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 direct-to-consumer products. This is a mid-level role where your mechanical engineering expertise directly influences hardware experiences enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

Working at the intersection of mechanical design, optical integration, and manufacturing, you’ll take products from early prototype all the way through to high-volume production. The work spans supplier relationships, technical drawings, and hands-on design configurations — all within a team that’s pushing the boundaries of what consumer hardware can do.

About the Role: Product Design Developer, Hardware

In this position, you’ll be responsible for designing both internal and external components, integrating optical modules and sensors into tightly toleranced form factor enclosures. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle — from NPI (New Product Introduction) through to mass production — collaborating with suppliers and Joint Development Manufacturer (JDM) partners to bring complex hardware to life.

Cross-functional collaboration is central to this role. You’ll need to communicate mechanical and design requirements clearly to partners, stakeholders, and manufacturing teams. Whether it’s establishing component evaluation plans, running Design of Experiments (DOE), or overseeing supplier relationships for subsystems and final devices, your contributions will directly impact the quality and reliability of Google hardware products.

Benefits and Salary

This role offers a base salary range of $166,000 – $171,000 CAD, plus a 15% bonus target, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. Google is well known for its employee benefits programme, which covers health, wellness, and more. Visit Google’s benefits page for full details on what’s included.

Responsibilities

This role covers the full arc of hardware product development — from concept design through to production-ready components. You’ll be involved in both the technical detail work and the broader coordination with manufacturing partners, making precision and communication equally important day to day.

• Design internal and external components and modules, integrating optical modules and sensors into form factor enclosures with tight tolerances, from prototype through 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 verification for functional performance and reliability
• Run Design of Experiments (DOE) to isolate critical parameters and support analysis for product development
• Oversee suppliers and partners responsible for final device or product, subsystems, and individual part design from concept through to production

Requirements / Skills

Google is looking for a mechanically-minded engineer who combines hands-on product design experience with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external manufacturing partners. Strong communicators who can translate technical requirements into clear directives for suppliers and stakeholders will thrive here.

• 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 tool such as NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent
• Experience validating designs for the intended user, running trials, and implementing feedback to improve product performance (preferred)
• Background in wearable devices, consumer electronics, or medical devices is considered an asset (preferred)
• Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and designing for product robustness (preferred)

How to Apply

To apply for this position, use the official Google Careers link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your relevant mechanical design and manufacturing experience before submitting.

Share This Opportunity

Know someone who might be interested? Share this job posting and help them join Google in Waterloo.