Product Design Developer, Hardware – Google – Waterloo, ON

Google’s Platforms and Devices team in Waterloo, Ontario is looking for a skilled Product Design Developer, Hardware to help shape the next generation of consumer electronics. This is a mid-level role for an experienced mechanical engineer who thrives on translating ideas into real, market-ready products — from early prototypes all the way through to high-volume production.

In this position, you’ll be working at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and supplier management — integrating optical modules and sensors into tight-tolerance enclosures, collaborating with global partners, and ensuring every component meets Google’s exacting standards. If you’ve got a knack for solving complex mechanical challenges and communicating clearly across cross-functional teams, this role is worth a close look.

About the Role: Product Design Developer, Hardware

As a Product Design Developer on the Hardware team, you’ll be embedded in the full product lifecycle — designing internal and external components, reviewing technical drawings, and developing manufacturing configurations that keep production running smoothly. Your work will directly influence products used by millions of people worldwide, making precision and attention to detail absolutely essential.

Collaboration is central to this role. You’ll work closely with suppliers, Joint Development Manufacturer (JDM) partners, and internal stakeholders to drive products from concept through to mass production. Whether you’re establishing evaluation plans, running First Article Inspections (FAI), or overseeing subsystem design, you’ll be a key voice in ensuring that quality and performance standards are met at every stage.

Benefits and Salary

Google offers a competitive compensation package for this role. The salary range in Canada is $166,000 – $170,000 CAD, with a 15% bonus target, equity grants through Alphabet Inc., and a comprehensive benefits package. For full details on what Google offers its employees, visit the Google benefits page.

Responsibilities

This role spans the full arc of hardware product development — from early-stage design through to production oversight. You’ll be responsible for both the technical precision of individual components and the broader coordination required to bring a product to market at scale. Here’s what the day-to-day looks like:

• Design internal and external components and modules, integrating optical modules and sensors into form factor enclosures with tight tolerances, from prototype to production
• Create and review technical drawings and procurement documents for all components and assemblies
• Develop design configurations of custom components to optimise manufacturing, inventory, and order flow processes
• Establish component and module evaluation plans — including First Article Inspection (FAI) and Design of Experiments (DOE) — to isolate critical parameters and support reliability analysis
• Oversee supplier and partner relationships for final device design, subsystems, and individual part production from concept through to high-volume manufacturing

Requirements / Skills

Google is looking for a candidate with hands-on experience in consumer electronics hardware design and a strong foundation in manufacturing processes. The ideal applicant can manage supplier relationships, navigate tight design tolerances, and communicate complex mechanical requirements clearly to a range of stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent practical experience
• 5 years of experience in consumer electronic product design, manufacturing processes, tooling, and Design for Excellence (DFx) for mass production
• Supplier and JDM partner experience on mechanical or optical products from NPI through to high-volume production
• CAD proficiency in at least one mechanical design and simulation program (e.g., NX, SolidWorks)
• Experience validating designs for end users, running trials, and implementing feedback to improve product performance (preferred)
• Background in wearables, consumer electronics, or medical devices is considered an asset
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and designing for product robustness (preferred)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official Google Careers posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects relevant mechanical design and manufacturing experience before submitting.

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