Product Data Systems Specialist

Aplin has partnered with a fast-growing premium manufacturing company to recruit a Product Data Systems Specialist (PDSS)—a foundational operations role responsible for establishing and maintaining the structure, standards, and integrity of all product data across Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, and Service.

This important role will focus on  Developing internal systems, strengthening documentation control, implementing an ERP system, and building the digital backbone that will support our next stage of growth

This is a rare opportunity to own an entire product-data ecosystem from the ground up and play a critical role in building the operational infrastructure of a rapidly expanding company.

The PDSS is responsible for designing, implementing, and governing the complete digital backbone of Operations. 

This includes CAD data structure, materials and BOM architecture, PDM configuration and administration, and integration with ERP workflows.
Although SolidWorks proficiency is required, this is not a design or technologist role.

It is a data governance and systems architecture role that connects and supports all operational departments.

The PDSS works closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, and Service, and reports directly to the COO.

• Collaborate with the COO to design system architecture, structure, and taxonomy.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to execute data transformation and migration. 
  • Rebuild existing CAD models to align with new structure (subassemblies, metadata).
  • Restructure materials and subassembly data to match naming conventions and taxonomy. 
• Support the Service team by converting service work packages into structured products and BOMs.
• Configure the SolidWorks PDM system.
• Configure the Odoo ERP system.
• Develop documentation on system architecture, processes, and standards.
• Take ownership of data standards, integrity, and governance across Operations.
• Manage critical data handoffs (e.g., SolidWorks ? ERP).
• Lead data cleanup, corrections, and ongoing data hygiene initiatives.
• Continue supporting Service with structured BOM creation.
• Support Production by managing updates to released designs/BOMs and creating “as-built” documentation.
• Provide technical support across Operations: 
  • Maintain documentation and deliver systems training.
  • Generate metrics and reporting to support operational decisions.
  • Troubleshoot product data, PDM, and ERP issues.
• Continuously improve systems and processes: 
  • Refine expectations, standards, and operating procedures.
  • Implement no-code/low-code automations to streamline workflows.

The Ideal Candidate: 

• SolidWorks proficiency
  • First 4–6 months involve substantial CAD work focused on restructuring existing models to meet data requirements.
  • Long-term CAD work is primarily related to data hygiene and QC—not design.
• Strong spreadsheet skills (Google Sheets)
  • Essential for data cleanup and import/export across systems.
  • Experience building operational tools or multi-step workflows is a strong indicator of systems thinking. 
• 2+ years of experience in PDM/ERP administration or a closely related data management role
  • Familiarity with metadata standards, naming conventions, and BOM structures is more important than design experience.
• Comfort working across multiple technical systems
  • Ability to understand and manage how each system interacts with others (CAD, PDM, ERP, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Enthusiasm for AI and automation
  • Excited about AI-driven operational improvements.
  • Not required to be an expert, but must actively use basic AI tools in workflows.
  • When faced with a 50-hour manual task, you naturally think: “How can I automate this?”
• Not a Fit: 
  • Designers, creative-first workers, or those wanting engineering roles
  • People who dislike repetition, documentation, data rules, or structured work

This is a high-impact position for someone who wants to build the digital infrastructure of a growing manufacturing environment. You will directly influence how product data flows through the company and ensure that every department operates from a single source of truth.
 
The fulltime opportunity offers career growth,  vacation, Healthcare spending account, a fun, collaborative environment  and  bonus based off company profitability.


At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment — we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.