Mechanical Product Development & Prototyping Designer (Part …, Kirkendall North

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 rapid 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 Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2oawv2