Mechanical Designer
About the role
The Mechanical Designer performs detailed design work on projects involving process, service, and utility piping, supports, HVAC systems, equipment layouts, and other mechanically related components. This role collaborates closely with project managers to support bids, proposals, estimates, scopes of work, schedules, material lists, design concepts, and design drawings, while ensuring all deliverables meet customer and corporate standards. The Mechanical Designer also conducts field work and technical research to validate designs and supports project execution from concept through completion.
Responsibilities
- Perform mechanical design duties for process, service, and utility piping, piping supports, HVAC systems, equipment layouts, and related mechanical systems.
- Assist the project manager in developing bids, proposals, estimates, and scopes of work for mechanical and piping projects.
- Prepare and support project schedules, material lists, design concepts, design drawings, and related project documentation in alignment with customer and corporate standards.
- Conduct field work and technical research to gather data, verify existing conditions, and validate design assumptions.
- Maintain organized project files and documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Certify the accuracy and completeness of all deliverable products and services within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Monitor and maintain project scope, schedule, and budget for assigned tasks, escalating issues as needed to ensure project success.
- Provide day-to-day guidance and assistance to subordinate staff members, supporting their development and ensuring quality work output.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate design efforts and resolve technical issues during project execution.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in piping and HVAC design.
- Experience in a heavy industrial field.
- Proficiency in piping design, including process, service, and utility piping systems.
- Working knowledge and exposure to Plant 3D.
- Experience with AutoCAD and 3D design tools for mechanical and piping layouts.
- Mechanical design experience with piping, HVAC, CAD design, and HVAC design.
- Practical experience as a pipefitter in the field, providing hands-on understanding of piping systems and installation.
- Ability to maintain project scope, schedule, and budget within assigned responsibilities.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to certify accuracy and completeness of deliverables.
- Ability to perform field work and technical research to support design decisions.
- Organizational skills to maintain project files and documentation effectively.
- Capability to provide guidance and assistance to junior or subordinate staff members.
Skills
- Experience using Plant 3D for plant and piping modeling in an industrial environment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including HVAC and equipment layout in industrial settings.
- Ability to support proposal development, including estimates, material lists, and design concepts.
- Comfort working across multiple projects and clients in heavy industrial sectors.
- Interest in ongoing professional development, supported by tuition reimbursement and training opportunities.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a growing office environment with cross-functional teams.
Work Environment
This role is primarily office-based, with approximately 80% of the time spent in the office and 20% of the time performing field visits. The office currently has around 100 employees and is expected to grow to about 115, offering a stable and expanding work environment. Most work involves projects for heavy industrial clients in Virginia, providing consistent and long-term project opportunities. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday. The dress code is business casual. The organization offers paid overtime, a year-end bonus, tuition reimbursement, and an employee-owned structure that allows team members to gain stock, contributing to a collaborative and ownership-focused culture.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.
Benefits
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)