Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Electrical

Company: Kahuna USA, LLC

Location: Westminster, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering / Design Operations

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead advanced electrical, instrument, and control design for complex midstream oil and gas projects, utilizing proprietary Kahuna tools and methodologies.

• Independently manage project workflows, mentor junior designers, and coordinate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless design execution and client satisfaction.

• Drive the evolution of company design standards, pre-developed tools, and templates, contributing to process optimization and innovation within the electrical design discipline.

• Serve as a key technical point of contact for clients and vendors, demonstrating advanced communication and professional behavior while ensuring project delivery security and confidentiality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly within an engineering design operations function, focusing on the practical application of design principles within the energy sector. The emphasis on proprietary tools, mentorship, and process improvement indicates a need for strong operational acumen alongside technical design expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop complex electrical, instrument, and control drawings for unique project situations, leveraging Kahuna's pre-developed tools with minimal direction from engineers or clients.

• Independently assist with and review drawings from less experienced designers, providing markup and guidance to ensure functional design integrity and adherence to project specifications.

• Lead advanced 3D modeling using Kahuna's proprietary tools, including guiding team model reviews and ensuring seamless integration with engineering and design workflows.

• Manage the electrical design portion of large or multiple mid-size/small projects, coordinating effectively with designers, engineers, and clients to meet project timelines and objectives.

• Apply advanced understanding of electrical theory and National Electrical Code (NEC) to ensure compliance and best practices in all design outputs.

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of industrial components and equipment, selecting appropriate materials and technologies for project requirements.

• Lead the development and evolution of group standards, practices, and pre-developed tools/templates, with a focus on process optimization and efficiency using V-lisp and CUI where recommended.

• Provide comprehensive technical and administrative support to the discipline design group, overseeing progress, evaluating work, and ensuring end-to-end workflow management.

• Manage coordination with other design teams to ensure continuous information flow and mitigate potential impacts on design execution across disciplines.

• Functionally communicate technical and administrative project/task details, including preparing and managing correspondence and documentation.

• Organize and prepare drawings for delivery, maintaining strict security and confidentiality, while adeptly managing multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines and adjusting priorities proactively.

• Operate and generate outputs from Navisworks Freedom/Manage/Simulate to facilitate integration between engineering and design, and lead model reviews as necessary.

• Coach and mentor less experienced drafters and designers, demonstrating professional behavior and effective technical communication with clients and vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership. The emphasis on "leading," "managing," and "mentoring" alongside "developing complex drawings" and "advanced 3D modeling" points to a senior-level role with significant operational oversight and process ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or equivalent; community college drafting/CAD courses are preferred.

Experience: Typically 10-15 years of progressive relevant design experience; a minimum of 8 years is required.

Required Skills:

• Advanced 3D modeling skills with proficiency in proprietary Kahuna tools.

• Expertise in AutoCAD®, Navisworks (Freedom/Manage/Simulate), and Bluebeam Revu.

• Strong understanding of electrical theory and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior designers and drafters.

• Proven experience in managing electrical design aspects of large or multiple projects.

• Advanced understanding of industrial components and equipment.

• Strong technical and administrative communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to manage workflow from beginning to end for design projects.

• Self-starter with initiative, capable of working independently and overseeing team efforts. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with V-lisp and CUI for tool/template development.

• Experience in developing and evolving design standards and practices.

• Knowledge of energy-focused organizations, specifically midstream oil and gas projects.

• Community college drafting/CAD coursework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8 years minimum experience, coupled with the "10-15 years" typical range and emphasis on leadership and mentorship, strongly suggests a senior or lead position. The specific software requirements are critical for candidates to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 8 years of progressive electrical design experience, showcasing complexity and scope in project examples.

• Showcase proficiency in developing electrical, instrument, and control drawings for midstream oil and gas projects, highlighting unique design challenges and solutions.

• Provide examples of advanced 3D modeling work, ideally demonstrating leadership in team model reviews or complex modeling scenarios.

• Include documentation or case studies illustrating the management of electrical design portions of large or multiple projects, emphasizing coordination and stakeholder management.

• Present examples of how NEC code and electrical theory were applied to ensure functional and compliant designs. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow management from the beginning to the end of a project, detailing how you ensured continuous flow of information and technical support.

• Include documentation or descriptions of how you have led the development or evolution of design standards, practices, or pre-developed tools/templates.

• Provide evidence of experience in coordinating with other design teams and managing interdisciplinary dependencies.

• Demonstrate how you have organized and prepared drawings for delivery, maintaining security and confidentiality, especially when juggling multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a lead designer role, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis on leading, mentoring, and process improvement means candidates should highlight not just their individual technical output but also their ability to standardize, optimize, and guide others within established operational frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $44 - $62 per hour. This translates to an estimated annual salary range of $91,520 - $128,960 for a standard 40-hour work week.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• 401(k) participation with potential company match (details not specified).

• Optional Supplemental Insurance Coverage for additional protection.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company-observed holidays.

• Access to onsite fitness facilities to support employee well-being.

• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and career development.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with the expectation of managing multiple large projects and potentially adjusting priorities to meet conflicting deadlines, suggesting a need for flexibility and proactive time management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is provided, which is common for design and engineering roles. The annual estimate is based on a standard 40-hour week. The benefits package is standard for a full-time role in the US. The mention of "juggling multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines" implies that while the core hours are 40, the ability to manage workload effectively under pressure is key.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (specifically midstream oil and gas). This sector demands rigorous adherence to safety standards, technical precision, and robust project management due to the nature of operations and regulatory environments.

Company Size: Kahuna USA, LLC is part of ADP's recruitment platform, which often indicates a mid-to-large size organization with established HR and operational processes. The job description implies a structured design department with clear reporting lines and development paths.

Founded: The company was founded with a focus on growth, project execution, and long-term relationships, emphasizing a fast-paced, collaborative, and rewarding work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer, Electrical reports to the Manager, Electrical Designer, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the electrical design department.

• This role involves collaboration with experienced designers, engineers, and clients, suggesting a matrixed approach to project teams where individuals contribute to multiple projects concurrently.

• The expectation to mentor and train less experienced drafters/designers highlights a commitment to internal development and knowledge transfer within the team. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly stated for design, the role's reliance on NEC code, electrical theory, and industrial components implies a data-driven approach to design decisions, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and compliance.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role actively seeks to "lead development of group standards practices, and proactively lead evolution of team designs and predeveloped tools/templates," indicating a strong focus on optimizing design workflows and leveraging technology.

• Automation & Efficiency: The mention of "pre-developed tools," "V-lisp and CUI," and advanced 3D modeling suggests a commitment to automation and efficiency in design processes.

Company Website: www.KahunaUSA.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Safety, Empowerment) are important indicators of cultural fit. For a Lead Designer, demonstrating how one embodies these values, particularly Innovation and Empowerment through mentorship and process improvement, will be key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level individual contributor role with significant leadership responsibilities. It's positioned as a "Lead" designer, implying expertise and the ability to guide others and influence design processes. This level typically requires extensive technical knowledge and proven project management capabilities within a specific engineering discipline.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Electrical Designer. This structure allows for direct mentorship and career guidance from a senior leader within the electrical design function.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer has a direct impact on project success by ensuring the technical integrity, compliance, and efficiency of electrical designs. Their contributions are critical to the overall execution of midstream oil and gas projects, influencing project timelines, costs, and safety outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into a management role (e.g., Manager, Electrical Designer) or specialize in more complex project types or emerging technologies within electrical design.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of electrical theory, industrial components, and advanced modeling software through project work and potentially company-sponsored training. Mentorship of junior staff also fosters leadership development.

• Leadership Potential: The role provides a clear path to demonstrating leadership capabilities, which can pave the way for future leadership opportunities within Kahuna or the broader energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a "Lead" position, indicating it's a significant step in an engineering design career, moving beyond pure technical execution to include mentorship and process ownership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "On-site" with a location in Westminster, Colorado. The mention of "Access to onsite fitness facilities" further reinforces a physical office environment.

Office Location(s): Westminster, Colorado. This location is within the Denver metropolitan area, offering access to a skilled workforce and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "fast-paced, collaborative, and rewarding." For a Lead Designer, this likely means working on challenging projects with a team of skilled professionals.

• The role requires advanced computer skills and proficiency in specific software like AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam Revu, suggesting that the company provides the necessary technological infrastructure and tools for design work.

• The emphasis on "coordinating with experienced designers and engineers" and "demonstrate professional behavior around clients and vendors" points to a highly collaborative workspace where interpersonal skills are as important as technical ones.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (implied 40 hours/week). However, the responsibility to "joggle multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines" suggests that while core hours are set, the ability to manage workload and potentially put in extra effort during critical project phases might be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature and the description of a collaborative, fast-paced environment are key aspects for candidates to consider for work-life integration and daily work experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter, focusing on required experience (8-15 years), technical skills (AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, 3D modeling), and leadership potential.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects that demonstrate their ability to lead electrical design, manage complex drawings, mentor junior staff, and apply NEC code and electrical theory. Expect deep dives into project challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will likely assess how candidates handle challenging project situations, manage conflicting deadlines, mentor others, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Emphasis on company values (Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Safety, Empowerment) will be present.

• Manager/Team Interviews: Discussions with the Manager, Electrical Designer, and potentially other senior designers or engineers to assess technical fit, leadership style, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 3-5 key projects that best represent your leadership in electrical design, complex problem-solving, and mentorship experience within the oil and gas sector.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, highlight your specific role, the challenges faced, the technical solutions implemented (especially complex drawings, 3D modeling, and NEC compliance), and the positive outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, safety improvements, successful project delivery).

• Showcase Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of how you've guided junior designers, reviewed their work, or contributed to developing team standards and tools.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss your technical approach, software proficiency (AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam), and understanding of electrical theory and NEC code in detail.

• Process Focus: Highlight your ability to manage the entire design workflow and coordinate with other disciplines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge related to midstream oil and gas projects, requiring you to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Mentorship Scenario: Questions may arise about how you would mentor a junior designer facing a specific technical or project management issue.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would identify inefficiencies in a design workflow and propose improvements using tools or new methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead" title and emphasis on mentorship and process improvement, the interview process will likely scrutinize not just technical skills but also leadership potential and operational thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD®: Essential for creating detailed 2D electrical, instrument, and control drawings. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Navisworks (Freedom/Manage/Simulate): Crucial for 3D modeling, clash detection, coordination, and model reviews. The ability to operate and generate outputs from these versions is specifically mentioned.

• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF creation, markup, collaboration, and document management in engineering and construction.

• Proprietary Kahuna Tools: Specific pre-developed tools for electrical design, 3D modeling, and possibly automation. Candidates need to be adaptable and quick learners of these internal systems.

• V-lisp and CUI: Potentially used for customizing AutoCAD or developing templates and scripts, indicating a need for advanced customization skills or an aptitude for learning them.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: A core requirement for data management, analysis, and reporting related to project tasks, materials, and potentially basic cost estimations.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Management Systems: While not explicitly named, the emphasis on managing end-to-end workflows and coordinating with multiple teams implies familiarity with project management or workflow automation concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong emphasis is placed on specific industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam) and the ability to quickly adapt to company-specific proprietary tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design decisions, client interactions, and documentation.

• Relationships: Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with colleagues, engineers, clients, and vendors, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Innovation: Proactively seeking and implementing new design methods, tools, and technologies (like V-lisp, CUI, advanced 3D modeling) to improve efficiency and project outcomes.

• Safety: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations, adhering to NEC code and industry best practices to ensure the well-being of personnel and the public.

• Empowerment: Taking initiative, owning responsibilities, and actively mentoring and developing less experienced team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Requires close coordination with experienced designers and engineers to ensure seamless information flow and integrated project execution.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages experienced members to mentor and train junior staff, fostering a learning environment.

• Process Improvement Focus: Encourages proactive contributions to evolving team designs, tools, and templates, driving continuous improvement in design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values are central to Kahuna's identity and should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and their experience. Demonstrating alignment with these values will be key during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Large Projects: The primary challenge will be balancing competing deadlines, priorities, and stakeholder demands across several complex projects simultaneously, requiring exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Leading Junior Staff: Effectively mentoring and guiding less experienced designers while maintaining high standards for quality and timeliness can be challenging, requiring strong interpersonal and coaching abilities.

• Adapting to Proprietary Tools: Quickly mastering Kahuna's specific pre-developed tools and templates, while also contributing to their evolution, requires a proactive learning mindset and adaptability.

• Complex Technical Design: Tackling unique project situations with advanced electrical, instrument, and control design requirements demands a deep understanding of electrical theory, NEC code, and industrial components.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of electrical design, industrial automation, or midstream oil and gas project requirements through challenging project assignments.

• Leadership Development: Gain hands-on experience in team leadership, project management, and process improvement, preparing for future management roles.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to current industry standards, evolving technologies, and the opportunity to influence company design practices.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from the Manager, Electrical Designer, and contribute to the development of the next generation of designers within Kahuna.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for significant professional growth by tackling complex challenges and developing leadership skills within a specialized industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex midstream oil and gas electrical design project you led. What were the unique challenges, and how did you leverage your understanding of electrical theory and NEC code to develop the design?" (Focus on technical depth, problem-solving, and code application.)

• "How have you mentored or trained junior designers in the past? Provide an example of a time you helped a less experienced team member overcome a technical or project management hurdle." (Focus on leadership, coaching, and relationship-building.)

• "Imagine you are tasked with improving a design workflow or developing a new template for electrical drawings. What steps would you take, and how would you ensure buy-in from your team and management?" (Focus on innovation, process optimization, and influence.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody Kahuna's core values of Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Safety, and Empowerment in your daily work?" (Prepare specific examples for each value.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. How do you ensure effective communication and coordination with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders like clients and vendors?" (Focus on collaboration and communication style.)

• "How do you approach managing multiple large projects with conflicting deadlines? What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks and ensure all project requirements are met?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the project type, your role, key responsibilities, and specific achievements.

• Visuals: Utilize clear, high-resolution images of drawings, 3D models, and relevant diagrams. Annotate them to highlight critical design elements and your contributions.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your analytical approach, the solution you designed, the tools and codes you used, and the positive impact of your work.

• Emphasis on Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you led a design effort, mentored others, or contributed to process improvements.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how you handled project complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase technical proficiency but also their leadership capabilities and alignment with Kahuna's values and operational focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer, Electrical position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter directly through Kahuna's website at www.Kahunausa.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your 8-15 years of relevant electrical design experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, and 3D modeling, and any experience in the midstream oil and gas sector. Emphasize instances of leading design efforts and mentoring junior staff.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your technical skills, including specific software proficiencies and knowledge of NEC code and electrical theory. Use action verbs that reflect leadership and project management.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience, focusing on the "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through your portfolio, detailing your contributions, technical decisions, and leadership impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Kahuna's website (www.KahunaUSA.com) to understand their mission, values, and project portfolio. Prepare to discuss how your experience and approach align with their focus on growth, project execution, and core values.

⚠️ 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.