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Wall Panel Designer - Minimum 2 Years Experience - Job Opportunity at Trail Building Supplies Ltd.

Edmonton, Canada
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
Based on the mid-level experience requirements, specialized CAD skills, and Edmonton location, the salary range is likely CAD 55,000 to CAD 70,000 annually. The combination of technical expertise, customer interaction responsibilities, and team leadership aspects suggests positioning toward the higher end of this range, particularly given the company's selective hiring approach and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage through SunLife with life insurance and disability protection, providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your family
Short-term and long-term disability insurance ensuring income protection during unforeseen circumstances
Optional RRSP contribution matching to help build your retirement savings and long-term financial stability
Employee store discount providing cost savings on building supplies and materials
Complimentary on-site parking eliminating daily commuting costs and convenience
Vacation purchase program offering additional time off flexibility to maintain work-life balance
Flexible work environment promoting autonomy and job satisfaction
Casual dress code reducing wardrobe expenses and increasing comfort
Company events fostering team building and workplace culture
Employee assistance program providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges
Discounted or free food reducing daily meal expenses
Paid time off for personal time and vacation
Mileage reimbursement for required travel covering transportation costs
Bonus pay and overtime compensation for additional earnings potential

Key Responsibilities

Design and engineer structural wall panel frameworks that serve as the foundational support system for residential and commercial buildings, directly impacting building integrity and safety
Interpret and analyze architectural drawings and customer specifications to translate design concepts into manufacturable wall panel solutions
Create precise technical drawings using industry-standard CAD/CADD software, ensuring accuracy and compliance with engineering standards
Conduct thorough quality assurance reviews to maintain superior product standards and customer satisfaction
Analyze and ensure compliance with architectural plans and building codes, particularly Part 9 of the National Building Code Alberta Edition 2023
Apply advanced knowledge of design standards and procedures to optimize wall panel production efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Collaborate strategically with multidisciplinary design teams and production teams to streamline manufacturing processes and improve product quality
Lead problem-solving initiatives to resolve complex design challenges and optimize panel performance
Serve as primary customer liaison to address technical concerns and provide expert solutions that enhance customer relationships
Mentor and guide design team members through leadership by example and knowledge sharing
Drive innovation by proposing new design concepts and solutions that advance company capabilities

Requirements

Education

Bachelors degree or post secondary or technical training courses in Engineering, Architecture or Drafting. Certificate, Diploma or courses in drafting technology from a recognized technical institution

Experience

2+ years of CAD drafting experience, specific to wall panel or component drafting. 2+ years in residential building industry experience focusing in wood frame assembly. 1 year proven residential and commercial construction experience

Required Skills

2+ years of CAD drafting experience, specific to wall panel or component drafting Intermediate technology literacy in standard office software applications Knowledge of part 9 of the National Building Code Alberta Edition 2023 Knowledge of building codes, construction methods, design principles and building materials Strong organizational skills with an excellent ability to work well under pressure and mitigate unexpected situations calmly and effectively Superior problem-solving skills, approaching without hesitation Master communicator possessing clear and effective communication aptitude, both spoken and written The ability to motivate other Design team members, leading by setting a positive and professional example

Certifications

Class 5 drivers licence with clean drivers abstract
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The construction industry is experiencing significant growth in engineered wood products and prefabricated building systems, driven by sustainability concerns and the need for faster construction timelines. Wall panel design has become increasingly sophisticated with advanced CAD software integration and building information modeling (BIM) adoption becoming standard practice. There is a growing emphasis on energy-efficient building design and compliance with updated building codes, particularly in Canada where environmental regulations are becoming more stringent. This trend is driving demand for specialized wall panel designers who understand both structural requirements and energy performance standards. The residential construction sector in Alberta is experiencing steady growth, with increased demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between architectural design and manufacturing processes. The integration of technology in construction planning is creating new opportunities for designers with strong technical skills.

Role Significance

Based on the multidisciplinary team environment described, this role likely involves working within a design team of 5-8 professionals, with direct collaboration between design and production teams. The mentoring aspect suggests responsibility for guiding 2-3 junior designers or drafters.
This is a mid-level professional role with significant technical responsibility and customer interaction components. The position requires independent decision-making, quality assurance oversight, and mentoring capabilities, indicating a role that bridges individual contributor work with leadership responsibilities within the design team structure.

Key Projects

Residential housing development wall panel systems for multi-unit construction projects Custom commercial building wall panel designs requiring specialized engineering solutions Production optimization projects to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce material waste Building code compliance reviews and updates for existing product lines Customer-specific design modifications and technical problem-solving initiatives

Success Factors

Mastery of CAD software and technical drawing standards is absolutely critical, as precision in design directly impacts manufacturing efficiency and building structural integrity. The ability to translate architectural concepts into manufacturable products requires both technical skill and practical construction knowledge. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential for success, as the role involves direct client interaction and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Building trust with customers through expertise and reliability is crucial for long-term success. Deep understanding of building codes and construction methods provides the foundation for all design work. Staying current with code changes and industry best practices ensures compliance and positions the designer as a valuable technical resource. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are important for career advancement within the organization. The ability to guide team members and contribute to a positive work culture aligns with the company's emphasis on team collaboration and professional development.

Market Demand

Moderate to High - The specialized nature of wall panel design combined with Alberta's active construction market creates steady demand for qualified professionals. The specific requirement for building code knowledge and CAD expertise in wood frame construction represents a niche skill set that commands competitive compensation.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

CAD/CADD software proficiency is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation of all design work. Modern wall panel design requires precision and efficiency that can only be achieved through advanced software skills. Mastery of these tools directly impacts productivity, accuracy, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and customers. Building code knowledge, particularly Part 9 of the National Building Code Alberta Edition 2023, is crucial for ensuring all designs meet regulatory requirements. This knowledge protects both the company and customers from compliance issues and demonstrates professional credibility in client interactions. Wood frame construction experience provides the practical foundation necessary to create designs that are both structurally sound and manufacturable. Understanding how buildings are actually constructed informs better design decisions and helps avoid costly production issues.

Beneficial Skills

Project management skills would enhance the ability to coordinate complex designs and manage multiple customer requirements simultaneously, positioning for advancement to senior roles Building Information Modeling (BIM) software knowledge represents the future direction of construction design and would provide competitive advantages in winning larger commercial projects Understanding of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices aligns with industry trends toward green construction and could open opportunities in specialized market segments Sales and business development skills would complement the customer interaction aspects of the role and could lead to technical sales or business development opportunities

Unique Aspects

The company's selective hiring approach and emphasis on finding candidates whose goals align with organizational objectives suggests a culture-driven organization that prioritizes long-term employee fit over quick hiring decisions
The combination of design responsibilities with direct customer interaction is unusual in many manufacturing environments, offering broader professional development opportunities and customer relationship skills
The 'no red tape' culture mentioned suggests an environment where innovation and creative problem-solving are encouraged, potentially leading to faster implementation of new ideas and processes
The focus on both residential building industry experience and specific wall panel design expertise creates a niche specialization that could provide competitive advantages and career stability

Career Growth

Progression to senior designer level typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated technical excellence and leadership capabilities. Management roles may be achievable within 5-7 years, particularly given the company's growth trajectory and emphasis on internal development. Transition to sales or project management roles could happen more quickly (2-4 years) for individuals with strong customer relationship skills.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Wall Panel Designer with expanded project management responsibilities and larger client portfolio management Design Team Lead or Design Manager overseeing multiple designers and coordinating complex projects Technical Sales Engineer combining design expertise with customer relationship management and business development Project Engineer role expanding into broader construction project management and client liaison responsibilities Independent consulting in structural design or specialized building systems engineering

Company Overview

Trail Building Supplies Ltd.

Trail Building Supplies Ltd. is a well-established, locally-owned Alberta company that has been serving the construction industry since 1979. As a leading provider of engineered wood products and systems, the company has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the residential and commercial construction markets. Their focus on making home builders' lives easier positions them as a solutions-oriented partner rather than just a supplier.

The company appears to hold a strong regional market position as Alberta's leading provider of engineered wood products and systems. Their 45-year operating history and continued growth suggest financial stability and market credibility. The selective hiring approach and emphasis on company culture indicate a mature organization with established processes and strong market presence.
Trail Building Supplies has established itself as a dominant player in the Alberta construction supply market, with their Edmonton location serving as a strategic hub for the region. Their local ownership and long-term presence provide deep understanding of regional construction practices, building codes, and customer needs, creating competitive advantages over larger national competitors.
The company emphasizes a 'no red tape' culture that encourages creativity and innovation, suggesting an entrepreneurial environment despite their established market position. The focus on work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and employee development indicates a progressive approach to human resources management that values employee satisfaction and retention.
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