Design Associate Jobs in Columbia, TN (NOW HIRING)

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, nationally respected mechanical contractor recognized for delivering high-quality HVAC, piping, plumbing, and specialty mechanical systems on some of the Southeast's most complex construction projects.

With a reputation built on technical excellence, innovation, and long-term client partnerships, the company successfully delivers projects ranging from specialized mechanical installations to large-scale developments exceeding $100 million. Continued growth has created an opportunity for an experienced BIM / CAD Manager to help drive modeling excellence, coordination, and digital construction initiatives across multiple offices.

This confidential search represents an opportunity to join an organization that invests heavily in technology, employee development, and operational excellence.

About the Position

The BIM / CAD Manager will lead Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination, CAD standards, and model quality across multiple mechanical construction projects. This leadership role combines hands-on technical expertise with process management, ensuring project teams consistently produce coordinated, accurate, and construction-ready models.

Working closely with Project Managers, engineers, field leadership, and fabrication teams, you'll oversee BIM execution planning, model coordination, clash detection, drafting standards, and continuous process improvement while mentoring designers and BIM specialists throughout the organization.

This position is ideal for a technically strong BIM professional who enjoys leading teams, improving workflows, and leveraging technology to enhance project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead BIM coordination and daily management of project BIM data across multiple projects.
• Develop and implement BIM Project Execution Plans (BEPs) and project-specific workflows.
• Facilitate BIM kickoff meetings and provide guidance on company standards and best practices.
• Mentor project teams on Revit workflows, BIM processes, and model development.
• Maintain and improve company BIM standards, templates, and digital workflows.
• Review BIM models for quality control, compliance, and overall constructability.
• Monitor and resolve Revit warnings while maintaining model integrity.
• Upgrade and migrate Revit models between software versions as needed.
• Develop accurate as-built Revit models from existing drawings and field information.
• Coordinate information exchange between internal teams and external design partners.
• Perform Navisworks clash detection, coordinate issue resolution, and participate in clash review meetings.
• Evaluate emerging BIM technologies, software tools, and workflow enhancements.
• Support project CAD production for HVAC, piping, plumbing, and sheet metal systems.
• Produce detailed 2D and 3D mechanical construction drawings.
• Coordinate ductwork, piping, plumbing, and access requirements with other building systems to eliminate field conflicts.
• Track drawing revisions, support material takeoffs, and coordinate with fabrication and shop drawing partners.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams throughout project execution.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in BIM coordination, CAD management, or mechanical/plumbing design.
• Advanced proficiency with:
• Autodesk Revit
• AutoCAD
• Navisworks
• Bluebeam
• Autodesk Fabrication CADmep
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong understanding of BIM execution planning, model coordination, and digital construction workflows.
• Experience supporting mechanical construction, HVAC, plumbing, or piping projects.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and mechanical construction documents.
• Strong understanding of three-dimensional coordination and clash detection.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-motivated professional capable of thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced production environment.
• Experience mentoring designers, BIM coordinators, or CAD technicians is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $120,000–$160,000
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunity to lead BIM initiatives on complex commercial and industrial mechanical projects
• Exposure to cutting-edge construction technology and digital delivery methods
• Career advancement opportunities with a growing, highly respected mechanical contractor
• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, technical excellence, and professional development