About this position
Join a Legacy of Innovation
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. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking a dedicated, hands-on Design Engineer to support our operations and contribute to our success. If you are a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of a dynamic team, we want you to join us!
Summary
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.
This engineer will lead efforts to improve design-for-manufacturability, develop internal should-cost modeling tools, and work closely with suppliers, purchasing, manufacturing, and analysis teams to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.
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
Requirements:
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 (New Section – Helps You Target the Right Candidate)
- 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