Design Engineer (III)

AKG of America; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AKG of America is seeking a hands-on Design Engineer to support our steel fabrication design team. Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, you will lead 3-D modeling and cost-focused design decisions for fabricated steel components used in complex, high-value products.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing to optimize performance, manufacturability, and total cost.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• Experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling (Solid Edge preferred).
• Knowledge of welding, forming, tolerancing, and load paths.
• Experience with suppliers or fabrication shops.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3-D concept and detailed models with Solid Edge or SolidWorks.
• Serve as technical authority on steel fabrication methods (welding, forming, machining, assembly).
• Evaluate requirements and recommend optimized steel designs balancing performance and cost.
• Lead should-cost modeling tool development for fabricated steel components.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and suppliers to feed cost models.
• Identify cost-efficient design alternatives with other engineers.
• Ensure designs meet AKG standards and industry norms.
• Partner with Manufacturing to resolve design and production challenges.
• Provide guidance on steel fabrication best practices.
• Communicate with engineering, sourcing, and leadership for decisions.

Skills

3D CAD

Steel fabrication

Welding & forming

Cost modeling

Vendor collaboration

Cross-functional teamwork

Mentoring

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

Job description

Join a Legacy of Innovation

At AKG, we are a 100+ year-old, privately owned leader in the heat exchange industry, providing state-of-the-art cooling solutions for critical infrastructure. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking a dedicated, hands‑on Design Engineer to support our operations and contribute to our success. If you are a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of a dynamic team, we want you to join us!

Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, this position serves as the steel fabrication subject‑matter expert for the design department. The role provides technical leadership in the development, optimization, and cost modeling of fabricated steel components used in complex, high‑value products.

Description

Join a Legacy of Innovation

At AKG, we are a 100+ year-old, privately owned leader in the heat exchange industry, providing state-of-the-art cooling solutions for critical infrastructure. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking a dedicated, hands‑on Design Engineer to support our operations and contribute to our success. If you are a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of a dynamic team, we want you to join us!

Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, this position serves as the steel fabrication subject‑matter expert for the design department. The role provides technical leadership in the development, optimization, and cost modeling of fabricated steel components used in complex, high‑value products.

Essential Functions

• Develop 3-D concept and detailed models in consultation with Application Engineering using Solid Edge (preferred) or SolidWorks
• Serve as the design department’s technical authority on steel fabrication, including welding, forming, machining, and assembly methods
• Evaluate application requirements and recommend optimized fabricated steel design solutions balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost
• Lead the development and maintenance of an internal should‑cost modeling tool for fabricated steel components
• Work closely with Purchasing and the supply base to understand vendor capabilities, processes, and cost drivers, and incorporate these into cost models
• Collaborate with other Design Engineers to identify structurally sound and cost‑efficient design alternatives
• Ensure designs comply with AKG modeling standards and applicable industry standards
• Partner with Manufacturing and suppliers to resolve design and production challenges and improve manufacturability
• Provide technical guidance to Design Engineers on steel fabrication best practices and cost‑driven design decisions
• Communicate effectively with engineering, sourcing, and leadership teams to support strategic decision‑making

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university
• Strong experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies
• Demonstrated knowledge of welding methods, forming processes, tolerancing, and structural load paths
• Experience working directly with suppliers or fabrication shops
• Proficiency in CAD modeling (Solid Edge preferred)
• Understanding of free‑body diagrams, loading conditions, and FEA fundamentals
• Experience with fastener selection and bolted joint design
• High mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering mindset
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (New Section – Helps You Target the Right Candidate)

• Experience developing cost models, quoting tools, or should‑cost analyses
• Background working in steel fabrication, heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial machinery
• Familiarity with supplier process audits or manufacturing capability assessments
• Experience supporting value engineering or cost‑reduction initiatives
• Exposure to procurement or supply‑chain collaboration

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Deep technical expertise in fabricated steel design and manufacturing processes
• Ability to translate technical decisions into cost and sourcing impacts
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Ability to mentor and influence design direction across the team
• Strategic thinking with attention to technical detail
• Proficiency in engineering software and the Microsoft Office suite
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit (70%) and stand (30%) of the time
• May also be required to bend, stoop, pull, push, twist and turn.
• Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant. Safety glasses are provided.
• Travel (10%) to visit vendors may be required, on occasion.

Primary Work Environment

Office environment