Business - Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business - Designer II

Company: Henderson Companies

Location: Lenexa, Kansas, United States OR Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the technical design and documentation of intermediate building systems, requiring a blend of engineering principles and practical application within the Architecture & Engineering (A&E) industry.

• The Designer II will be instrumental in preparing detailed design documents, performing critical engineering calculations, and ensuring adherence to project specifications and industry standards.

• A key aspect of this position involves collaboration with project teams, offering technical guidance, and potentially mentoring less experienced designers.

• The role also emphasizes client interaction, technical problem-solving, and contributing to business development efforts by maintaining professional relationships and understanding client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title suggests "Business - Designer II," the description clearly indicates a technical engineering design role within the construction and building systems sector, rather than a pure business operations or administrative function. The "Business" prefix likely denotes its application within a business context (i.e., commercial/industrial projects) rather than a specific business operations department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations and design intermediate building systems with minimal supervision, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

• Prepare detailed system layouts, schematics, and comprehensive design documents that meet project requirements and industry standards.

• Review shop drawings to ensure they conform to project plans and specifications, identifying any discrepancies or potential issues.

• Conduct research on new products, evolving codes, and industry trends to make informed recommendations on system feasibility and equipment application.

• Collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, and other design professionals to achieve project goals and maintain design integrity.

• Visit job sites to verify existing conditions, observe construction progress, and address any on-site design-related issues.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their development and ensuring consistent design quality.

• Participate in client meetings to understand requirements, communicate design progress, answer technical questions, and resolve conflicts.

• Contribute to business development activities by building and maintaining professional relationships with clients and industry partners.

• Maintain a client-centric mindset throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring proactive communication and responsiveness to client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with elements of project coordination and client-facing interaction. The emphasis on "intermediate" systems suggests the role is suitable for professionals who have moved beyond entry-level design tasks and can handle more complex assignments with some guidance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, or Architectural Engineering).

• Alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent with 6 years of relevant experience.

• Completion of professional certifications aligned with technical fields (e.g., BEMP, CPD, CDP, NICET, RCDD) are preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering design experience is required if holding a Bachelor's degree.

• A total of 6 years of relevant experience is required if holding only a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Intermediate knowledge and proficiency in engineering design principles, the A&E industry, relevant codes, design guides, and standards.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Revit (Building Information Modeling software) for creating detailed designs and documentation.

• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu for document review, markups, and collaboration.

• Intermediate knowledge of engineering design principles and the A&E industry.

• Ability to perform technical calculations and prepare system layouts and schematics.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical information to various stakeholders.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address design challenges.

• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively in a group setting and function independently.

• Adaptability to changing work environments, priorities, and organizational needs.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

• Experience with sustainability certifications and practices (e.g., LEED, WELL).

• Familiarity with other discipline-specific software and tools.

• Experience mentoring or leading less experienced designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Revit and Bluebeam Revu is critical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency with these tools, as they are explicitly listed as required. The preference for FE exam completion and specific industry certifications suggests a path towards professional licensure or advanced specialization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate proficiency in designing intermediate building systems through detailed project examples.

• Showcase the creation of system layouts, schematics, and comprehensive design documents that adhere to project specifications.

• Include examples of technical calculations performed to support design decisions.

• Present case studies that highlight problem-solving capabilities related to design challenges or client issues.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how project requirements and scope of work were translated into design documents.

• Showcase the process used for visiting job sites, verifying conditions, and observing construction progress.

• Detail how technical guidance was provided to others or how collaboration occurred within project teams.

• Illustrate the approach taken to research and recommend feasibility of systems or equipment.

• Include examples of how client communication was managed throughout the project lifecycle, including conflict resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Designer II role, the portfolio should emphasize practical application of design skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work within a project team structure. Candidates should be ready to discuss their specific contributions to projects and the processes they followed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the mid-level experience (2-5 years), the location (Lenexa, KS / Philadelphia, PA), and the specialized technical skills required (Revit, Bluebeam, engineering design), the estimated annual salary range for a Designer II in these markets is typically between $70,000 and $95,000.

Benefits:

• Culture & Work-Life Balance:

  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Paid Volunteer Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health and Wellness Initiatives
  • Receptive and Forward-Thinking Leadership
  • Clear Career Path Options

• Financial & Retirement:

  • Industry-leading 401K match and profit sharing
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Performance Bonuses
  • Financial Wellness & Coaching Program

• Insurance & Health:

  • Comprehensive and Extensive Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Paid Term Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Time Off:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Sick Time Off

• Professional Development:

  • Paid Training for Professional Development Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with an expectation of flexible work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the negotiation process. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the ESOP and profit sharing, is a significant differentiator for Henderson Companies and should be a key consideration for applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Building Systems Design, Architecture & Engineering (A&E). Henderson Companies specializes in total building system design and construction services across high-growth markets, including mission-critical, higher education, sports, healthcare, grocery, restaurant, and retail sectors.

Company Size: Henderson Companies is a large organization, with employee counts typically ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 employees, as indicated by typical LinkedIn company data for such firms. This size suggests a stable corporate structure with established processes and opportunities for growth.

Founded: While the founding year is not explicitly provided, the company's description as having a "diverse portfolio of world-class facilities" and a long-standing commitment to innovation implies a history of significant growth and establishment in the industry. The mention of being an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) suggests a mature company structure.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises various disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, Architectural Engineering), with Designers II working within specialized teams for specific projects.

• The reporting structure likely involves a direct manager (e.g., Design Manager, Senior Engineer) overseeing a group of designers and engineers, with potential oversight from project managers or lead engineers.

Methodology:

• Henderson emphasizes technical excellence and problem-solving, suggesting a data-driven approach to design and engineering.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, especially given the need to coordinate complex building systems and adhere to project timelines.

• The company's commitment to innovation and "out-of-the-box solutions" indicates an openness to exploring new technologies and methodologies in design and construction.

Company Website: https://www.hendersonengineers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's ESOP structure is a significant cultural element, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success among employees. This often translates to a collaborative and committed work environment. The diverse market sectors served mean designers will encounter a wide range of project types.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Designer II, which is typically a mid-level position. It signifies a transition from foundational design tasks to more independent work on intermediate-level systems, with some responsibility for mentoring junior staff. It's a crucial step for developing expertise and preparing for senior design or specialized engineering roles.

Reporting Structure: The Designer II will likely report to a Senior Designer, Lead Engineer, or Design Manager, depending on the specific team structure. They will work closely with project managers and other project stakeholders, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, this position has a direct impact on the operational efficiency and functionality of the buildings designed. High-quality, well-documented designs contribute to smoother construction processes, reduced rework, and ultimately, buildings that perform effectively and reliably for clients. The technical accuracy directly impacts project budgets, timelines, and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Progression to Senior Designer or specialized engineer roles within a specific discipline (e.g., Senior Mechanical Designer, Senior Electrical Engineer) based on expertise and performance.

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to take on more complex projects, lead design efforts for smaller projects, or become a lead designer on larger, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Management Track: Potential to move into design management or team leadership roles, overseeing a group of designers and engineers.

• Professional Development: Encouragement and support for obtaining professional engineering licenses (PE) or other relevant certifications (e.g., LEED AP, RCDD), which can open doors to more advanced roles and responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Designer II" title, combined with the responsibilities, suggests a career path focused on deep technical expertise in building systems design. The company's ESOP structure and stated commitment to career paths indicate a supportive environment for professional growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment where collaboration and access to company resources are key. The company culture emphasizes a people-first approach, suggesting a professional yet potentially collaborative and open office setting.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Lenexa, Kansas, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Candidates should consider the specific office location's amenities, accessibility, and local professional networks.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology, including multiple monitors, ergonomic workstations, and access to high-performance computing for design software.

• Collaboration is encouraged, with opportunities to interact closely with colleagues in design, engineering, and project management teams.

• Access to company-wide systems and resources for project management, documentation, and communication will be available.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexible work hours. This flexibility allows for better work-life balance while ensuring project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: While on-site, the mention of "Flexible Work Hours" is a significant perk, suggesting that precise start/end times might be adaptable, provided work is completed and collaboration needs are met.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and/or senior team members focusing on technical skills, design experience, and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions about Revit, Bluebeam, engineering principles, and past projects.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their work. This is a critical stage to showcase design capabilities, process, and impact. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain design choices, challenges, and solutions.

• Cultural Fit/Team Interview: Further interaction with potential teammates or leadership to assess alignment with Henderson's values, collaboration style, and ESOP culture.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with senior leadership or a final decision-maker, followed by a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your skills as a Designer II, highlighting intermediate-level building systems design. Focus on projects where you had significant responsibility.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Clearly present examples of your work using Revit and Bluebeam Revu. Highlight complex drawings, schematics, and any innovative solutions you implemented.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your design methodology, from understanding requirements to final documentation. Discuss how you performed calculations, conducted research, and collaborated with team members.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the results of your work. Did your design improve efficiency, reduce costs, or solve a specific client problem?

• Be Ready to Discuss Challenges: Prepare to talk about challenging projects, design obstacles you encountered, and how you overcame them. This demonstrates problem-solving skills and resilience.

• Highlight Mentorship: If applicable, discuss instances where you mentored junior designers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Skills Assessment: Be prepared for potential exercises that test your proficiency in Revit or Bluebeam, or a problem-solving scenario related to building systems design.

• Case Study Discussion: Anticipate discussing a hypothetical design problem or a past project in detail, explaining your approach, decisions, and expected outcomes.

• Communication Practice: Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to explain your work to both technical and potentially non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, online platform) that is easily navigable and visually appealing, showcasing their best work relevant to building systems design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for creating BIM models, detailed drawings, and documentation. Proficiency is required.

• Bluebeam Revu: Critical for PDF markups, collaboration, document management, and review processes. Proficiency is required.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for documentation, reporting, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this design role. The focus is on design software and project collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Revit and Bluebeam Revu means candidates must have demonstrable skills in these software packages. Familiarity with other A&E specific software may be beneficial but is not listed as a primary requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Orientation: A strong commitment to accuracy, delivering on client expectations, and adhering to established design guidelines, standards, and procedures.

• Continuous Learning: An eagerness to stay updated with industry trends, software, codes, and standards, viewing mistakes and change as opportunities for growth.

• Teamwork/Inclusion: A collaborative spirit, sharing knowledge and effort, showing enthusiasm for team goals, and respecting diverse perspectives.

• Communication: Keeping others informed clearly, listening attentively, and fostering honest, productive dialogue.

• Integrity: Taking responsibility for actions, delivering on commitments, and demonstrating consideration for others.

• Functional/Technical Expertise: Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices in their technical discipline.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with project managers, engineers, and potentially clients and architects to ensure project success.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that likely encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on mentoring and technical guidance suggests a culture where knowledge is shared, and team members support each other's development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Henderson's ESOP structure likely reinforces values centered around shared responsibility, collective success, and a strong sense of ownership among employees. The "people-first" culture is also a key driver of their values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Demands with Project Timelines: Managing multiple design tasks, critical calculations, and documentation requirements while adhering to project schedules can be demanding.

• Navigating Complex Building Systems: Designing intermediate systems for diverse sectors (mission-critical, healthcare, etc.) requires a broad understanding of specialized requirements and codes.

• Mentoring Junior Staff: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced designers while managing one's own workload requires strong leadership and communication skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology & Codes: The A&E industry is constantly changing; staying current with software updates, new materials, and evolving building codes is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, Bluebeam, and potentially explore other design or analysis software.

• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing professional engineering licenses (PE) and specialized certifications (LEED, WELL, NICET, RCDD, etc.) which are preferred.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on projects across various high-growth markets provides exposure to different building types and system requirements.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to learn from senior designers and engineers within the company.

• ESOP Involvement: Understanding the financial and operational aspects of being an employee-owner can be a unique learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a mid-level design role but are framed as opportunities for growth, aligning with the company's stated commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex building system you designed as a Designer II. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you use Revit and your engineering calculations to solve them?" (Focus on process, tools, and problem-solving)

• "How do you approach reviewing shop drawings to ensure they align with design intent and project specifications? Provide an example." (Tests attention to detail and understanding of the construction lifecycle)

• "Imagine a client has a new requirement mid-project that impacts your design. How would you handle this, considering coordination with project teams and potential scope changes?" (Assesses adaptability, communication, and client management)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Henderson Companies, particularly our ESOP structure and 'people-first' culture?" (Research company values and mission)

• "How do you align with Henderson's core values, such as Quality Orientation and Continuous Learning?" (Be specific with examples)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the project scope, your role and responsibilities, the design challenges, your specific contributions (using Revit/Bluebeam), the solutions implemented, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly point out how you utilized Revit for modeling/documentation and Bluebeam for review/collaboration.

• Emphasize Process: Explain your design process, including how you approached calculations, research, and coordination.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible (e.g., "designed a system that reduced energy consumption by X%," "completed documentation Y days ahead of schedule").

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills, directly linking them to the requirements of the Designer II role and Henderson's company culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with Revit, Bluebeam Revu, engineering design calculations, and any relevant project management or coordination tasks. Use keywords from the job description, such as "building systems design," "schematics," "technical calculations," and "project coordination."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. Focus on intermediate-level building systems design, detailing your process, use of Revit and Bluebeam, and any problem-solving achievements. Be ready to present this during an interview.

• Research Henderson Companies: Familiarize yourself with their project portfolio, mission, values, and especially their ESOP structure and "people-first" culture. Understand their services across different market sectors.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common technical questions about design principles, software proficiency, and problem-solving. Also, prepare to discuss your career aspirations and how they align with Henderson's growth opportunities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.