Design Engineer (III)

Summary

At AKG, we are a 100+ year-old, privately owned leader in the heat exchange industry, providing state-of-the-art cooling solutions for critical infrastructure. Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, this position serves as the steel fabrication subject-matter expert for the design department. The role provides technical leadership in the development, optimization, and cost modeling of fabricated steel components used in complex, high-value products.

Essential Functions

- Develop 3-D concept and detailed models in consultation with Application Engineering using 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 the supply base 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

Minimum Qualifications

- BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university - Strong experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies - Demonstrated knowledge of welding methods, forming processes, tolerancing, and structural load paths - Experience working directly 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 joint design - High mechanical aptitude and hands-on engineering mindset - Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience developing cost models, quoting tools, or should-cost analyses - Background working in steel fabrication, heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial machinery - Familiarity with supplier process audits or manufacturing capability assessments - Experience supporting value engineering or cost-reduction initiatives - Exposure to procurement or supply-chain collaboration

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Deep technical expertise in fabricated steel design and manufacturing processes - Ability to translate technical decisions into cost and sourcing impacts - Strong cross-functional collaboration skills - Ability to mentor and influence design direction across the team - Strategic thinking with attention to technical detail - Proficiency in engineering software and the Microsoft Office suite - Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Physical Demands

- Must be able to sit (70%) and stand (30%) of the time - May also be required to bend, stoop, pull, push, twist and turn. - Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant. Safety glasses are provided. - Travel (10%) to visit vendors may be required, on occasion.

Primary Work Environment

Office environment