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Design Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Intermediate Roadway Design Engineer

Waterloo, ON · On-site

CA$80K - CA$120K/yr

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

CAD/ GIS Technician

Guelph, ON · Hybrid

CA$65K - CA$85K/yr

As our new CAD/ GIS Technician , you will play an important role on a team whose work is essential ... Manage multiple tasks and deadlines. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Canada.

The role also supports quality control, document management, and design consistency throughout project phases. The ideal candidate has 3-7 years of CAD drafting experience in transportation or ...

Communicate regularly with project managers regarding design status, timelines, and any potential delays or risks, providing updates and mitigation plans as needed. * Present PCB designs in open team ...

Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our ... Reporting to the responsible Design or Construction Manager, this role will support work within the ...

Prepare for and give presentations about electronics design to both technical designers and managers. * Collaborate with other technical designers on new camera design ideas and implementation ...

The Design Specialist - Test is responsible for the design, performance, deployment, and ongoing ... Working effectively with cross-functional teams including engineering, project management, and ...

New Generation Design Wave (NGDW) is an innovative architectural design firm dedicated to reshaping ... management, ensuring every project is a seamless fusion of vision and reality, designed not just to ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Manager information

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Kitchener, ON?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Kitchener, ON are:

What cities near Kitchener, ON are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Kitchener, ON with the most Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.

CA$42.31 - CA$58.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world. 

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 1000 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission-critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation. Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget.  Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them.

Total Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay Rate: $42.31 - $58.17 per hour
  • Eligible for Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Stock Purchase Plan
  • 3 Weeks Vacation
  • Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
  • Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ's and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
  • Employee Development Programs
Major Duties

In this role, you will design, analyze, and oversee the creation and implementation of mechanical systems and components;  ensuring compliance with standards, collaborating with various stakeholders, and maintaining documentation and safety protocols.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Perform engineering calculations with respect to strength of materials, speeds, horsepower, temperature, pressure, force, etc. as related to machine and tool designs. 
  • Analyzes engineering drawings, and specifications to determine shape, dimensions, hardness etc. in the development of equipment, processes and products. 
  • Examines feasibility of using one or more machines to carry out sequential operations. 
  • Produces working drawings, detail drawings and bills of materials for equipment, sub-assemblies or product, using SolidWorks. 
  • Analyze designs and systems for compliance to applicable standards (i.e. OSHA, CE or customer specific) 
  • Review drawings for accuracy, material selection, proper machining techniques, finishes, hardness, etc.  
  • Provide design support related to construction of CSA B51 and CSA N285.0 pressure boundary components within the ATS Certificate of Authorization as required. 
  • Strictly follow CSA N285/NQA Quality requirements as defined within the manual and procedures 
  • Will liaise with customers and in-house technical and engineering staff. 
  • Will liaise with vendors for technical information and specifications. 
  • Communicates all requested design changes to their Mechanical Design Team Lead or respective manager.  
  • Adhere to all health and safety rules and procedures. 
  • Adhere to all ISO procedures pertaining to the job responsibilities. 
  • Responsible for communicating progress on tasks to supervising designer. 
  • Will periodically assist with the Group Leader's responsibilities during their absence. 
  • Will periodically supervise the mechanical design effort on a project level delegating tasks to a team of people. 
  • Organize documentation, including quotes, drawing registers, correspondence, requisitions, drawings, schedules, etc. on projects you are supervising. 
  • Responsible for communicating time estimates and resource requirements on design tasks to the Director, Mechanical Design and Project managers. 
  • Assist the Applications group on proposals and estimating mechanical design labour hours. 
  • Review electrical requirements with respect to input and output devises with electrical designers. 
  • Review machine operations and machine sequences with programmers. 
  • Assist the fabricators, machinists, toolmaker and electricians in the debug, integration resolving problems and completion of systems. 
  • Determines tools, fixtures and equipment to be used in fabrication and assembly of mechanical components and complete assemblies. 
  • Select appropriate purchase component for mechanical assemblies and create requisitions with appropriate delivery dates.  
  • Examines project instructions and drawings to determine test specifications, procedures, objectives, test equipment and problems involved in designing, changing or re-arranging materials. 
  • Will assist in developing design and department standards. 
  • May assist implementing or achieving corporate objectives. (i.e. new developments, policies, etc.) 
  • Periodically oversees Co-op students, Junior and Intermediate Designers on various projects. 
  • Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct. 
QUALIFICATIONS

Education

 

  • A post-secondary diploma or degree in mechanical design, mechanical engineering or equivalent.

 

Experience

 

  • A minimum of 10 years' Mechanical Design experience.
  • A working knowledge of common machine shop techniques. 
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of drafting principles. 
  • Must be proficient in SolidWorks. 
  • Must be capable of designing tooling from sketches or verbal concepts. 
  • Must be capable of working as part of a team. 
  • A thorough knowledge of the use of pneumatics and hydraulics. 
  • A thorough knowledge of the use of electrical devices (i.e. switches, load cells, LVDT's, etc.). 
  • Must be capable of giving and taking direction. 
  • Must demonstrate a strong ability to conceptualize and create solutions for complex design requirements. 
  • Must have strong written and oral communication abilities. 
  • Able to independently complete all specific responsibilities with minimal supervision. 
Health & Safety Requirements

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

  • Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements
  • Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
  • Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor
  • Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks
  • Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
  • Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable
  • Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct

Why should you join ATS Industrial Automation?

  • Be a part of an engaged, empowered and innovative global workforce
  • We offer a robust total rewards package- Competitive starting salaries, comprehensive health and dental benefits, overtime pay, employee bonus, RSP matching, Employee Share Purchase Program
  • We provide awesome work perks such as treat days, gourmet coffee and beverages, subsidized breakfast and lunches in our cafeteria, employee referral bonuses and lots more.
  • We are intentional about your professional growth and development through internal career opportunities and our educational reimbursement program.

The Compensation offered will be based on the local job market and may vary depending on factors such as the job-related knowledge, skills, experience of the selected candidate, as well as other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of these benefit plans will be provided when the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment.

This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to personal disability. We would ask those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.

The ATS applicant tracking system may utilize AI software with predefined, rulebased filters to organize and manage application materials. Rulebased filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment. 

 If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.Â