Design Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

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

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