Mechanical Designer

Socket.dev; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelso Industries is seeking a Mechanical Designer to produce accurate HVAC piping designs and drawings, supporting project engineering, fabrication, and installation. You'll develop BIM models in Revit and Navisworks, ensuring clash-free, code-compliant documents ready for shop and field.

The role requires proficiency in Revit (preferably v26), Navisworks for coordination, and the ability to read mechanical and architectural drawings.

Qualifications

• Experience designing HVAC piping systems in commercial/industrial settings.
• Proficiency in Revit for mechanical piping modeling.
• Experience using Navisworks for model coordination and clash detection.
• Ability to read mechanical, architectural, and structural drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC piping layouts, isometrics, and detailed drawings.
• Create and maintain 3D BIM models in Revit for mechanical systems.
• Review clash detection and coordinate with other trades using Navisworks.
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure constructibility and accuracy.
• Prepare spool drawings and fabrication documentation.
• Incorporate RFIs and change orders into models and drawings.
• Maintain standards, naming conventions, and version control.
• Support field teams with accurate modeling and field verifications.
• Participate in progress meetings and report design status.

Skills

HVAC piping design

Revit

Navisworks

AutoCAD

Reading drawings

Education

Associate's degree or technical certification in drafting/design

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Designer is responsible for producing accurate, coordinated HVAC piping designs and drawings that support project engineering, fabrication, and installation. This role works closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to develop building information models and construction documents using Revit and Navisworks, ensuring designs are clash‑free, code‑compliant, and ready for the shop and field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC piping layouts, isometrics, and detailed construction drawings from engineering design intent and project specifications.
• Create and maintain 3D building information models in Revit, preferably (version 26) for mechanical piping systems.
• Review clash detection and model coordination with other trades using Navisworks; resolve conflicts prior to release for fabrication.
• Coordinate with project managers, BIM/CAD Coordinator, engineers, and field/fabrication teams to ensure designs are constructible and accurately reflect field conditions.
• Prepare spool drawings, fabrication drawings, and material takeoffs to support the fabrication shop and field installation crews.
• Incorporate red-lines, RFIs, and change orders into models and drawings in a timely manner.
• Maintain drawing and model standards, naming conventions, and version control in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in project coordination meetings and communicate design status, issues, and constraints to the project team.
• Verify field dimensions and site conditions as needed to support accurate modeling.
• Support quality control by reviewing drawings and models for accuracy, completeness, and code compliance prior to release.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

Required:

• Demonstrated experience designing HVAC/ piping systems in a commercial or industrial mechanical contracting environment.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Revit, preferably version 26, for mechanical/piping modeling.
• Experience using Navisworks for model coordination and clash detection.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems, piping design standards, and mechanical codes.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, architectural, and structural drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with project teams.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in drafting, design technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with spool drawing generation and fabrication documentation.
• Familiarity with sheet metal and plumbing design in addition to HVAC piping.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in an office setting and requires extended periods of sitting and computer use. Occasional site visits may be required to verify field conditions, which may involve exposure to active construction environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

• Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
• Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
• Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well‑being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business