Lead Designer - Utilities and Central Energy

KFI Engineers; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 119,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

KFI Engineers in Saint Paul, MN seeks a Lead Designer (Mechanical) to drive mechanical design deliverables using AutoCAD, Plant3D, and Revit, while mentoring junior designers and coordinating with engineers to ensure high-quality construction documents.

The role requires leadership across project teams, staff development, and collaboration with Project Managers to balance priorities. Occasional field observations are expected, with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• AAS degree in design/drafting or equivalent.
• 10+ years of design experience.
• Expertise in 3D design, mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and P&IDs.
• Experience reviewing mechanical equipment drawings.
• Strong leadership and ability to guide junior designers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop design staff with coaching and performance reviews.
• Provide design leadership and on‑the‑job training for team members.
• Support staffing and recruiting to meet project demands.
• Manage design resources and coordinate with Project Managers.
• Lead projects from inception to completion and contribute to budgets and schedules.
• Estimate hours and participate in design reviews and drawing preparation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and manage client relationships.
• Develop complete system drawings (GA, P&IDs, 3D models, piping and isometrics).
• Conduct site visits and field data gathering as needed.
• Maintain drawing and plant design standards and support cross‑department initiatives.

Skills

3D design

Mechanical layouts

Project management

Leadership

Client relations

Communication

Staff mentoring

Design coordination

Education

AAS in design/drafting

Tools

AutoCAD

Plant3D

Revit

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Lead Designer (Mechanical)
Department: Utilities & Central Energy (UCE)
Reporting Relationship: Lead Designer, UCE

COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.

The Utilities and Central Energy (UCE) group specializes in large central plant work, particularly for district energy serving cities, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing campuses. Our expertise covers both energy production and distribution. We have expertise in sustainable energy production, simple and combined cycle, combined heat and power, and medium voltage power. Our clients look for us to lead large complex projects from concept to completion, including startup, check‑out, and commissioning.

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Designer (Mechanical) plays a key role in the successful execution of projects by leading the development and coordination of mechanical design deliverables. This position is primarily responsible for producing high-quality construction documents utilizing AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and Revit, while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project requirements and industry standards. The Lead Mechanical Designer collaborates closely with engineers, designers, and other disciplines to coordinate designs and support successful project outcomes.

As an advanced-level design professional, the Lead Designer assumes significant responsibility for independently planning, developing, and completing design documents for assigned projects. This role provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers, supports project management efforts, and serves as a key resource for resolving complex design challenges. The Lead Designer is expected to demonstrate both technical expertise and leadership skills to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Lead, supervise, and develop design staff, including goal setting, performance reviews, and ongoing coaching to support professional growth.
• Provide leadership, guiding the efforts and development of other designers, including on‑the‑job training.
• Support staffing and recruiting efforts to ensure the team has the talent needed to meet current and future project demands.
• Manage design staff resource planning, assigning project work and collaborating closely with UCE Project Managers to balance multiple project priorities.
• Lead entire projects, demonstrating project management skills from inception to completion.
• Estimate project hours, scope of work, and contribute to budget and schedule creation.
• Schedule and lead design meetings, drawing reviews, and act as a KFI Representative at Project Meetings.
• Coordinate work with stakeholders, providing technical support and work direction while managing client relationships.
• Design complete systems for assigned projects, managing the preparation of drawing documents.
• Create comprehensive industrial project drawings, including General Arrangements, P&IDs, 3D models, piping, and Isometrics.
• Participate in design meetings and lead drawing reviews as needed to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with project objectives.
• Take ownership of tasks, bringing them to completion while seeking assistance when needed.
• Support and drive drawing standards, Plant3D standards, AutoCAD standards within the group.
• Support cross‑departmental resource sharing efforts, standards alignment, and other initiatives as required.
• Maintain a proactive approach to work, continuously improving processes and technical skills.
• Conduct site visits, gather field data and measurements, and perform construction observations and punch list reviews as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• An AAS Degree in design/drafting or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 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, technical knowledge of systems and codes.
• Ability to complete contract plans for small to large mechanical projects.
• Ability to independently perform all design tasks not requiring engineering professional judgment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work independently on complex projects.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people‑management experience, including the capacity to guide and develop junior team members.
• Proven 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 with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Expert knowledge of computer technology and the application of technology in business.
• Travel: May include up to 10% domestic travel

Preferred

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

Working Conditions

• Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.
  

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last‑minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Managing People

• Develops employees' skills and encourages growth.
• Consistently provides timely feedback to employees.
• Delegates effectively, providing clear direction and authority to act.

Benefits:

At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full‑Time employees have access to:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Virtual health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & 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 to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bereavement Leave
• Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Salary Range: $118,500 - $148,500 annually.The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications, experience, work location, and education. This position is eligible for an annual bonus.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans and Disabilities