Product Designer - Stainless Tanks

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Stainless Tanks

Company: Koch Enterprises Family of Companies (Watson Custom Tanks)

Location: Springfield, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design custom stainless-steel equipment, including ASME pressure vessels, tanks, and agitators, utilizing advanced 3D CAD modeling techniques.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, such as Bills of Materials (BOMs), customer drawings, and production blueprints, to ensure accurate fabrication.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Managers, Sales, Quality Assurance, and Production teams to translate customer specifications into manufacturable designs and resolve production challenges.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing design enhancements that optimize product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the manufacturing operations sector, focusing on the product design lifecycle for custom stainless-steel equipment. The emphasis on ASME pressure vessels and specific CAD software (Autodesk Inventor) indicates a need for specialized engineering and design skills within a production environment. The collaboration with production and quality teams highlights the operational integration of design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute detailed 3D CAD modeling for ASME pressure vessels, storage tanks, agitators, support platforms, and associated structural components, adhering to industry standards and project specifications.

• Systematically update and revise existing production designs to accurately reflect evolving customer requirements, internal quality standards, and regulatory compliance.

• Generate and meticulously manage Bills of Material (BOMs), detailed customer drawings for approval, clear manufacturing blueprints for production, and all supporting engineering documentation.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation that lead to enhanced product durability, improved operational performance, and significant cost savings in manufacturing and materials.

• Provide essential technical support to the production floor, addressing design-related queries, troubleshooting fabrication issues, and ensuring seamless integration of design into manufacturing processes.

• Assist in the development and refinement of standard design practices and templates to streamline the design process and ensure consistency across projects.

• Participate in design review meetings, offering technical insights and contributing to collaborative problem-solving sessions to achieve optimal project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize the end-to-end design process for custom industrial equipment, from initial CAD modeling to final production support. The inclusion of BOM management, customer drawings, and manufacturing blueprints points to the critical role this position plays in the production workflow, directly impacting manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in industrial design or CAD modeling will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in industrial mechanical engineering or product design is preferred. Experience with custom equipment design is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in 3D modeling software; Autodesk Inventor experience is strongly preferred.

• Experience in creating and managing Bills of Material (BOMs) for manufacturing.

• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, such as Syteline.

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering documentation standards.

• Excellent collaboration and professional communication skills for effective cross-functional teamwork.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, and industry standards. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in designing ASME pressure vessels.

• Experience with other CAD software packages.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for stainless steel fabrication.

• Knowledge of quality control procedures in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience in driving cost reduction initiatives through design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical CAD skills and practical engineering experience. The preference for Autodesk Inventor and experience with ASME pressure vessels, along with ERP/MRP systems, indicates a need for candidates who can immediately contribute to complex design projects within a structured manufacturing environment. The emphasis on communication and collaboration is crucial for this role's cross-functional nature.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful custom equipment design projects, preferably involving stainless steel or pressure vessels.

• Include examples of 3D CAD models, technical drawings (manufacturing and customer-facing), and Bills of Material (BOMs) to illustrate design proficiency and documentation accuracy.

• Highlight your role in the design process, specifically detailing problem-solving approaches, design iterations, and how your contributions led to improved quality, efficiency, or cost savings.

• Provide evidence of working within an ERP/MRP system context, if possible, by describing how design data was integrated or utilized within such systems. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including workflow creation for new designs and updates to existing ones.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to the optimization of design workflows, leading to reduced lead times or increased throughput.

• Illustrate an understanding of how design documentation supports manufacturing processes and quality assurance protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a portfolio is critical to showcase practical application of skills. The emphasis here is on demonstrating tangible design outcomes, process documentation, and experience with core systems like CAD and ERP/MRP, which are integral to manufacturing operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in mechanical design and CAD, particularly in manufacturing hubs like Springfield, MO, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between $60,000 - $85,000. This estimate considers the specialized skills in Autodesk Inventor, ASME standards, and ERP/MRP systems, as well as the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• 100% Paid Tuition: Comprehensive educational support for professional development and career advancement.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample time for rest, rejuvenation, and personal commitments, promoting work-life balance.

• Safety-First Work Environment: Commitment to employee well-being through rigorous safety protocols and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Career Growth Opportunities: Potential for advancement within a growing manufacturing organization, offering paths for skill development and increased responsibility.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee health and wellness.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities to save for the future with potential company matching.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be available for occasional project-driven needs, subject to team and management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on similar roles in the specified location and experience level, incorporating the specific technical skills mentioned. The benefits package is detailed based on industry standards and the information provided, highlighting key attractions for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing, specifically focused on fabricating custom stainless-steel tanks and related equipment for the food, beverage, and industrial processing sectors. This industry demands precision, adherence to strict quality standards (like ASME), and continuous innovation to meet diverse client needs.

Company Size: Part of the Koch Enterprises Family of Companies, suggesting a stable, established organization with potentially robust resources and a strong corporate structure, while Watson Custom Tanks likely operates with a focused, agile team dedicated to custom fabrication.

Founded: Watson Custom Tanks has over 30 years of experience, indicating a deep-seated expertise and established reputation in the market. This longevity suggests a culture that values tradition, quality craftsmanship, and sustained customer relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Engineering team, likely reporting to an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer.

• This team collaborates closely with Project Management, Sales, Quality Assurance, and the Production floor, requiring strong interdepartmental communication and a shared understanding of project lifecycles.

• The team is expected to be collaborative, with an emphasis on shared problem-solving and knowledge transfer to ensure consistent design quality and efficient manufacturing. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing CAD software and engineering principles to create designs that are not only functional but also optimized for manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking and implementing design enhancements that improve product quality, reduce material waste, or streamline production processes.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Designing solutions that directly address specific customer challenges and specifications, ensuring client satisfaction and building long-term partnerships.

• Safety Integration: Embedding safety considerations into the design process from the outset, ensuring fabricated equipment meets all necessary safety standards and protocols.

Company Website: https://www.kochenterprises.com/ (for Koch Enterprises Family of Companies) and likely a dedicated website for Watson Custom Tanks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a blend of established expertise and a commitment to innovation within a specialized manufacturing niche. The "family-centric environment" mentioned in the description suggests a supportive and team-oriented culture, which is a key aspect for operations professionals seeking a stable and engaging workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Product Designer, requiring foundational education and 2+ years of practical experience. It offers a direct path for individuals looking to specialize in industrial equipment design, particularly within the ASME pressure vessel domain. The role involves significant autonomy in design tasks but requires strong collaboration and adherence to established company processes and quality standards.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Designer. This structure provides mentorship and guidance while allowing for independent execution of design responsibilities. Collaboration is expected across multiple departments, including Sales, Project Management, Quality, and Production.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer plays a pivotal role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring that the products designed are not only technically sound but also manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet customer specifications. High-quality, efficient designs directly contribute to customer satisfaction, reduce production delays and rework, and enhance the company's reputation for reliability and innovation in the stainless-steel fabrication market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in ASME pressure vessel design, advanced CAD techniques, and specific stainless-steel fabrication processes, potentially leading to a Senior Product Designer or Lead Engineer role.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on projects focused on optimizing design workflows, implementing new CAD functionalities, or improving documentation standards, potentially leading to a Process Improvement Engineer role.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire manufacturing lifecycle, opening doors to roles in Project Management, Production Engineering, or Quality Assurance.

• Continued Education: Leverage the 100% paid tuition benefit for further certifications or degrees in relevant engineering or design fields, enhancing long-term career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory for a Product Designer within a manufacturing operations context. It highlights how the role contributes to broader business goals and outlines specific pathways for professional development and advancement, leveraging the provided benefits like paid tuition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly on-site, requiring the Product Designer to work from the company's facility in Springfield, MO. This ensures direct interaction with engineering, production, and quality teams, which is crucial for a role involving physical product design and fabrication.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Watson Metal Masters, 6800 Stainless Way, Springfield, MO 65802. This specific address indicates an industrial setting, likely a manufacturing plant or fabrication shop.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include a dedicated workstation equipped with necessary CAD software and hardware.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with the production team will be frequent, requiring visits to the shop floor to understand manufacturing processes and address design-related queries.

• Access to engineering resources, documentation archives, and potentially a materials lab or testing area may be available to support design tasks.

• The environment is described as "safety-first," implying a structured approach to workplace safety, including the mandatory use of PPE.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, aligning with typical manufacturing operational hours. While the role is on-site, the company culture may allow for some flexibility in start/end times or occasional remote work for specific tasks, though this would need to be confirmed with management and would likely be project-dependent. The core expectation is consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the on-site nature of the role, emphasizing the industrial setting and the need for direct collaboration with production and quality teams. It also highlights the safety-conscious environment integral to manufacturing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly CAD proficiency (Autodesk Inventor preferred), ASME experience, and BOM/ERP familiarity.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your CAD skills, design methodology, and understanding of ASME standards. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio, explaining your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your contributions. Expect questions on material selection for stainless steel and fabrication considerations.

• Cross-Functional Discussion: An interview with representatives from Project Management, Sales, or Production to evaluate your collaboration and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would work with these teams to translate client needs into manufacturable designs and resolve production challenges.

• Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager or a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with the company culture. This is also an opportunity to ask detailed questions about the role, team, and growth prospects.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in 3D CAD (especially Inventor), ASME pressure vessel design, and BOM creation. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and design optimization.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain challenges and your solutions.

• Showcase Documentation: Include clear examples of your technical drawings, manufacturing blueprints, and Bills of Material. Annotate them to explain key design features or decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the results of your design work – e.g., "reduced manufacturing time by 15%," "improved material yield by 10%," or "met all customer specifications on first review."

• Be Ready to Present: Prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 10-15 minutes) that walks through your selected portfolio pieces, focusing on the design process, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge related to a stainless-steel tank or vessel and asked to outline your approach to designing it, including key considerations, potential challenges, and the steps you would take.

• CAD Exercise: A practical test might involve a short CAD modeling task in Autodesk Inventor to assess your proficiency with the software's features and your ability to quickly create accurate models.

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach improving an existing design or manufacturing process, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying for this Product Designer role. It focuses on preparing a relevant portfolio, understanding the interview stages, and anticipating potential technical challenges, all tailored to the specific requirements of the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling is essential. Autodesk Inventor is strongly preferred. Experience with SolidWorks, CATIA, or other professional CAD packages may be transferable but Inventor expertise is a key differentiator.

• Technical Drawing & Documentation Software: Tools for creating detailed manufacturing prints, customer drawings, and engineering documentation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly Excel for BOM management and data analysis, Word for documentation, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/MRP Systems: Experience with systems like Syteline is preferred. These systems are crucial for managing BOMs, tracking inventory, scheduling production, and understanding cost implications of designs.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools for analyzing design performance data or production efficiency metrics could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or similar for cross-functional communication and project management.

• Document Management Systems: Systems for organizing and versioning engineering documents and drawings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the technology stack relevant to a Product Designer in a manufacturing environment. Emphasis is placed on CAD software and ERP/MRP systems, which are critical for translating designs into production realities and managing the associated data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to producing high-quality, durable stainless-steel solutions that meet stringent industry standards. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in design and fabrication.

• Innovation: A drive to continuously improve designs and processes, finding creative solutions to complex manufacturing challenges and staying ahead of industry trends.

• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration and mutual support, fostering a family-centric environment where team members work together towards common goals.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting customer needs, building trust through reliable solutions and responsive service.

• Safety: An unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe work environment through adherence to procedures and use of proper PPE.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, requiring designers to work closely with sales, project management, quality, and production teams. Open communication and shared problem-solving are key.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to design and manufacturing, with clear processes for documentation, review, and implementation. Feedback is valued to refine these processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing expertise and best practices, especially between experienced designers and those newer to the team or specialized areas like ASME design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are derived from the company's introductory description, emphasizing quality, innovation, teamwork, and safety, all of which are critical for successful operations in a manufacturing setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Specifications: Accurately interpreting and translating intricate customer requirements and ASME codes into manufacturable designs can be challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

• Balancing Design & Production Constraints: Effectively balancing the ideal design with production capabilities, material availability, and cost targets requires strong problem-solving skills and negotiation abilities.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Keeping abreast of changes in ASME codes, material science, and fabrication technologies to ensure designs remain compliant and competitive.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Ensuring clear and consistent communication across diverse teams (Sales, Production, Quality) to prevent design errors and production delays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• ASME Code Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code through training, certifications, and hands-on project experience.

• CAD Software Mastery: Advanced training in Autodesk Inventor or related CAD tools to enhance design efficiency and capability.

• Lean Manufacturing Principles: Exposure to lean manufacturing concepts to better understand how design impacts overall production efficiency and cost reduction.

• Material Science: Learning about various grades of stainless steel and their properties relevant to tank fabrication and performance in different industrial applications.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Gaining insights into project management methodologies through collaboration with PMs, potentially leading to future project leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges inherent in a specialized design role within manufacturing and highlights concrete learning and development opportunities available within the company, leveraging its industry position and benefits.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex custom tank design project you worked on. What were the key challenges, how did you approach them using 3D CAD, and what was the final outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results)

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with industry standards like ASME, and what is your process for managing Bills of Material (BOMs)?" (Assess technical knowledge and documentation rigor)

• "Imagine a situation where a design you created is difficult or costly to manufacture. How would you collaborate with the production team to find a viable solution?" (Evaluate collaboration and problem-solving in a production context)

• "Walk me through your experience using Autodesk Inventor. What are some features you find most valuable for designing ASME pressure vessels?" (Gauge specific software proficiency and application) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Watson Custom Tanks and Koch Enterprises, and what interests you about working here?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values like quality craftsmanship and teamwork)

• "How do you contribute to a safety-first work environment?" (Showcase awareness and commitment to safety protocols)

• "Describe your ideal team collaboration style. How do you prefer to work with colleagues from different departments like Sales and Production?" (Assess interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client's need, the design challenge, your specific role and actions, the tools you used (especially CAD), and the measurable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, improved efficiency, adherence to specs).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality renderings from your 3D CAD models and clear examples of your technical drawings and BOMs. Annotate key features and design decisions.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your design process, including how you approached problem-solving, iterated on designs, and collaborated with others.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to discuss the tangible benefits of your designs, such as reduced material usage, faster manufacturing times, or enhanced product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide provides specific interview questions and portfolio presentation strategies tailored to the Product Designer role, focusing on technical skills, operational collaboration, and cultural fit within a manufacturing environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your 3D CAD skills (especially Autodesk Inventor), experience with ASME pressure vessel design, and BOM creation. Ensure these examples highlight your problem-solving abilities and quantifiable results.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with CAD software, ASME standards, BOM management, and ERP/MRP systems. Use keywords from the job description and highlight achievements related to design optimization, cost reduction, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Practice explaining your design process and walking through your portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to ASME compliance and your proficiency with Autodesk Inventor.

• Research the Company: Understand Watson Custom Tanks' reputation for quality craftsmanship, their product offerings, and the values of the Koch Enterprises Family of Companies, particularly regarding teamwork and safety.

⚠️ 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.

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