Design Engineer (III)

Bimstore; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cooling solutions company seeks a dedicated Design Engineer to support operations in Mebane, North Carolina. This role involves developing detailed 3-D models, advising on steel fabrication processes, and collaborating with various engineering teams. Candidates should possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, experience with fabricated steel components, and proficiency in CAD software like Solid Edge. Strong communication skills and a hands-on approach to engineering are essential for success in this innovative environment.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3-D concept and detailed models in consultation with Application Engineering using Solid Edge or SolidWorks.
• Serve as the design department’s technical authority on steel fabrication.
• Evaluate application requirements and recommend optimized fabricated steel design solutions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide technical guidance to Design Engineers on steel fabrication best practices.
• Communicate effectively with engineering, sourcing, and leadership teams.

Skills

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

CAD modeling

Fabricated steel design

Welding methods

FEA fundamentals

Vendor collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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