Design Engineer

APEX Industrial; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401k with company match

Paid time off

Supportive team environment

Job summary

APEX Industrial in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Design Engineer to translate design intent into precise shop drawings and 3D models for fabrication and field erection. The role emphasizes detail orientation, collaboration with engineers and fabrication teams, and adherence to quality standards.

The ideal candidate has a background in drafting/engineering tech and 2+ years in structural steel detailing, with proficiency in Tekla, SDS/2, or AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years of structural steel detailing experience preferred (entry-level candidates with relevant education or training are encouraged to apply)
• Proficiency in detailing software (Tekla Structures, SDS/2, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and erection processes is a plus
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication and ability to collaborate across teams

Responsibilities

• Create detailed steel fabrication drawings, erection drawings, and 3D models for structural steel projects
• Interpret architectural and structural contract drawings, specifications, and design documents
• Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to ensure accuracy and constructability
• Prepare bills of material and ensure proper material callouts
• Coordinate connections, member sizes, and layouts to align with project requirements and fabrication capabilities
• Review and incorporate revisions from engineers and customers
• Generate and manage RFIs to clarify design intent or resolve discrepancies
• Ensure drawings meet industry standards and company quality expectations
• Maintain organized project documentation and revision tracking

Skills

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in drafting/engineering tech

Tools

Tekla Structures

SDS/2

AutoCAD

Job description

APEX Industrial is a fast-growing structural steel solutions company. Since our founding in 2019, we have earned a name for ourselves as an industry leader in precision-engineered steel structures for grain handling, processing, and industrial facilities across North America. We achieve this through innovative product designs, working directly with our customers to deliver high-quality custom solutions built to withstand the test of time.

Our roadmap for success includes providing exceptional customer service and incorporating an innovative culture to provide the best solutions available. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Design Engineer to join our detailing team and support the execution of structural steel projects from concept through fabrication.

Position Summary:

The Design Engineer is responsible for producing accurate shop drawings and 3D models that translate design intent into clear, buildable instructions for fabrication and field erection. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically skilled, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create detailed steel fabrication drawings, erection drawings, and 3D models for structural steel projects
• Interpret architectural and structural contract drawings, specifications, and design documents
• Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to ensure accuracy and constructability
• Prepare bills of material and ensure proper material callouts
• Coordinate connections, member sizes, and layouts to align with project requirements and fabrication capabilities
• Review and incorporate revisions from engineers and customers
• Generate and manage RFIs to clarify design intent or resolve discrepancies
• Ensure drawings meet industry standards and company quality expectations
• Maintain organized project documentation and revision tracking

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years of structural steel detailing experience preferred (entry-level candidates with relevant education or training are encouraged to apply!)
• Proficiency in detailing software (e.g., Tekla Structures, SDS/2, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and erection processes is a plus
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication and ability to collaborate across teams

Why APEX?

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment

Job Type: Full Time

Work Location: In Office

APEX Industrial Co. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.