Lead Designer – Utilities and Central Energy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer – Utilities and Central Energy (Mechanical)

Company: KFI Engineers PC

Location: Cincinnati, OH, US

Job Type: Regular Full Time

Category: Engineering Design & Operations

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and coordination of mechanical design deliverables for Utilities and Central Energy projects, ensuring high-quality construction documents.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers, fostering professional growth and team development within the UCE department.

• Manage design staff, including resource planning, project assignment, and performance coaching, in close collaboration with Project Managers.

• Oversee entire projects from inception to completion, demonstrating strong project management skills, including scope definition, hour estimation, and budget/schedule contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior design leadership position within the Utilities and Central Energy (UCE) group, focusing on complex industrial plant design. It requires a blend of advanced technical design proficiency, project management capabilities, and people leadership. The emphasis on "leading the development and coordination" and "supervising and developing design staff" indicates a significant management component beyond traditional design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop design staff through goal setting, performance reviews, and ongoing coaching to foster professional growth.

• Provide technical leadership and on-the-job training to other designers, guiding their efforts and development.

• Support staffing and recruiting initiatives to ensure the UCE team possesses the necessary talent for current and future project demands.

• Manage design staff resource allocation, assigning project work and collaborating with UCE Project Managers to balance multiple project priorities effectively.

• Lead comprehensive mechanical design projects from concept through to completion, demonstrating strong project management and execution skills.

• Accurately estimate project hours and scope of work, contributing to the creation of project budgets and schedules.

• Schedule and lead design meetings, drawing reviews, and represent KFI Engineers at client and project meetings.

• Coordinate design efforts with internal and external stakeholders, providing technical support and direction while actively managing client relationships.

• Independently design complete mechanical systems for assigned projects, overseeing the preparation of detailed drawing documents.

• Create comprehensive industrial project drawings, including General Arrangements, P&IDs, 3D models, piping layouts, and Isometrics.

• Participate in design meetings and lead drawing reviews to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with project objectives and industry standards.

• Take ownership of assigned tasks, driving them to completion and proactively seeking assistance when complex challenges arise.

• Champion and enforce drawing standards, Plant 3D standards, and AutoCAD standards within the UCE group.

• Support cross-departmental resource sharing, standards alignment, and other collaborative initiatives as required.

• Maintain a proactive approach to work, continuously seeking to improve processes, technical skills, and overall project delivery efficiency.

• Conduct site visits, gather field data and measurements, and perform construction observations and punch list reviews as assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are extensive and highlight a significant leadership and management component. The role is not just about technical design but also about team building, resource management, and client interaction, requiring a strategic operational perspective on project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: AAS Degree in design/drafting or equivalent relevant work experience.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of design experience, with a strong preference for 10+ years in industrial plant design.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in 3D design, mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and P&IDs.

• Demonstrated excellence in sophisticated layouts, accurate measuring, and deep technical knowledge of mechanical systems and relevant codes.

• Ability to independently complete contract plans for small to large mechanical projects, performing all design tasks that do not require engineering professional judgment.

• Strong project management skills with the proven ability to work independently on complex projects.

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people-management experience, including the capacity to guide and develop junior team members.

• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Expert knowledge of computer technology and its application in business processes. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with AutoCAD Plant 3D software.

• Proficiency with Revit software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an AAS degree or equivalent experience, combined with 10+ years of design experience, positions this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on "independently perform all design tasks not requiring engineering professional judgment" highlights the need for a candidate who understands the boundaries of design versus engineering, a critical aspect in operations and project execution. The leadership and client management skills are as crucial as the technical design proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating a progression of complex mechanical design projects within industrial environments, particularly in utilities and central energy sectors.

• Include examples of detailed P&IDs, 3D models, piping layouts, and General Arrangements that illustrate technical expertise and adherence to design standards.

• Highlight projects where you led design teams, managed deliverables, and coordinated with engineering and other disciplines, demonstrating leadership and project execution capabilities.

• Present case studies that detail your involvement in project planning, scope estimation, and contributions to budget and schedule development. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and enforcing design standards, including specific examples of contributions to AutoCAD and Plant 3D standards within a team or department.

• Provide examples of how you have improved design processes, workflows, or technical documentation to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Illustrate your approach to coordinating designs across multiple disciplines and stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration and conflict resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical design skills but also evidence of leadership, project management, and process improvement. The emphasis on standards enforcement and workflow enhancement aligns with operational excellence in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designer roles with 10+ years of experience in Cincinnati, OH, a competitive salary range is estimated between $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the senior level of the position, the specialized nature of utilities and central energy design, and the cost of living in the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage.

• Access to Virtual Health Services for convenient medical care.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with KFI contributions for High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) enrollees.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws.

• Paid Volunteer Time Off to support community engagement.

• Company Paid Holidays.

• Tuition Reimbursement to support continuous learning and professional development.

• Bereavement Leave.

• Voluntary benefits such as life, accident, and critical illness coverage.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While core office hours are expected, flexibility may be available based on project demands and team coordination, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and experience level, cross-referenced with industry salary data for engineering design positions. The benefits package is detailed and robust, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, focused on facility infrastructure design and performance, with a specialization in Utilities and Central Energy (UCE). This sector involves complex industrial projects for clients such as cities, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing campuses.

Company Size: KFI Engineers is described as having "hundreds of professionals" with "numerous regional offices throughout the United States," indicating a medium to large-sized engineering firm. This size typically allows for structured processes and career paths while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Founded: KFI Engineers was founded in 1996, bringing over 25 years of experience and established methodologies to its projects. This tenure suggests stability and a deep understanding of its specialized markets.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Utilities and Central Energy (UCE) group, which specializes in large central plant work, energy production, and distribution.

• The Lead Designer reports to the Lead Designer, UCE, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the design department.

• The role involves leading and developing other designers, implying a team of junior and potentially mid-level designers reporting to this position.

• Collaboration is expected across engineering disciplines, project management, and with external stakeholders and clients. Methodology:

• KFI emphasizes a culture of collaboration and unique capabilities to deliver creative solutions for complex projects.

• The UCE group focuses on expertise in sustainable energy production, combined cycle, combined heat and power, and medium voltage power systems.

• Projects are managed from concept to completion, including startup, check-out, and commissioning, indicating a comprehensive project lifecycle approach.

• The company promotes mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education for its professionals.

Company Website: www.kfi-eng.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes expertise, collaboration, and client-centric solutions. The UCE group's specialization in critical infrastructure means projects are often large-scale and technically demanding, requiring a high degree of precision and reliability. The leadership aspect of this role is key to ensuring these standards are met.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead Designer position, representing an advanced-level design professional within the engineering and operations sector. It signifies a transition from individual contributor to a leadership role with significant responsibility for technical output, team development, and project execution. The role demands not only deep technical expertise but also strong interpersonal and management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer reports to the Lead Designer, UCE, indicating a clear reporting line within the design department. This individual is also responsible for leading and mentoring other designers, establishing a direct supervisory relationship. Collaboration with Project Managers within the UCE group is also a key aspect of the role, suggesting cross-functional interaction.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is directly tied to the successful design and execution of complex mechanical systems for utilities and central energy projects. High-quality, accurate, and compliant design documents are critical for project timelines, budgets, and ultimately, the operational efficiency and reliability of the client's infrastructure. This role directly influences project success by ensuring the technical integrity of the designs and leading the design team effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of central energy systems, sustainable energy production, or advanced mechanical design technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles within the UCE group or other departments, such as Senior Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Project Manager, overseeing larger or more complex projects.

• Professional Development: Access to KFI's mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education initiatives, including tuition reimbursement, to enhance technical and leadership skills.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various engineering disciplines and project teams, broadening understanding of the full project lifecycle and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a clear step up from a senior designer role, focusing on both technical oversight and people management. The growth opportunities outlined leverage KFI's stated commitment to employee development, making this an attractive position for those looking to build a long-term career in engineering operations and design leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, as indicated by the "On-site" remote status. This setting facilitates collaboration, team meetings, and access to standard office resources.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Cincinnati, OH. KFI Engineers has multiple regional offices across the United States, suggesting that while this role is based in Cincinnati, the company operates on a national scale.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting the company's culture of teamwork and shared expertise.

• Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Revit) and technology will be provided to facilitate efficient design work.

• Opportunities for interaction with engineering teams, project managers, and potentially clients will be integral to the daily work.

• The role also involves site visits to construction sites or client facilities, which may present more challenging terrains and require adaptability.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. While the core work is office-based, the nature of project-driven work in engineering design may require occasional flexibility to meet deadlines or client needs, especially concerning site visits or critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is clear. The description of "tough terrain typical of construction sites" during site visits indicates that the role is not purely sedentary and requires adaptability to different working conditions, a common aspect of operational roles in engineering firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the Lead Designer role and UCE group needs.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve in-depth discussions about your mechanical design experience, proficiency with AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Revit, P&IDs, and industrial plant design principles. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Leadership & Management Interview: Focus on your experience in leading teams, mentoring junior designers, project management skills, client interaction, and conflict resolution. Behavioral questions assessing core values like Accountability, Business Focus, Project Execution, Respect, and Teamwork will be prominent.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a scenario to evaluate your problem-solving approach, technical decision-making, and ability to articulate your thought process.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or hiring managers to discuss career aspirations, cultural fit, and final role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in industrial mechanical design, particularly in utilities and central energy. Highlight your leadership contributions and project management involvement.

• Demonstrate Technical Prowess: Ensure clear examples of P&IDs, 3D models, piping layouts, and General Arrangements. Be prepared to discuss the technical challenges and solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs or leadership, such as project completion on time/budget, efficiency improvements, or successful client outcomes.

• Highlight Leadership: For each relevant project, clearly articulate your role in leading the design team, mentoring junior staff, and managing project deliverables.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to walk through your portfolio with clear, concise explanations of each project's scope, your contributions, and the overall outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Core Concepts: Refresh your knowledge of mechanical design principles, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, piping design codes (e.g., ASME), and relevant industry standards for power plants and district energy systems.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Anticipate scenarios related to design conflicts, scope changes, client feedback, or team management. Develop structured approaches to address these.

• Articulate Your Process: Focus on clearly explaining your thought process, the factors you consider, and how you arrive at design solutions, especially when under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing both technical and leadership competencies. A strong portfolio that demonstrates not just design skill but also leadership and project management experience will be critical for success. The emphasis on core behaviors suggests candidates should prepare to speak to these values with specific examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design. Proficiency in creating detailed drawings and layouts.

• AutoCAD Plant 3D: Critical for 3D modeling of piping systems, P&ID creation, and generating isometric drawings. Expertise in managing intelligent models and data is expected.

• Revit: Preferred for BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows, especially for integrated design and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency with project management software for tracking hours, scope, and schedules is implied.

• Familiarity with data presentation tools for client meetings and internal reviews would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Direct CRM experience is not specified, but strong client relationship management skills are required, implying an understanding of client needs and communication protocols.

• Automation in design processes, such as leveraging templates or scripts within CAD software, would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different design software components (e.g., AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Revit) integrate and share data is important for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and Revit points to a technology stack focused on detailed engineering design and modeling. The ability to leverage these tools effectively for 3D design, P&ID creation, and construction documentation is paramount. Experience with BIM workflows via Revit is a preferred but significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountable: Demonstrating persistence, acting with urgency, and taking responsibility for one's actions and project outcomes. This aligns with the operational need for reliability and follow-through.

• Business Focus: Exhibiting agility, adapting to changes, working well under pressure, and meeting commitments to internal and external customers. This highlights the operational importance of client satisfaction and adaptability.

• Project Execution: Planning projects effectively, managing disruptions, balancing speed and quality, and actively seeking improvements in delivery, tools, and processes. This speaks directly to operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrates Respect for Others: Keeping colleagues informed, being objective, and adapting communication styles. Essential for effective cross-functional operations and team cohesion.

• Team Player: Balancing team and individual responsibilities, sharing expertise, and inspiring trust. Crucial for collaborative environments where operational success depends on collective effort.

• Managing People: Developing employee skills, providing timely feedback, and delegating effectively. This is the core of leadership in operations, ensuring team capacity and performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative, with an emphasis on leading and developing design staff and working closely with Project Managers.

• Cross-functional integration is expected, coordinating designs with engineers and other disciplines.

• Open communication is valued, with regular design meetings and drawing reviews to ensure alignment and quality.

• There's an expressed desire for continuous improvement in delivery, tools, and processes, suggesting a culture open to feedback and innovation in operational methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "CORE BEHAVIORS" section is a direct reflection of KFI's desired culture and operational ethos. Candidates should prepare to provide specific examples that demonstrate these behaviors, particularly those related to accountability, project execution, and people management, as these are critical for a Lead Designer role responsible for operational delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Leadership and People Management: Effectively leading a team of designers while maintaining personal technical expertise and contributing to design work. This requires strong delegation and mentorship skills.

• Managing Complex Projects: Independently overseeing large, complex mechanical design projects in the utilities and central energy sector, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery under potentially tight deadlines.

• Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong credibility with clients, acting as a key representative of KFI Engineers and providing technical support and direction.

• Driving Standards and Process Improvement: Championing and enforcing design standards while simultaneously identifying and implementing improvements in workflows, tools, and processes for greater efficiency and quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of central plant design, sustainable energy technologies, or advanced 3D modeling techniques.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in managing teams, projects, and client relationships, paving the way for senior leadership roles.

• Industry Exposure: Engagement with complex projects for diverse clients (universities, hospitals, manufacturing) provides broad exposure to different infrastructure needs and operational challenges.

• Continuous Learning: KFI's commitment to mentorship, career growth support, and tuition reimbursement encourages ongoing professional development and skill enhancement relevant to engineering operations and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior leadership role in a technical field, requiring a candidate who can navigate both technical intricacies and human dynamics. The growth opportunities are well-defined and align with KFI's stated values, offering a clear path for career advancement within the company's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you led a design team through a particularly challenging project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure project success from a design and operational perspective?" (Focus on planning, execution, and problem-solving).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach building credibility and strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, especially when presenting complex technical information?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and client focus).

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a situation where a design conflict arose between mechanical and another discipline. How did you identify the issue, and what steps did you take to resolve it efficiently?" (Emphasize analytical skills and collaborative resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of KFI Engineers and the Utilities and Central Energy group, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges and opportunities for a Lead Designer in this role?" (Show research and strategic thinking).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and fostering their professional growth, aligning with KFI's emphasis on people development?" (Connect to leadership and team-building values).

• "Describe your experience in developing or enforcing design standards. How do you balance the need for standardization with project-specific requirements?" (Demonstrate operational process thinking). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly define the problem, your role as Lead Designer, the technical solutions implemented, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful commissioning).

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to illustrate the success of your designs and leadership. For instance, "My team's optimized piping layout resulted in a 15% reduction in material costs and a 10% improvement in installation efficiency."

• Showcase Leadership: Explicitly detail your responsibilities in leading teams, delegating tasks, mentoring junior designers, and managing client interactions within your project examples.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects of your designs, software proficiency, and adherence to codes and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and align their responses with KFI's stated Core Behaviors. A strong understanding of how design impacts operational efficiency and project success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ADP WorkForce Now portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 10+ years of industrial mechanical design experience, specifically in utilities and central energy. Emphasize your leadership, project management, and proficiency with AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and Revit.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists achievements related to leading design teams, managing project deliverables, and improving design processes. Use keywords from the job description such as "mechanical design," "P&IDs," "3D modeling," "project management," and "leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on how you've demonstrated KFI's core behaviors (Accountability, Business Focus, Project Execution, Respect, Team Player, Managing People). Prepare to discuss your technical expertise and leadership approach in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the KFI Engineers website (www.kfi-eng.com) to understand their company culture, values, and specific expertise in utilities and central energy projects. Familiarize yourself with their approach to project delivery and client service.

⚠️ 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.