Fidus is a global high-tech design firm headquartered in Ottawa, with additional design centres in Kitchener-Waterloo and San Jose. We specialize in leading-edge electronic product development, with hardware, embedded software, FPGA/ASIC, mechanical/thermal, and signal integrity teams working together to design and deliver next-generation products for clients in emerging technology markets.
Position Overview/Mandate
The Senior Mechanical Designer plays a key role in architecting and delivering the mechanical and thermal side of cutting-edge embedded systems for Fidus clients in aerospace and defence, space, medtech, communications, automotive, and industrial applications. This is a senior, client-facing role that combines hands-on mechanical architecture and design, project leadership, and oversight of external delivery partners.
This role is ideal for someone who has worked across multiple teams, can act as the technical point of contact for clients, and enjoys supporting presales scoping and estimation. You take pride in delivering production-ready designs, holding partners to a high standard of quality, and helping teammates grow.
Make an Impact with US
At Fidus, you'll work on high-speed, high-complexity electronic systems, often using emerging technologies before they reach the broader market. You'll collaborate across FPGA/DSP, hardware, embedded software, verification, SI/PI, PCB layout, and mechanical/thermal design as part of cross-functional teams delivering real products for our clients.
In practice, that means contributing to projects across Communications, Aerospace & Defence, Life Sciences and Medical Devices, Space and Satellite, Industrial Automation, Automotive, and Semiconductor engagements. You won't be limited to a single product or industry—your work will follow the technology, not just one roadmap.
What You'll Be Doing
Architect, design, and validate mechanical parts, mechanisms, electro-mechanical assemblies, and board/enclosure outlines through lab-based testing, producing production-ready drawings, tolerance analysis, and BOMs
Support presales by scoping new opportunities with clients and the estimating team, reviewing RFQs/RFPs, and developing effort estimates
Partner with electronic hardware and PCB layout designers to translate client requirements into conceptual and detailed mechanical designs
Coordinate between the project manager and external mechanical and thermal engineering teams to evaluate estimates, track schedules and deliverables, and set priorities to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
Provide quality oversight of mechanical designs and thermal/FEA analysis across internal and external design teams, escalating schedule, quality, or scope issues as needed
Act as the mechanical/thermal point of contact for client engagements, ensuring mechanical, electrical, and thermal design stay aligned throughout delivery
Liaise with EDA tool suppliers to ensure tools meet the mechanical/thermal design team's evolving needs
Identify and drive adoption of AI tools to improve mechanical/thermal design workflows and productivity
Support the resourcing team in staffing new projects with the right mechanical/thermal skill sets
Contribute to teammates' growth and development through hands-on training and mentoring
Who You Are
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 10+ years designing mechanical components and systems for electronic assemblies, including senior or lead-level experience
Proficiency in a major mechanical CAD platform (SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX, or Inventor)
Working knowledge of thermal and FEA principles (e.g., FloTherm, ANSYS Icepak, or similar), sufficient to direct and evaluate the work of others
Experience with rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC machining, sheet metal) to support early proof-of-concept and design validation
Experience with lab-based testing (thermal, vibration, mechanical) to verify and validate designs against…