Senior Design Engineer - Steel Fabrication & Should-Cost

AKG North America; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

AKG North America seeks a Design Engineer to lead steel fabrication design, cost modeling, and manufacturability improvements. You will develop 3-D models, act as the technical authority on fabrication methods, and collaborate with purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers to optimize performance and cost.

You will advance internal should-cost tools, mentor peers, and ensure designs meet AKG standards and industry requirements while supporting strategic decisions across engineering and sourcing

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• Experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies.
• Knowledge of welding methods, forming processes, tolerancing, and structural load paths.
• Experience 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 joints.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3-D concept and detailed models in 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 suppliers 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.

Skills

Solid Edge

SolidWorks

Welding & fabrication

FEA fundamentals

Cost modeling

Supplier collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA tools

MS Office

Job description

AKG North America seeks a Design Engineer to lead steel fabrication design, cost modeling, and manufacturability improvements. You will develop 3-D models, act as the technical authority on fabrication methods, and collaborate with purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers to optimize performance and cost.

You will advance internal should-cost tools, mentor peers, and ensure designs meet AKG standards and industry requirements while supporting strategic decisions across engineering and sourcing