Senior Structural Designer - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position:  Senior Structural Designer

Department:  Manufacturing (MFG) 

Reporting Relationship:  Engineering Manager, MFG

COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit 

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Structural Designer – Level IV plays a key technical and leadership role in the successful delivery of complex structural projects. This position requires advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, strong knowledge of structural systems, and the ability to independently execute design tasks for large or intricate projects. The Level IV designer oversees design development, manages drawing production, and ensures technical accuracy across all deliverables.

Operating with minimal supervision, the Senior Structural Designer provides direction to junior and mid‑level designers, collaborates closely with engineers to resolve sophisticated design challenges, and maintains high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency. This role also leads project setup, coordinates multi‑discipline integration, and communicates proactively with project teams and stakeholders.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Independently produce and oversee high‑quality construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD for complex or large‑scale structural projects.
• Lead model development, drawing organization, and project setup, ensuring templates, standards, and workflows are applied consistently across design teams.
• Interpret engineering design concepts, develop detailed structural layouts, and generate advanced connection details, steel and concrete framing plans, and specialty system details.
• Perform comprehensive field surveys or inspections, document findings, verify existing conditions, and integrate field data into design models with a high degree of accuracy.
• Lead the structural portion of multi‑discipline coordination, identifying and resolving conflicts, aligning schedules, and supporting efficient project workflows.
• Conduct drawing reviews with minimal oversight; identify discrepancies, document issues, and work with engineering staff to resolve them.
• Provide senior‑level input into conceptual design for selected systems, supporting engineers with preliminary layouts, constructability considerations, and design alternatives.
• Ensure all drawings adhere to KFI standards, perform rigorous self‑checks, and enforce drafting and modeling best practices across the design team.
• Provide work direction to team members and subcontractors, offering technical support across departments as needed.
• Mentor, teach, and support the professional growth of developing team members. 
• Assist engineers in project leadership activities, which may include tracking deadlines, organizing design tasks, and contributing to project planning discussions.
• Represent KFI professionally in meetings, site visits, client interactions, and multi‑discipline coordination discussions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• An AAS Degree in Structural or Architectural Design/Drafting or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10+ years of structural design experience.
• Extensive experience designing manufacturing, industrial or commercial structures; familiarity with heavy manufacturing and industrial environments strongly valued.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, including management of complex models, view templates, worksets, and multi‑user workflows.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering construction practices and how these disciplines interact with structural systems.
• Demonstrated history of success in design execution and coordination on complex or multi‑phase projects.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and graphical), with the ability to clearly document design intent and coordinate with multi‑discipline teams.
• Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, synthesize ideas into actionable recommendations, and positively influence outcomes.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to collaboration, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Proficiency with computer technology and business software, including Microsoft Office.
• Travel: less than 5% of domestic travel.

Preferred

• Experience designing heavy industrial structures and facilities common to manufacturing, agribusiness, central utility plants, or energy/power infrastructure.
• Familiarity with construction sequencing, manufacturing and industrial equipment support structures, and large‑scale retrofit environments.

Working Conditions

• Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Benefits:

At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full-Time employees have access to:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Virtual health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bereavement Leave
• Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and Disabilities