Mechanical Designer - Kiewit Nuclear Solutions

Kiewit Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 88,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiewit Nuclear Solutions in Houston seeks a Mid-Level Mechanical Designer to join our nuclear team. You will develop mechanical and piping designs for complex projects using SmartPlant 3D, Microstation, and AutoCAD Plant 3D, collaborating with engineers and construction teams.

This role focuses on equipment layouts, facility arrangements, and construction deliverables, with opportunities for career growth and mentoring junior designers while supporting on-site field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in CAD/Drafting Technology, Engineering or related field.
• Experience with design software such as SmartPlant 3D (or similar plant design 3D software) and Microstation and AutoCAD Plant 3D required.
• A minimum of 7-10+ years of 3D modeling/detailed design experience is required, with the ability to perform 3D piping design, equipment layout, develop construction drawings.
• Experience in Nuclear, Industrial, Power, Oil and gas, performing balance of plant type of design, (piping, pumps, valves, heating, cooling systems, is required). Must have experience of pipe support design, equipment layout and installation of systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• DOE and Commercial Nuclear experience preferred but not required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Leveraging advanced 3D design tools such as SmartPlant 3D, Microstation, and AutoCAD Plant 3D to create detailed equipment and piping system models based on engineering drawings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design standards.
• Designing comprehensive piping systems for a variety of utility and process applications within industrial and energy facilities, including steam, water, compressed air, gas, and cooling systems.
• Participating in the early stages of project development by contributing to facility layouts and equipment arrangement concepts that optimize functionality and constructability.
• Performing detailed reviews and quality checks on design deliverables to ensure compliance with industry codes, contract requirements, and internal standards.
• Identifying and resolving spatial conflicts and constructability issues by navigating complex 3D models.
• Providing technical support to construction teams, representing design interests on-site, responding to RFIs, and proposing innovative design solutions.
• Coordinating effectively with internal and external stakeholders including multidisciplinary design partners, construction personnel, and equipment vendors to maintain project alignment and quality.
• Developing and managing project schedules, resource allocation, and work assignments to meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Mentoring junior designers and drafters by sharing best practices and ensuring consistency in design approaches across the team.
• Reporting project progress and design status regularly to senior design leadership.

Skills

3D modeling

Piping design

Equipment layout

Strong communication

Design coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or associate degree in CAD/Drafting technology or related field

Tools

SmartPlant 3D

Microstation

AutoCAD Plant 3D

Job description

Requisition ID: 183054

Job Level: Mid Level

Home District/Group: Kiewit Nuclear Solutions

Department: Drafting & Design

Market: Nuclear

Employment Type: Full Time

Position Overview

Build your design career in one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of the energy industry.

Kiewit Nuclear Solutions is seeking an experienced Mechanical Designer to join our growing nuclear team. In this role, you’ll help develop mechanical and piping designs for complex nuclear and power projects while collaborating with engineers, designers, construction teams, equipment suppliers, and other project partners.

You’ll use advanced 3D design technology to support piping systems, equipment layouts, facility arrangements, and construction deliverables . Kiewit’s construction-driven approach gives you the opportunity to see how your designs translate from the model into safe, practical, and constructible solutions in the field.

If you’re looking for challenging work, long-term career growth, and the opportunity to contribute your mechanical design expertise to projects shaping the future of nuclear energy,

District Overview

Kiewit Nuclear Solutions. is a full-service engineering, project management, and construction provider operating across NorthAmerica. Our experience and expertise span all aspects of the nuclear-related market from carbon-free, small modular reactors to Dept of Energy science, environmental and nuclear security mission capabilities. With these broad capabilities, we operate in the power utility, renewable energy, industrial, and infrastructure markets. As part of Kiewit, we are integrated with 135 years of construction and engineering excellence that provides wholistic solutions, differentiating our team from the rest of the industry.

Our rapidly growing nuclear solutions business has opened new locations across North America to strengthen our market presence while executing work within the communities we live within and support. We are committed to build upon our history as one of the safest companies to work for by equipping our craft and staff with the best technology, processes, equipment, tools, and safety programs available.

We are an innovative team that prides itself on excellence through continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to deliver for our clients. Our staff collaborates with Kiewit’s vast internal network of resources that span heavy civil and infrastructure, vertical and commercial buildings, industrial, as well our oil and gas and power generation markets, to drive safe and cost-effective solutions that achieve client expectations and further Kiewit’s core values of People, Integrity, Excellence, and Stewardship.

On our team, you will have the opportunity to see, design and construct more than you ever imagined. Working hard will not only bring you satisfaction from a job well done, but it will help propel your career forward faster than you might expect. Kiewit’s culture encourages training, developing your skills, and tailoring your experience and knowledge to allow you to take on projects that impact millions across North America. With top-notch health benefits, a wealth-building 401k plan, and unbeatable growth opportunities, joining Kiewit can bring a lifetime of personal success and satisfaction.

Location

Kiewit’s unique culture is defined by its adaptability to project needs, allowing for flexible career paths tailored to each team member's skills and aspirations.

This position is open for candidates located in one of our Kiewit Nuclear Solutions offices, including Lenexa, Kansas; Houston, Texas; or Knoxville, Tennessee. Depending on project requirements and personal development plans, relocation opportunities may be available to support your career growth.

Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Designer at Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, your duties will include:

• Leveraging advanced 3D design tools such as SmartPlant 3D, Microstation, and AutoCAD Plant 3D to create detailed equipment and piping system models based on engineering drawings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design standards.

• Designing comprehensive piping systems for a variety of utility and process applications within industrial and energy facilities, including steam, water, compressed air, gas, and cooling systems.

• Participating in the early stages of project development by contributing to facility layouts and equipment arrangement concepts that optimize functionality and constructability.

• Performing detailed reviews and quality checks on design deliverables to ensure compliance with industry codes, contract requirements, and internal standards.

• Identifying and resolving spatial conflicts and constructability issues by navigating complex 3D models.

• Providing technical support to construction teams, representing design interests on-site, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), and proposing innovative design solutions.

• Coordinating effectively with internal and external stakeholders including multidisciplinary design partners, construction personnel, and equipment vendors to maintain project alignment and quality.

• Developing and managing project schedules, resource allocation, and work assignments to meet deadlines and budget constraints.

• Mentoring junior designers and drafters by sharing best practices and ensuring consistency in design approaches across the team.

• Reporting project progress and design status regularly to senior design leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in computer Aided Design and Drafting Technology, Engineering or related field.
• Experience with design software such as SmartPlant 3D (or similar plant design 3D software) and Microstation and AutoCAD required.
• A minimum of 7-10+ years of 3D modeling/detailed design experience is required, with the ability to perform 3D piping design, equipment layout, develop construction drawings. Experience validating and coordinating with other disciplines for compliance with layouts.
• Experience in Nuclear, Industrial, Power, Oil ang gas, performing balance of plant type of design, (piping, pumps, valves, heating, cooling systems, is required). Must have experience of pipe support design, equipment layout and installation of systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• DOE and Commercial Nuclear experience preferred but not required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Working Conditions

Other Requirements:

• Regular, reliable attendance
• Work productively and meet deadlines timely
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
• Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.

FIELD ROLES ONLY May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $88,000/yr - $92,000/yr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Company: Kiewit