Project Design Engineer

Position Summary:

Our Project Design Engineers work collaboratively with fellow Zahner engineers, external architects, structural engineers, project managers, fabricators, and installers. Their work involves developing parametric models using cutting-edge software and continually innovating in the use of building and manufacturing industry software solutions. These positions range from new college graduates to those with 10+ years of direct project and design engineering. Our engineers support the entire process from design, through fabrication, and installation of building components. More experienced engineers are expected to function in their role with minimal oversight, seeking support from managers and subject matter experts within the company as needed. Over time, our Project Engineers work into a widening range of project assignments, with the need to effectively delegate tasks, provide guidance, and train others on the team.

Essential Duties:

• Reviewing construction documents and architectural models to understand design intent and system interfaces.
• Creating computer models for design, coordination, and fabrication of building components using Rhino/Grasshopper, and CATIA software.
• Automating software processes to iterate through designs and efficiently create fabrication ready models.
• Working with the engineering team members to coordinate work across projects and continually innovate in our use of software tools.
• Working with an internal cross functional project team to plan and execute project-based work.
• Working with fabricators to build prototypes and design for manufacturing efficiency.
• Supporting the design process through web based and in person design meetings with clients.
• Communicating plans and supporting work in Zahner’s onsite fabrication facilities.
• Explaining complex designs to clients, partners, and other people who may be less technically inclined.
• Using design sensibilities and engineering judgment to contribute to the success of a project.
• Traveling to project sites to provide engineering support for installation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture fields. Related fields or relevant experience will also be considered.
• Entry level project engineers require only internship experiences to be considered. Higher level positions require between 3 and 10 years of relevant, transferable engineering experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, communications skills
• A collaborative, teamwork orientation with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Reliability, dependability, and consistency in work effort and results.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, guide, and review the work of others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in engineering or architecture.
• Experience with parametric modeling software and computer programming languages is preferred.
• Previous work in the sheet metal, structural steel, or curtain wall industries is a plus.
• Work experience in construction or manufacturing is a plus.
• Work experience in structural engineering is a plus.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, Travel Requirements:

• The physical demands represent requirements to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions may be available.
• Work is performed in an office environment with common office tools. Required to receive and make telephone calls, send and receive email, text, and instant messages, maintain documents/records, communicate with coworkers and business partners.
• Majority of time is spent performing essential functions around a desk/table arrangement while occasionally moving to other locations for meetings, discussions, or observation.
• Must enter and interpret computer data, read, and file documents with small letters/numbers/symbols on documents and electronic devices.?
• Moves devices/tools, pushes, and pulls, weighing less than 25 pounds.
• Lifting or raising small objects from the ground to a tabletop, occasionally lifting overhead.
• Travel by airplane and/or personal vehicle to and from other office locations is less than 10%.