrations, and proposal reviews
• Identify mechanical and integration risks early in the proposal phase and recommend mitigation strategies

Technical Coordination

• Act as a liaison between mechanical design, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams and contractors to ensure alignment on proposed solutions
• Collaborate closely with internal shop personnel to ensure concepts reflect real-world fabrication, assembly, and installation practices
• Support the transition from concept to execution by providing initial design intent, design direction, and mechanical input to engineering teams
• Work with suppliers and vendors to source mechanical components, fabricated assemblies, and tooling solutions
• Participate in concept validation, feasibility studies, and basic engineering calculations (e.g., loads, speeds, cycle times)
• Assist with development of prototype concepts, mechanical mockups, or proof-of-concept designs where required
• Support technical clarification during engineering, procurement, and early project execution phases
• Assist with resolving technical risks and proposal challenges as they arise

Standards, Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Promote safe, ergonomic, and maintainable machine designs
• Ensure concepts align with applicable machine safety standards and best practices (e.g., guarding, access, serviceability)
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating tools, mechanical standards, and concept development processes
• Maintain accurate documentation of mechanical assumptions, risks, and design decisions
• Uphold Prime Automation’s values, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• 5+ years of experience in custom machine building, mechanical design, or applications engineering within industrial automation
• Strong background in designing and building custom automation equipment (fixtures, stations, assembly systems, conveyors, material handling, etc.)
• Proficiency with SolidWorks
• Practical understanding of:
• Mechanical design for manufacturing and assembly
• Pneumatics, motion systems, and basic machine dynamics
• Material selection and fabrication processes (machining, welding, assembly)
• Experience working closely with shop floor teams, fabrication, and assembly processes
• Exposure to industrial automation systems including:
• PLC-controlled equipment
• Integration with electrical and controls systems
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to manage multiple proposals with shifting priorities and tight timelines
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly collaborative
• Project management experience is considered an asset

Why Join Prime Automation?

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive health benefits
• RRSP program with company match
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Collaborative, hands-on, and technically driven work environment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• RRSP match

Experience:

• applications engineering - mechanical systems: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person