Project Design Engineer

We are seeking a versatile Project Design Engineer to join our team. This role is essential in supporting our Alaska Processing Facilities and California operations. You will be responsible for transforming conceptual ideas into technical realities, ensuring our facilities remain efficient and well-documented. This position requires a mix of high-level creative conceptualization and technical precision, with a willingness to travel for on-site documentation.

To be successful in this position, you must be a proactive problem-solver who is as comfortable in a hard hat as you are at a workstation. Because you are supporting critical facilities in remote locations like Alaska, success is measured by accuracy and foresight. A "successful" designer does not just draw what they are told; they anticipate potential installation hurdles before they happen, saving the company time and resources. You will thrive if you enjoy the "puzzle" of integrating new equipment into existing layouts and take pride in maintaining an organized, single source of truth for all facility documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Design & Conceptualization: Develop and execute creative design concepts tailored to specific facility requirements.
• Technical Documentation: Produce high-quality, detailed drawings, blueprints, and 3D models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with project managers, engineers, and plant management to ensure technical requirements are seamlessly integrated into design plans.
• Research & Feasibility: Conduct material research to select appropriate processes and finishes that align with project goals and operational feasibility.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Identify and mitigate potential design flaws, analyze alternatives, and provide innovative solutions to complex mechanical or structural issues.
• Project Administration: Assist with project planning and timelines. Maintain organized documentation, including filing and managing project-specific data.
• Site Surveys: Travel to various locations (including Alaska and California) to conduct as-built drawings of existing facilities and equipment.

• Other duties as assigned to ensure the facility and organization are fully supported and successful. 

  
Competencies  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies:  

Functional  

These are the technical "tools in the belt" required to perform the daily tasks.

• Advanced CAD Modeling: Mastery of SolidWorks for 3D modeling and AutoCAD for 2D drafting and layout.
• Drafting Standards: Deep understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and industry-standard blueprint conventions.
• Industrial Knowledge: Familiarity with welding symbols, structural steel fabrication, and common construction materials used in food or resource processing.
• Site Surveying: Proficiency in field measurement techniques and the ability to translate physical site data into accurate "as-built" digital records.

Interpersonal  

These are the "people skills" required to navigate the complexities of multi-state operations.

• Adaptability: The ability to pivot between a high-tech office environment and the rugged, fast-paced atmosphere of an Alaska processing plant.
• Active Listening: Taking directions from plant managers and engineers to ensure designs solve real-world operational "pain points."
• Clear Articulation: Distilling complex technical concepts into simple, actionable summaries for stakeholders who may not have a design background.
• Collaborative Mindset: A "no ego" approach to design—being open to feedback and iterative changes from the field.

Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• An associate’s degree in CAD/Drafting or Design Technology may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant field experience (5+ years).
• Certifications (Preferred):
  • SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) or Associate (CSWA) certification.
  • Autodesk/AutoCAD Professional certification.
  • Relevant safety certifications for industrial site visits (