Design Engineer (III)
AKG of America, Mebane, NC, United States
Join a Legacy of Innovation
At AKG, we are a 100+ year-old, privately owned leader in the heat exchange industry, providing state‑of‑the‑art cooling solutions for critical infrastructure. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking a dedicated, hands‑on Design Engineer to support our operations and contribute to our success. If you are a proactive, detail‑oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of a dynamic team, we want you to join us!
Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, this position serves as the steel fabrication subject‑matter expert for the design department. The role provides technical leadership in the development, optimization, and cost modeling of fabricated steel components used in complex, high‑value products. This engineer will lead efforts to improve design‑for‑manufacturability, develop internal should‑cost modeling tools, and work closely with suppliers, purchasing, manufacturing, and analysis teams to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.
Essential Functions
Develop 3‑D concept and detailed models in consultation with Application Engineering using Solid Edge (preferred) or SolidWorks
Serve as the design department’s technical authority on steel fabrication, including welding, forming, machining, and assembly methods
Evaluate application requirements and recommend optimized fabricated steel design solutions balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost
Lead the development and maintenance of an internal should‑cost modeling tool for fabricated steel components
Work closely with Purchasing and the supply base to understand vendor capabilities, processes, and cost drivers, and incorporate these into cost models
Collaborate with other Design Engineers to identify structurally sound and cost‑efficient design alternatives
Ensure designs comply with AKG modeling standards and applicable industry standards
Partner with Manufacturing and suppliers to resolve design and production challenges and improve manufacturability
Provide technical guidance to Design Engineers on steel fabrication best practices and cost‑driven design decisions
Communicate effectively with engineering, sourcing, and leadership teams to support strategic decision‑making
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university
Strong experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies
Demonstrated knowledge of welding methods, forming processes, tolerancing, and structural load paths
Experience working directly with suppliers or fabrication shops
Proficiency in CAD modeling (Solid Edge preferred)
Understanding of free‑body diagrams, loading conditions, and FEA fundamentals
Experience with fastener selection and bolted joint design
High mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering mindset
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications (New Section – Helps You Target the Right Candidate)
Experience developing cost models, quoting tools, or should‑cost analyses
Background working in steel fabrication, heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial machinery
Familiarity with supplier process audits or manufacturing capability assessments
Experience supporting value engineering or cost‑reduction initiatives
Exposure to procurement or supply‑chain collaboration
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Deep technical expertise in fabricated steel design and manufacturing processes
Ability to translate technical decisions into cost and sourcing impacts
Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
Ability to mentor and influence design direction across the team
Strategic thinking with attention to technical detail
Proficiency in engineering software and the Microsoft Office suite
Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills
Physical Demands
Must be able to sit (70%) and stand (30%) of the time
May also be required to bend, stoop, pull, push, twist and turn.
Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant. Safety glasses are provided.
Travel (10%) to visit vendors may be required, on occasion.
Primary Work Environment
Office environment
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At AKG, we are a 100+ year-old, privately owned leader in the heat exchange industry, providing state‑of‑the‑art cooling solutions for critical infrastructure. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking a dedicated, hands‑on Design Engineer to support our operations and contribute to our success. If you are a proactive, detail‑oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of a dynamic team, we want you to join us!
Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Design Engineering, this position serves as the steel fabrication subject‑matter expert for the design department. The role provides technical leadership in the development, optimization, and cost modeling of fabricated steel components used in complex, high‑value products. This engineer will lead efforts to improve design‑for‑manufacturability, develop internal should‑cost modeling tools, and work closely with suppliers, purchasing, manufacturing, and analysis teams to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.
Essential Functions
Develop 3‑D concept and detailed models in consultation with Application Engineering using Solid Edge (preferred) or SolidWorks
Serve as the design department’s technical authority on steel fabrication, including welding, forming, machining, and assembly methods
Evaluate application requirements and recommend optimized fabricated steel design solutions balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost
Lead the development and maintenance of an internal should‑cost modeling tool for fabricated steel components
Work closely with Purchasing and the supply base to understand vendor capabilities, processes, and cost drivers, and incorporate these into cost models
Collaborate with other Design Engineers to identify structurally sound and cost‑efficient design alternatives
Ensure designs comply with AKG modeling standards and applicable industry standards
Partner with Manufacturing and suppliers to resolve design and production challenges and improve manufacturability
Provide technical guidance to Design Engineers on steel fabrication best practices and cost‑driven design decisions
Communicate effectively with engineering, sourcing, and leadership teams to support strategic decision‑making
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university
Strong experience designing fabricated steel components and assemblies
Demonstrated knowledge of welding methods, forming processes, tolerancing, and structural load paths
Experience working directly with suppliers or fabrication shops
Proficiency in CAD modeling (Solid Edge preferred)
Understanding of free‑body diagrams, loading conditions, and FEA fundamentals
Experience with fastener selection and bolted joint design
High mechanical aptitude and hands‑on engineering mindset
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications (New Section – Helps You Target the Right Candidate)
Experience developing cost models, quoting tools, or should‑cost analyses
Background working in steel fabrication, heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial machinery
Familiarity with supplier process audits or manufacturing capability assessments
Experience supporting value engineering or cost‑reduction initiatives
Exposure to procurement or supply‑chain collaboration
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Deep technical expertise in fabricated steel design and manufacturing processes
Ability to translate technical decisions into cost and sourcing impacts
Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
Ability to mentor and influence design direction across the team
Strategic thinking with attention to technical detail
Proficiency in engineering software and the Microsoft Office suite
Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills
Physical Demands
Must be able to sit (70%) and stand (30%) of the time
May also be required to bend, stoop, pull, push, twist and turn.
Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant. Safety glasses are provided.
Travel (10%) to visit vendors may be required, on occasion.
Primary Work Environment
Office environment
#J-18808-Ljbffr