Mechanical Designer
Design
Kanata, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Posted on Aug 29, 2026
BackgroundAstenJohnson is a world-leading supplier of paper machine clothing, specialty fabrics, and filaments for the worldwide paper industry with a 200-year history as a family-owned business. AstenJohnson also has a growing nonwovens division called AJ Nonwovens, which has been developing and producing premium quality needlepunch textiles since 1952. AstenJohnson’s Central Engineering is located in Kanata and supports all AstenJohnson and AJ Nonwovens sites worldwide, providing a variety of unique projects and design opportunities. Central Engineering is involved in mechanical and electrical machine design, research and development, maintenance, fabrication, machine erection, and commissioning. General Scope of ResponsibilitiesWork as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team to support the planning, design, fabrication, procurement, assembly, installation, and commissioning of custom equipment. Responsibilities include mechanical design, drawing preparation, project planning, equipment procurement, safety reviews, and assistance with equipment installation, commissioning, and training at AstenJohnson facilities worldwide. Specific Responsibilities Collaborate with mechanical and electrical team members, vendors, manufacturers, and site stakeholders to develop practical, safe, and robust mechanical solutions for new and existing manufacturing and testing equipment.Review existing equipment and site conditions, take field measurements, document equipment interfaces, and prepare layouts or as-built information as required.Assist in developing project cost estimates and schedules.Design custom mechanical components for use in specialized equipment.Create detailed 3D CAD models, equipment layouts, assemblies, and bills of materials.Select appropriate materials and commercial mechanical components based on application requirements, performance, environment, manufacturability, availability, and cost.Perform and document mechanical calculations and analyses to verify equipment designs, including free-body diagrams, statics, dynamics, and component sizing.Coordinate electromechanical interfaces and component integration with the electrical team to support assembly and commissioning.Apply relevant engineering standards, internal design practices, and machine safety requirements to equipment designs.Participate in design reviews and equipment risk assessments to incorporate safety, reliability, maintainability, ergonomics, manufacturability, and cost into equipment designs.Prepare complete engineering drawing packages for fabrication and assembly, including appropriate dimensions and tolerances, assembly instructions, and welding requirements.Maintain accurate models, drawings, BOMs, revision records, and as-built documentation throughout the project lifecycle.Obtain vendor quotations and coordinate procurement and fabrication of purchased and custom components.Provide technical support during fabrication and assembly to resolve drawing, manufacturability, assembly, and design issues as required.Support equipment assembly, installation, and commissioning through hands-on assistance, troubleshooting, and design modifications.Participate in equipment testing and validation to confirm that designs meet functional, safety, quality, and performance requirements.Monitor equipment performance following installation and work with manufacturing and maintenance personnel to analyze data and identify and implement improvements.Participate in task forces to investigate and resolve challenging technical problems.Develop technical knowledge through collaboration with experienced team members, review of applicable engineering standards and technical literature, and participation in relevant training.Travel to AstenJohnson PMC and AJ Nonwovens facilities, approximately 10–30% of the time. Reporting RelationshipsReports to: Mechanical Team LeaderCoordinates with: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team Supervisory Responsibilities On-site supervision: Assembly and installation activities Coordinates with: Plant engineers and site team leader Education/Experience B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering1-3 years of experience in machine design and manufacturingCo-op, internship, design team, machining, or similar hands-on project experience is an asset Skills 3D CAD modelling and drawing preparation using Autodesk Inventor or equivalentWorking knowledge of engineering dimensioning and tolerancing practices, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), limits, and fitsBasic knowledge of power transmission, mechanical component selection, BOM preparation, and industrial machinery safetyStrong understanding of statics and dynamics and capability to prepare and solve static FBDsAttention to detail with excellent analytical and problem-solving skillsStrong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple project tasks and prioritiesAbility to communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, customers, trades personnel, and senior managementResults-focused team player with the ability to work well independentlyUnderstanding of metal manufacturing processes, design for manufacturability, and weldingBasic knowledge of AutoCAD 2D is an assetKnowledge of electronics and control systems is an assetDriver’s licence requiredEligibility for international travel requiredEligibility to pursue P.Eng. licensure in Ontario is an asset Working Conditions The position is primarily office-based, but occasional work from home may be accommodated. Career Opportunities P.Eng. mentorshipPromotional opportunities within AstenJohnson may be available in Canada and internationally