Lead Designer – Utilities, Central Energy

KFI Engineers

. Lead, supervise, and develop design staff, including goal setting, performance reviews, and ongoing coaching .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeSt Paul • Minnesota • United StatesSenior💰 $118,500 - $148,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in 3D Design, Mechanical General Arrangements, Piping Systems, and P&IDs, while effectively leading and developing design teams. Proven ability to manage client relationships and deliver complex projects on time and within budget.

Highest-signal resume keywords

3D Design ExpertiseMechanical General ArrangementsPiping Systems KnowledgeProject Management SkillsClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Design ExperienceP&IDsDrawing PreparationContract Plans CompletionTechnical Knowledge of SystemsConstruction ObservationsField Data GatheringProject EstimationResource PlanningDrawing Standards Support

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingCommunication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

AutoCADPlant3DRevit

Certifications & Qualifications

AAS Degree in Design/Drafting

Industry Keywords

Industrial Plant DesignMechanical ProjectsConstruction-Site TerrainTechnical SupportStakeholder Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, supervise, and develop design staff, including goal setting, performance reviews, and ongoing coaching
Provide leadership, guidance, and on-the-job training to designers
Support staffing and recruiting efforts
Manage design staff resource planning and assign project work with UCE Project Managers
Lead projects from inception to completion
Estimate project hours and scope, and contribute to budgets and schedules
Schedule and lead design meetings and drawing reviews
Act as a KFI representative at project meetings
Coordinate work with stakeholders and provide technical support and work direction
Manage client relationships
Design complete systems and manage preparation of drawing documents
Create industrial project drawings, including General Arrangements, P&IDs, 3D models, piping, and isometrics
Participate in design meetings and lead drawing reviews to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with project objectives
Support and drive Plant3D, AutoCAD, and drawing standards
Support cross-departmental resource sharing, standards alignment, and other initiatives
Conduct site visits, gather field data and measurements, and perform construction observations and punch list reviews
Maintain and improve processes and technical skills
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

AAS Degree in design/drafting or equivalent work experience
Minimum of 10+ years of design experience
Expertise in 3D design, mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and P&IDs
Experience reviewing mechanical equipment drawings
Demonstrated excellence in sophisticated layouts, measuring, technical knowledge of systems and codes
Ability to complete contract plans for small to large mechanical projects
Ability to independently perform all design tasks not requiring engineering professional judgment
Strong project management skills and ability to work independently on complex projects
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people-management experience, including guiding and developing junior team members
Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences and synthesize ideas into actionable recommendations
Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Expert knowledge of computer technology and its application in business
May include up to 10% domestic travel
Preferred: proficiency with AutoCAD Plant 3D and/or Revit
Preferred: 10+ years of industrial plant design experience
Some work locations may involve tough construction-site terrain or lifting/moving field testing equipment
Position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
Virtual health services
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with KFI contributions for HDHP enrollees
Flexible Spending Account
401(k) plan
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off, including Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
Paid Volunteer Time Off
Company Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Bereavement Leave
Voluntary life, accident, and critical illness coverage
Annual bonus eligibility
Mentorship programs
Career growth support
Continued education