The posting
As our Current Product Design Specialist, you’ll help keep established products performing as intended while finding new ways to improve and expand them.
You’ll work with Manufacturing and technical teams to solve product and production issues, improve manufacturability, reduce costs, and enhance product performance. You’ll also develop new variants within existing product lines and help move changes through design, validation, and production launch. Using warranty and field performance data, you’ll identify recurring concerns, investigate root causes, and help drive corrective actions.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys getting close to the product, solving problems, and finding practical ways to make things better.
WHY THIS ROLE, WHY NOW
At Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG), we design, engineer, and manufacture technology that solves real-world transportation challenges, and we're growing fast.
Over the past five years, that growth has enabled significant investment in our people, our capabilities, and our automotive systems business. These investments include a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which we will move into in May 2027, along with enhanced R&D equipment, tooling, technology, and infrastructure that strengthen our engineering capabilities and accelerate product innovation.
We're building more here – more capability, more technology, and more opportunity. And we're looking for people who want to work in a collaborative and fun environment to fuel our next wave of innovation.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Expand current product offering by developing new variants of existing product.
- Troubleshoot current-product issues affecting production, assembly, or product performance, providing hands-on technical support to Manufacturing.
- Investigate product issues and partner with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to identify root causes and practical solutions.
- Coordinate product and manufacturing deviations and product updates, ensuring technical requirements, approvals, and documentation are completed.
- Analyze field and warranty trends to identify recurring product concerns and opportunities for corrective action.
- Support testing and validation of product changes and coordinate updates to drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and related documentation.
- Track product issues through resolution, helping keep actions moving and the right teams connected.
- Identify opportunities to improve product reliability, manufacturability, quality, and overall performance.
- Research and implement cost saving design measures on current products.
WHAT YOU BRING
A hands-on approach to technical problem-solving and a natural curiosity for understanding how products work and why issues occur.
- Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to investigate problems, identify potential causes, and work with others to develop practical solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to keep technical issues, actions, and documentation organized through resolution.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.
- A diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience supporting current products, manufacturing, product development, or a similar technical environment.
- Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and bills of materials, with familiarity with deviations and engineering change processes.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes, with experience in root-cause analysis, product testing, or corrective action considered an asset.
WORKING AT SMG
Growth creates opportunity, and we’re investing in the workplace, technology, and talent that will shape our future. From modern tools and innovative technology to career development and comprehensive benefits, we empower our people to do their best work and thrive both inside and outside the workplace.
What you can expect:
- A modern workplace — a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment, employee-focused amenities, and continued investment in the latest equipment and technology
- Time and support for what matters — generous vacation, paid sick time, a company-paid holiday shutdown from Christmas to the start of the new year, comprehensive group benefits, and an employer-paid Health Care Spending Account.
- Investment in your future — a company-matched RRSP and opportunities for professional development to take on new challenges and grow alongside the business.
- Employee perks — access to company season tickets with the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers, frequent employee events, and other experiences and perks throughout the year.
PAY, BENEFITS AND TIME
- Competitive salary aligned with market rates, reviewed as you grow.
- A $500 Health Spending Account each year to support what you and your family need.
- An enhanced health benefits plan, with vision and dental coverage and generous annual maximums for paramedical services.
- A company retirement contribution match of 3% between a DPSP and RRSP account.
- Generous vacation time to recharge, reset, and make room for the things that matter.
- Flex time when you need a little extra room for appointments, school pickups, or when life throws you a curveball.
- Company-sponsored training and/or certifications to support your professional development.
- Access to confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support when life gets challenging.
READY TO BUILD WHAT'S NEXT?
Bring your talent, build your career, and make an impact. Visit smgrp.com to learn more about SMG. Apply today!
