Lead Designer – Utilities and Central Energy

KFI Engineers PC•Saint Paul, MN

8d•$118,500 - $148,500

About The Position

KFI Engineers is hiring a Lead Designer (Mechanical) for its Utilities & Central Energy department. The role leads the development and coordination of mechanical design deliverables for complex utility and central energy projects, producing accurate, high-quality construction documents using AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and Revit. The Lead Designer independently plans, develops, and completes design documents, coordinates work across disciplines, provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers, supports project management, and helps resolve complex design challenges. The position includes leadership and supervision of design staff, project and resource planning, client and stakeholder coordination, and responsibility for projects from inception to completion. The Lead Designer prepares industrial project drawings such as general arrangements, P&IDs, 3D models, piping drawings, and isometrics; supports design and drawing standards; and conducts site visits, field measurements, construction observations, and punch-list reviews as assigned. The UCE group works on large central plants and district energy projects serving cities, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing campuses, covering energy production and distribution, including sustainable energy production, simple and combined cycle, combined heat and power, and medium-voltage power. The position may involve up to 10% domestic travel. Some work locations include construction-site terrain or may require lifting or moving field-testing equipment. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

AAS degree in design/drafting or equivalent work experience.
At least 10 years of design experience.
Expertise in 3D design, mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and P&IDs.
Experience reviewing mechanical equipment drawings.
Demonstrated excellence in sophisticated layouts, measuring, and technical knowledge of systems and codes.
Ability to complete contract plans for small to large mechanical projects.
Ability to independently perform design tasks that do not require engineering professional judgment.
Strong project management skills and ability to work independently on complex projects.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people-management experience, including guiding and developing junior team members.
Ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, synthesize ideas into actionable recommendations, and positively influence outcomes.
Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Expert knowledge of computer technology and its application in business.
May include up to 10% domestic travel.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with AutoCAD Plant 3D and/or Revit.
10 or more years of industrial plant design experience.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and develop design staff, including goal setting, performance reviews, coaching, and on-the-job training.
Support staffing and recruiting efforts to meet current and future project needs.
Plan design-staff resources, assign project work, and coordinate with UCE Project Managers to balance project priorities.
Lead projects from inception to completion and support project management efforts.
Estimate project hours and scope of work, and contribute to budget and schedule creation.
Schedule and lead design meetings and drawing reviews, and represent KFI at project meetings.
Coordinate with stakeholders, provide technical support and work direction, and manage client relationships.
Design complete systems for assigned projects and manage preparation of drawing documents.
Create industrial project drawings, including general arrangements, P&IDs, 3D models, piping drawings, and isometrics.
Support and drive drawing, Plant3D, and AutoCAD standards within the group.
Support cross-departmental resource sharing, standards alignment, and other initiatives.
Maintain a proactive approach to work and continuously improve processes and technical skills.
Conduct site visits, gather field data and measurements, and perform construction observations and punch-list reviews as assigned.
Take ownership of tasks and complete them, seeking assistance when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Virtual health services.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and 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, including Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws.
Paid Volunteer Time Off.
Company-paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement.
Bereavement leave.
Voluntary life, accident, and critical illness coverage.
Annual bonus eligibility.