POSITION SPECIFICATION
Position: Mechanical Designer I
Department: Industrial, Process & Agribusiness (IPA)
Reporting Relationship: Lead Designer, IPA
COMPANY BACKGROUND
KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.
Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.
POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Mechanical Designer I plays a key role in the successful execution of projects, focusing primarily on the production of AutoCAD Plant 3D and Revit drawings and laying a strong foundation for understanding mechanical design fundamentals. As an entry-level position, the Mechanical Designer – Level I is responsible for producing quality construction documents and coordinating design work with other engineering disciplines. This role will involve working on various aspects of mechanical design, including HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems, while developing essential skills in CAD software and project execution. The successful candidate is expected to work within a team environment, collaborating effectively with other project team members to achieve project objectives.
Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Layout and design mechanical systems for assigned projects, including HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems.
- Prepare General Arrangement Drawings, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and construction documents.
- Create 3D models and piping isometric drawings.
- Perform redlines using AutoCAD and Revit independently.
- Create schematic-level mechanical room equipment layouts (with guidance).
- Maintain consistent work quality across all projects.
- Perform accurate design calculations and measurements.
- Coordinate project design with other engineering disciplines.
- Collaborate with others as a CAD and design resource and provide training and support to team members when assigned.
- Participate in Smart 3D Design projects under supervision.
- Size and select components for mechanical systems.
- Conduct basic duct and pipe sizing for air and water systems.
- Identify various valve types for mechanical systems.
- Conduct construction observations.
- Assist with field surveys under supervision.
- Support project execution by assisting with filing, printing, and other administrative tasks.
- Engage in on-the-job training to develop skills in QA self-checks, design standards, and project execution basics.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- An AAS Degree in Mechanical Design/Drafting or equivalent work experience.
- 0-4 years of work experience in mechanical design or related field.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
- Internship and/or working experience in one or more of the following:
- Agribusiness process plants
- Central boiler and/or chiller plants
- Facility manufacturing
- Food Manufacturing / Clean Systems
- Underground tunnel distribution systems
- Mechanical equipment / skid design.
- Experience in AutoCAD and/or Revit.
- Capable of operating with minimal supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
- Customer service orientation to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction (internal and external) for services provided.
- Represent the company in a professional matter.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
- Travel: May include up to 10% domestic travel.
Preferred
- Field experience is desirable.
- Experience in a consulting and/or construction capacity.
- Experience with 3D modeling software, particularly AutoCAD Plant 3D.
- Basic understanding of other disciplines such as Electrical and Structural Engineering.
Working Conditions
- Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.
CORE BEHAVIORS
Accountable
- Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
- Acts with a sense of urgency.
- Takes responsibility for own actions.
Business Focus
- Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
- Works well under pressure.
- Meets commitments to internal/external customers.
Project Execution
- Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
- Balances Speed and Quality.
- Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Demonstrates Respect for Others
- Keeps others adequately informed.
- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
- Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.
Team Player
- Balances team and individual responsibilities.
- Shares expertise with others.
- Inspires respect and trust.
Benefits:
At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full-Time employees have access to:
- Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
- Virtual health services
- Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) plan
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
- Paid Volunteer Time Off
- Company Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Bereavement Leave
- Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage
Compensation: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications, experience, work location, and education. This position is eligible for an annual bonus.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and Disabilities
Skills Required
- AAS degree in Mechanical Design/Drafting or equivalent work experience
- 0–4 years of experience in mechanical design or a related field
- Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States without current or future sponsorship
- Internship or work experience in agribusiness process plants, boiler or chiller plants, facility manufacturing, food manufacturing or clean systems, underground tunnel distribution systems, or mechanical equipment/skid design
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit
- Ability to operate with minimal supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Customer service orientation
- Professional representation of the company
- Field experience
- Experience in a consulting and/or construction capacity
- Experience with 3D modeling software, particularly AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Basic understanding of Electrical and Structural Engineering disciplines
What We Do
KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in process and facility infrastructure design and performance. We serve clients in the United States, Canada, and Central America and have capabilities not commonly found in traditional engineering firms. In diverse industries ranging from healthcare to education and from manufacturing to refining, managing projects end-to-end gives us a deep understanding of both the engineering and the business end of our work. From identifying obstacles early to designing systems that make sense for your business and actual staffing capabilities, we drive projects to a successful completion for you. Before LEED was part of the conversation, we were creating Minnesota’s first LEED-certified workplace and have continued to refine and test new technologies there ever since. Not just the “latest and greatest,” our clients enjoy fresh ideas that actually work, grounded in real-world experience. KFI is registered and has completed projects in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia. Our offices are located in Minnesota, Arizona, Ohio, Kentucky, North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with a team of more than 300 professionals. Additional information is available on our website: www.KFIengineers.com
