Senior Mechanical / Civil Designer

Kleinfelder•San Diego, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive. Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group spanning architectural, structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, process engineering, pipeline design, and integrity management works together to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions. Our Kleinfelder San Diego office is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Mechanical / Civil Designer to join our team. This role requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive drafting and design experience supporting mechanical layouts, piping, civil, structural, and industrial infrastructure projects. Experience delivering multidisciplinary design packages for municipal, industrial, water/wastewater, and transportation is highly preferred. The successful candidate will provide senior-level drafting and design services related to piping systems, process mechanical equipment, civil infrastructure, utility layouts, structural supports, and associated facility systems. Work will be performed in accordance with Kleinfelder and client-specific standards, with an emphasis on producing high-quality construction documents and coordinated multidisciplinary deliverables. Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in current versions of AutoCAD, Plant 3D, CadWorx, Civil 3D, Revit, and/or MicroStation, along with strong experience developing detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for mechanical, piping, and civil systems. Familiarity with local drafting standards, title block requirements, and transportation-related drafting procedures is considered a strong asset. As a key member of the project team, the Senior Designer will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and multidisciplinary staff to deliver accurate and coordinated design packages while meeting demanding project schedules. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical drafting expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The successful candidate will also mentor and support junior CADD staff, provide technical drafting guidance, and assist with maintaining drafting standards and best practices. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments while consistently delivering high-quality work on schedule. Local candidates are highly preferred however remote candidates may be considered.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressive drafting and design experience supporting mechanical layouts, piping, civil, structural, and industrial infrastructure projects.
Minimum 10 years of experience in 2D design and 3D modeling with ACAD, Revit, MicroStation, CadWorx, and Plant 3D.
Experience with hydraulics, pipe fittings, civil layouts and multi-discipline projects is required.
Technical Diploma in drafting design or equivalent is a must.
Strong communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.
Ability to handle very detailed work and demonstrate a high level of accuracy.
Have a “get it done” attitude and proactive.
Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines.
Must be able to work in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.
Computer knowledge is required including Microsoft® Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Sharepoint).

Nice To Haves

Experience delivering multidisciplinary design packages for municipal, industrial, water/wastewater, and transportation is highly preferred.
Familiarity with local drafting standards, title block requirements, and transportation-related drafting procedures is considered a strong asset.
Experience with 3D scanning is a plus.
A Bachelor's degree or Associates degree is highly preferred – an equivalent combination of experience and education would be considered.
Helpful and willing to provide mentorship as needed.

Responsibilities

Prepare electronic working plans and technical drawings that are in compliance with project standards and goals.
Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Establish and modify personal work processes according to industry guidelines and procedures.
Work closely with design discipline lead/engineers and design team members to ensure design documents are completed according to deadlines.
Work closely, provide guidance and assistance to team members and Lead as needed.
Provide input into design budget and hour estimates as required to support proposals and cost estimates.
Provide assistance in the development of work practices and procedures as required.
Perform conceptual layout work, develop design details, check drawings prior to release.
Knowledge of industry or regulatory standards, regulations and codes pertinent to the design and systems related to the project.
Must function independently with minimal supervision in a multi-discipline team setting.
Must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues.
Computer knowledge is required including Microsoft® Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Sharepoint).
Job is performed in an office environment; site travel may be required, depending on project.