Lead Mechanical Designer

KLH Engineers; Fort Thomas (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KLH Engineers in Fort Thomas, KY is seeking a Mechanical Designer to contribute to the design, modeling, and coordination of plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection systems. You will develop layouts, perform calculations, and assist in producing project deliverables under supervision, collaborating with engineers and stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate results.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent, 5+ years in building services, and proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5+ years in building services design in an MEP firm.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or Revit; knowledge of MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection layouts.
• Coordinate with engineers and other trades.
• Lead and mentor project designers.
• Prepare construction documents and perform design calculations.

Skills

HVAC design

Leadership

Communication

AutoCAD/Revit

MS Office

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Market: All of our mechanical team members have an opportunity to serve across many markets.

Reports To: Team Leader of Mechanical Engineering Department

I. Summary

Mechanical Designers contribute to the design, modeling, and coordination of plumbing, HVAC, and/or fire protection systems. This role involves developing and detailing layouts for HVAC systems, performing calculations, and assisting in the production of project deliverables under immediate supervision. Mechanical Designers work closely with engineers and project stakeholders to finalize coordination and design solutions, ensuring timely and accurate completion of projects.

II. Duties & Responsibilities

General

• Perform design tasks individually and with a team of other designers and engineers to produce technical deliverables.
• Comprehend design principles within the discipline and possess a basic understanding of other MEP discipline principles.
• Effectively delegate work to others.
• Create, organize, and plot construction document deliverables for issuance to the field.
• Read and understand construction documents including site plans, floor plans, sections, details, and schedules.
• Apply design principles for multiple project types and clients from inception to closeout.
• Review submittals and answer questions from the field.
• Competently communicate with clients verbally and in written form.
• Perform detailed surveys.
• Actively participate in company training.
• Actively learn and grow technical knowledge and soft skills.
• Competently lead, supervise, and effectively delegate to individuals or project teams of designers or engineers.
• Take responsibility and ownership of the work of others who report to them.
• Actively teach and mentor others.
• Competently communicate with clients as the lead for their discipline on a project.
• Take on leadership roles within the company and their department.
• Possess a higher level of Revit proficiency, including family modifications, schedule manipulation, parameter manipulation, and creating software development plans.
• Assist in the preparation of time and effort estimates for project proformas.

Technical

• Design the following systems: packaged and terminal HVAC equipment, variable and constant volume air distribution, including ductwork routing and air device selection.
• Perform the following calculations: HVAC load, external static pressure, and ventilation.
• Understand and apply relevant aspects of building, mechanical, and energy codes.
• Perform basic HVAC energy compliance documentation using tools like ComCheck.
• Perform device layouts for HVAC systems, including ductwork and piping.
• Coordinate scope and connections with other trades.
• Perform and document code research.
• Edit master specifications to be job-specific.
• Design more complex HVAC systems to a higher level of detail.
• Design and layout life safety and energy-efficient systems, including coordination with other disciplines.
• Perform and document feasibility studies, system selections, and energy modeling results.
• Perform and document opinion of cost.
• Review deliverables and identify errors in layout or calculations.
• Coordinate with local utilities and integrate requirements into design.

III. Qualifications

• Education: An associate’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience working on multiple building types in an MEP consulting engineering firm preferred. Construction field experience preferred. Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) experience is desirable.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit is required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) is preferred.

IV. Performance Metrics

• Accepts responsibility and ownership of work.
• Accuracy and timeliness of completed tasks.
• Expands knowledge base and consistently applies it.
• Attention to detail.
• Understanding and application of company standards.
• Quality and effectiveness of communication with clients and other outside parties.