Lead Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer I Company: TechnipFMC Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-25T07:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role leads the production of critical design and fabrication plans within TechnipFMC's standard projects and operations, ensuring adherence to stringent industry and client-specific requirements.
• Key responsibilities include supervising and consolidating design work, managing the design team's activities, and ensuring all deliverables meet quality, safety, environmental, and health (QHSE) standards.
• The position requires strong project management capabilities to coordinate designers, manage resources, and deliver projects within allocated man-hours and strict schedules.
• Successful candidates will leverage advanced technical skills in design software, possess robust problem-solving abilities, and demonstrate effective leadership in a multicultural team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description focuses on design production, the "Lead Designer I" title and responsibilities like "supervises, adjusts, and consolidates the design work" and "coordinates the designers’ activities" strongly indicate a role with operational oversight and team leadership within the engineering design function, aligning with operations management principles. The inclusion of QHSE plan and TechnipFMC processes points to a need for process adherence and optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the production and consolidation of design and fabrication plans, ensuring all outputs align with client requirements, project QHSE plans, and established TechnipFMC processes and drawing standards.
• Supervise, coordinate, and manage the daily activities of a team of designers, ensuring efficient workflow and timely delivery of equipment modeling, conception plans, sketches, and animations.
• Oversee the adherence to drawing, design, and manufacturing standards, implementing quality checks and balances to maintain high standards throughout the design lifecycle.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with design activities, collaborating with project teams to implement effective risk management strategies.
• Manage project design deliverables within allocated man-hours and schedules, optimizing resource allocation and workflow to meet project timelines and budgetary constraints.
• Facilitate the transfer of technical expertise and best practices to design team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders, clients, and cross-functional teams to support project objectives and resolve design-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize leadership and management of design processes, which is a core component of operations management within an engineering context. The focus on QHSE, client requirements, and internal processes signifies a need for operational rigor and compliance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. This foundational knowledge is critical for understanding complex design principles and engineering workflows.

Experience:

• 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience, with a significant portion focused on practical application of design principles and project execution.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading design teams or projects is essential for this lead role, showcasing an ability to guide and mentor other designers.
• Proven track record in process optimization and workflow management within engineering design environments is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Unigraphics NX: Advanced proficiency and extensive hands-on experience with Unigraphics NX (NX) for 3D modeling, drafting, and design is a must-have technical skill.
• Drafting & Design Standards: Deep understanding and practical application of industry-standard drafting techniques, dimensioning, tolerancing, and design principles.
• Project Management: Solid project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management, to effectively lead design projects.
• Organisational Skills: Exceptional organizational capabilities to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain meticulous documentation of design processes and outcomes.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex design challenges, troubleshoot issues, and develop innovative solutions.
• Team Supervision & Leadership: Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate diverse cultural teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, enabling clear and effective interaction with team members, stakeholders, and clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other CAD/CAM software suites relevant to oil and gas or energy sector engineering.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software for design validation.
• Knowledge of various manufacturing processes and their impact on design choices.
• Experience with P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) development and review.
• Understanding of Lean principles or Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Unigraphics NX, drafting standards, and project management aligns directly with operational efficiency and quality control in design execution. The requirement for problem-solving and organizational skills points to the need for robust operational management capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of detailed design process documentation, including workflow diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for design tasks, and version control methodologies.
• Project Deliverable Examples: Present a curated selection of design deliverables from past projects, highlighting complexity, accuracy, and adherence to specifications, ideally including fabrication plans and installation sketches/animations.
• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Include specific case studies detailing complex design challenges encountered, the systematic approach taken to resolve them, and the measurable impact of the implemented design solutions.
• Team Coordination Examples: Provide evidence of managing and coordinating design team activities, demonstrating effective communication, task delegation, and progress tracking mechanisms.
• Quality Assurance Evidence: Showcase instances where quality standards were implemented and monitored within design projects, including examples of design reviews, error detection, and correction processes.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and refining design process documentation, focusing on workflow optimization, efficiency improvements, and standardization of design practices.
• Showcase familiarity with creating and maintaining design standards, templates, and best practice guides to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.
• Highlight experience in implementing and utilizing project management tools for tracking design progress, managing tasks, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The expectation of a portfolio showcasing process documentation, problem-solving case studies, and quality assurance evidence indicates a strong operational focus on process management, efficiency, and measurable outcomes within the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Lead Designer I title, 5-7 years of experience, and the specialized skill set (Unigraphics NX, Mechanical Engineering), the estimated salary range for this position in Hyderabad, India, is likely between ₹8,00,000 to ₹14,00,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar engineering leadership roles in major Indian metropolitan areas, considering the cost of living and average compensation for specialized technical skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a provident fund or other retirement savings schemes as per Indian labor laws and company policy.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and skill enhancement programs, particularly in areas like advanced Unigraphics NX features, project management, and leadership.
• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for beneficiaries.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.
• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to Hyderabad.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or critical deliverables, which is common in project-driven engineering operations. Flexibility may be offered in terms of start and end times, subject to team coordination and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from aggregating data from reputable Indian job portals and salary survey sites for Mechanical Engineers and Lead Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Hyderabad region. Benefits are typical for a large multinational engineering firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Oil & Gas / Energy Engineering Services. TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore, and surface projects, providing advanced technological solutions for the energy industry. This context implies a fast-paced, project-driven environment with a strong emphasis on technical expertise, safety, and execution excellence. Company Size: TechnipFMC is a large multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career opportunities. For operations professionals, it means established processes, potential for structured career paths, and exposure to large-scale, complex projects. Founded: TechnipFMC was formed through the merger of Technip S.A. and FMC Technologies in 2017, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. This history suggests a blend of established engineering practices and innovative approaches.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer I will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Design department, possibly within a specific project team or a dedicated design center. The team is expected to be multicultural, requiring strong cross-cultural management and communication skills.
• This role typically reports to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Design Lead, overseeing a team of junior and mid-level designers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving frequent interaction with project managers, engineers (process, mechanical, structural), procurement specialists, manufacturing teams, and QHSE personnel.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using engineering data and analysis to inform design decisions and optimize performance.
• Process Standardization: Adherence to and continuous improvement of standardized design processes, workflows, and documentation practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Project Execution Excellence: A focus on delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size suggest a structured operational environment with established protocols and a global reach, influencing team dynamics and project execution methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is firmly within the mid-to-senior management tier of engineering operations. It represents a step up from an individual contributor designer role, requiring leadership, team management, and project oversight. It’s a crucial position for ensuring the operational efficiency and quality of the design output. Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer I typically reports to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Principal Designer. They, in turn, will directly manage a team of Designers and Drafters. This structure is common in large engineering organizations to provide focused leadership on specific technical disciplines or project components. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the operational success of projects by ensuring that design deliverables are accurate, constructible, and cost-effective. Poor design can lead to significant delays, cost overruns, and safety issues during fabrication and installation, thereby impacting overall project profitability and client satisfaction. Efficient design operations are crucial for TechnipFMC's ability to win and execute projects competitively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Lead/Principal Designer: Progression to a more senior technical leadership role, managing larger or more complex design scopes, mentoring multiple teams, or specializing in a niche design area.
• Engineering Manager: Transition into a broader management role overseeing larger engineering departments, responsible for team performance, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Project Engineering Manager: Move into a role with greater responsibility for the overall technical execution of projects, managing multiple engineering disciplines and client interfaces.
• Specialized Technical Expertise: Develop deep expertise in specific areas like subsea equipment design, advanced materials, or simulation technologies, becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path clearly indicates growth into higher levels of technical leadership and operational management within the engineering domain, emphasizing the operational significance of this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is likely an on-site role within a corporate office or a dedicated engineering design center. Such environments are typically structured to facilitate collaboration, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated workstations equipped with high-performance computing for design software. Office Location(s): The primary location is Hyderabad, India. TechnipFMC has multiple offices globally, and specific project needs might involve occasional travel or collaboration with teams in other locations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among designers, engineers, and project teams. Expect regular team meetings, design review sessions, and cross-functional discussions.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to powerful workstations, high-speed networks, and the latest design and simulation software (Unigraphics NX, P&IDs, etc.). IT support is typically robust.
• Project-Centric Interaction: Daily interactions will be heavily influenced by project timelines and deliverables. Designers work closely with their direct reports and collaborate with engineers from various disciplines to ensure integrated project solutions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, typically 8-9 hours per day. However, the project-driven nature of the oil and gas industry often necessitates flexibility, including occasional overtime or weekend work during critical project phases to meet deadlines. This requires individuals to be adaptable and committed to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site, collaborative, and technology-rich environment is typical for engineering operations, emphasizing the need for effective communication and process adherence within a structured setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiting team will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews with the hiring manager and/or senior engineering personnel. These interviews will delve deeply into your technical expertise in Unigraphics NX, mechanical engineering principles, drafting standards, and project management experience. Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges you've overcome.
• Portfolio Review: A crucial stage where you will be asked to present your design portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills, project experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of design processes and operational efficiency.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing your leadership style, problem-solving approach, ability to manage teams (especially multicultural ones), and how you handle pressure and conflict.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head to confirm suitability and discuss overall career alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical proficiency in NX, project management skills, and ability to optimize design processes.
• Highlight Operations Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the design challenge, your role, the processes you implemented or improved, the solutions you delivered, and the measurable business impact (e.g., reduced fabrication time, cost savings, improved performance).
• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored junior designers, managed team workflows, and facilitated effective collaboration.
• Process Focus: Emphasize your understanding of design workflows, quality control measures, and how you ensure adherence to standards and client requirements.
• Concise Presentation: Prepare a clear, concise presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) that walks through your selected projects, focusing on key achievements and operational contributions. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a technical assessment or a case study. This might involve a design problem to solve within a time limit, or a scenario where you need to outline a process for managing a specific design challenge or improving an existing workflow.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving methodology, understanding of design principles, and ability to apply operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and technical assessments highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate not just technical skill but also operational competence in managing design projects and teams.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unigraphics NX (NX): This is the core CAD/CAM/CAE software. Proficiency in 3D modeling, advanced surfacing, drafting, assembly design, and potentially CAM programming is essential.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with systems like Teamcenter (often integrated with NX) for managing design data, revisions, workflows, and collaboration is highly beneficial.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, resource tracking, and reporting is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, creating reports, and managing project-related data.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizing design KPIs and project progress can be an advantage.
• Internal Reporting Tools: Likely proficiency in TechnipFMC's proprietary or standard reporting systems for project status and performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP) and customer relationship management (CRM) for project tracking and client communication is valuable.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or scripting within CAD environments could be a plus for process efficiency improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Unigraphics NX and PLM systems points to the operational need for efficient data management and workflow control within the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the energy sector. Adherence to all safety protocols and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating safety risks in design is expected.
• Quality Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and reliable design outputs that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.
• Integrity: Conducting all business with honesty and ethical principles, building trust with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively across different disciplines and cultures to achieve common project goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve design processes and outcomes.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and being accountable for the quality and timeliness of design work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineers from various disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, structural), project managers, procurement, and construction teams. Effective communication and mutual respect are key.
• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement. Regular design reviews are a standard part of this.
• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise within the team and across projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style reflect an operational focus on efficiency, quality, safety, and teamwork, crucial for success in a demanding engineering environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a multicultural team with varying communication styles and work approaches requires strong interpersonal and cross-cultural management skills.
• Tight Project Deadlines: The oil and gas industry is characterized by demanding project schedules. Meeting these deadlines while maintaining high-quality design output can be a significant challenge.
• Technical Complexity: Designing complex equipment and systems for challenging environments requires deep technical knowledge and continuous learning to stay abreast of advancements.
• Evolving Technologies: Keeping up with the rapid advancements in design software (like NX updates), simulation tools, and digital engineering practices requires a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including clients, project management, and internal engineering teams, can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unigraphics NX Training: Access to specialized courses for mastering advanced features, automation, and new modules within the NX suite.
• Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 to enhance project leadership skills.
• Industry-Specific Technical Training: Access to training on subsea engineering, offshore structures, or specific product lines relevant to TechnipFMC's business.
• Leadership Development Programs: Internal programs designed to cultivate leadership skills, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities for aspiring leaders.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects involving different engineering disciplines, broadening technical understanding and operational perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight areas where operational skills in process management, risk mitigation, and team coordination are critical. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and development within the engineering operations field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Optimization: "Describe a time you identified an inefficiency in a design workflow and how you implemented a change to improve it. What were the results?" (Focus on process steps, tools used, and quantifiable outcomes).
• Team Leadership & Conflict Resolution: "How do you motivate a diverse design team, especially when facing tight deadlines? Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within your team." (Highlight leadership style, communication strategies, and problem-solving approach).
• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex design problem you encountered using Unigraphics NX. What was your approach to solving it, and what were the key considerations from a fabrication and installation perspective?" (Demonstrate technical depth and practical application).
• QHSE Adherence: "How do you ensure that your team consistently adheres to project QHSE standards and company design protocols?" (Focus on proactive measures, checks, and balances).

Company & Culture Questions:

• TechnipFMC's Values: "How do your personal work values align with TechnipFMC's stated values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, and Innovation?" (Research company values on their website and connect them to your experience).
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: "What strategies do you employ to foster effective collaboration and communication within a multicultural team?" (Share specific examples of managing diverse teams).
• Impact on Operations: "How do you see the role of design leadership impacting the overall operational success and efficiency of TechnipFMC's projects?" (Connect design quality and timeliness to broader project outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate the context, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took (especially related to process improvements or team leadership), and the positive outcomes.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design review time by 15%", "saved X hours in fabrication due to improved detailing", "managed a team of 5 designers effectively").
• Focus on Operations: Highlight your understanding of design processes, quality control, risk management, and how your leadership contributed to operational efficiency and project success.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical aspects of your designs and your proficiency with Unigraphics NX.
• Conciseness: Aim for a 10-15 minute presentation, leaving ample time for Q&A. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions and presentation strategies will showcase your operational mindset, leadership capabilities, and technical suitability for the Lead Designer I role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the TechnipFMC careers portal.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a robust design portfolio that showcases your leadership in managing design processes, your technical expertise in Unigraphics NX, and examples of projects where you improved operational efficiency or quality. Include case studies demonstrating problem-solving and team coordination.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-7 years of relevant experience, specifically mentioning Unigraphics NX proficiency, project management skills, team leadership, and any experience with process improvement methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your approach to team leadership and problem-solving, and demonstrate your understanding of design standards and operational best practices. Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research TechnipFMC's projects, values, and recent news. Understand their position in the energy sector and how the design operations function contributes to their overall business strategy.

⚠️ 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.