Production Designer

Title: Production Designer - Grills/Hearth

Reports to: Assistant Manager Production Engineering

The Production Designer develops, improves, and supports Napoleon products by applying sound engineering and design principles to create accurate, manufacturable CAD models, components, and assemblies. The role ensures products meet performance, quality, safety, and cost requirements while supporting production readiness, resolving design‑related issues, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams. Additionally, the Production Designer leads and contributes to design‑driven VAVE initiatives to identify cost‑reduction opportunities and implement changes that enhance product value without compromising customer expectations.

• Develop new product designs and update existing ones using Solid Works.
• Create accurate 2D/3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings that meet manufacturability, safety, quality, and cost requirements.
• Lead and support design‑driven VAVE projects.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities, evaluate feasibility, develop design solutions, and coordinate implementation without compromising product performance or customer value.
• Build, measure, and evaluate prototypes and pre‑production samples.
• Support validation testing, analyze results, document findings, and recommend design changes based on performance and compliance requirements.
• Lead projects and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure alignment across cross‑functional teams.
• Facilitate meetings, track action items, and ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved.
• Work closely with Production Coordinators for proper documentation and tracking.
• Work with Purchasing, suppliers, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality to develop concepts, review manufacturability, confirm tooling readiness, and support PPAP/PQV activities.
• Align designs with sourcing and production needs.
• Manage design tasks, schedules, ECO‑related updates, VAVE project documentation, and CAD database accuracy.
• Ensure project timelines, deliverables, and change records are completed and communicated effectively.
• Problem‑solve with line associates, QA personnel and R&D associates.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and PD&T teams to troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Perform root‑cause analysis, resolve design‑related concerns, and support smooth production launches and engineering changes.

• College Diploma or University Degree in a related discipline (e.g., Engineering Technology, Product Design, Industrial Design) or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in product design, engineering, or manufacturing; experience leading design‑related VAVE or cost‑reduction projects is highly desirable.
• CSWA / CSWP, PMP / CAPM is considered an asset.
• Proficient in Solid Works, PLM software and CAD data management systems.
• Strong knowledge of materials, component selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with design for manufacturability, including stamping, forming, die casting, and injection molding.
• Skilled in manufacturing, assembly, and production support processes.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot design issues.
• Proven ability to lead design‑related VAVE projects: generating cost‑saving ideas, developing solutions, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and implementing improvements.

• Expert in project planning/execution methodologies.
• Proficient in risk management, cost control, scheduling, resource planning, and coordination across sites (domestic & international).
• Strong ability to work under strict timelines with attention to detail and ability to fast‑track projects.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams through product lifecycle phases (design → launch).
• Familiarity with ERP (MS Dynamics or other) and production readiness requirements (e.g., PPAP, 1st‑offs).

• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to align diverse functional teams.
• High accountability, decision‑making,…