Process Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Role Definition The Design Engineer is responsible for creating 3D models and 2D orthographic drawings that direct fabrication and construction activities. Design Engineers interface with project managers, field personnel, clients, vendors, architects, and other designers and engineers to create an integrated project design. Technical communication with a cross functional project team is key.

Design Engineers must possess a strong aptitude for conceptual design, problem solving, and production design skills, grounded in technical ability, obtained through education and job experience. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of project design activity - from early owner meetings and conceptual design development, through design completion, project commissioning, and creation of as-built drawings. This role profile is subject to change at any time.

PROTECT PEOPLE Safety comes first in everything I do I protect our seat at the table by doing my best work I develop myself and others I put the needs of the Company and others above my own I represent myself and the Company professionally at all times BUILD RELATIONSHIPS I respect people I have a positive attitude I collaborate and build healthy external relationships I collaborate and build healthy internal relationships I engage in healthy conflict I act with honesty, integrity, and ethics I avoid dramatic and toxic behavior FOCUS ON END GOALS I focus my efforts on providing value-added work to the customer; work in the business I start with the end in mind I honor our process I act with the greater good of the company and the team in mind I embrace the EOS process and take the appropriate amount of time to 'work on the business' I respect Company resources DRIVE INNOVATION I offer 2 Second Lean improvements I act with a continuous improvement mindset; low tech or high tech I think differently to create value and solve problems Top 5 Role Responsibilities : Process documentation (PFDs) Develop clear, accurate Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) that define system boundaries, material flow, equipment relationships, operating intent, and sequence of operation. Translate conceptual process information into structured visual documentation that can be used by engineering, design, fabrication, procurement, and construction teams. Coordinate with process, mechanical, electrical, automation, and construction stakeholders to ensure PFDs reflect current design intent and project requirements.

Incorporate applicable safety requirements, operational considerations, client standards, equipment constraints, and known field conditions into process documentation. Identify missing information, unclear assumptions, design gaps, or conflicting requirements and help drive resolution with the project team. Maintain consistency between PFDs, equipment lists, Revit models, layouts, specifications, and other project documentation.

Support development of related documentation such as equipment lists, process narratives, design assumptions, and basic operating descriptions. Update and revise PFDs throughout design development to maintain version control, traceability, and alignment with the current project scope. Use process documentation to clarify design intent, support team coordination, and reduce downstream confusion during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and turnover.

Design evolution tracking Track how the design develops from early concept through detailed design, construction support, commissioning, and as-built documentation. Document key design decisions, assumptions, constraints, risks, and changes so the project team understands why the design is evolving. Evaluate the impact of new information, owner input, site conditions, equipment selections, vendor data, codes, and coordination comments on the overall design.

Analyze building codes, site requirements, space constraints, process requirements, and other technical documents to determine their impact on design solutions. Critique designs for safety, constructability, manufacturability, maintainability, functionality, customer usage, and potential failure modes. Research and evaluate equipment, systems, layouts, and processes to determine whether proposed solutions meet project requirements.

Incorporate lessons learned, field feedback, operational input, and prior project experience to improve design reliability and reduce rework. Identify opportunities to improve designs through standardization, prefabrication, modularization, sustainable approaches, or new technologies where appropriate. Communicate design changes and their impacts to the appropriate project stakeholders, including effects on scope, cost, schedule, procurement, and installation.

Support testing, prototyping, mockups, or pre-production reviews when needed to validate design assumptions before full implementation. Revit modeling Develop and maintain accurate 3D Revit models that represent the current project design intent, equipment layouts, spatial relationships, and coordination requirements. Create and modify model elements for process, mechanical, structural, architectural, or equipment-related systems as assigned.

Develop complete electronic working plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and revisions from sketches, measurements, specifications, models, vendor data, and engineering direction. Use the model to support layout development, design coordination, fabrication planning, installation drawings, and owner/team review. Coordinate model content with other disciplines to identify clashes, space conflicts, access concerns, maintenance clearances, and constructability issues.

Resolve discrepancies by gathering and analyzing information from field measurements, point cloud data, drawings, project team input, vendor information, and engineering review. Incorporate equipment specifications, material requirements, dimensions, connection points, access zones, and other project-specific details into the model as appropriate. Maintain alignment between the model, drawings, PFDs, equipment lists, design calculations, and project documentation.

Follow company BIM standards, modeling practices, naming conventions, and quality expectations to support consistent project delivery. Support model-based communication with project managers, field teams, clients, vendors, and design partners. Design calculations for component sizing and constraint identification Perform design calculations required to support component sizing, layout decisions, equipment selections, and identification of project constraints.

Use calculations to evaluate dimensions, angles, weights, loads, clearances, capacities, material quantities, flow requirements, and other design parameters relevant to the assigned scope. Document assumptions, inputs, methods, results, and limitations clearly so calculations can be reviewed, referenced, and updated as the design evolves. Interpret design concepts to support safe, practical, and technically sound solutions that meet project requirements.

Identify constraints related to space, structure, utilities, access, installation, maintenance, operations, safety, cost, schedule, and constructability. Prepare layouts and details for equipment, machinery, mechanical components, supports, platforms, access features, and related systems based on calculated requirements. Coordinate with engineers, designers, vendors, and project stakeholders to validate assumptions and confirm that calculations align with real-world conditions.

Identify when additional engineering review, specialty input, vendor confirmation, or professional engineering support is required. Use calculations and constraint analysis to support design decisions, reduce risk, and improve project execution. Apply applicable codes, standards, and company practices when performing calculations and evaluating design constraints.

Design team collaboration tasks- rfis and submittals on procore Support project communication and coordination through timely review, response, and documentation of RFIs, submittals, design questions, and field issues. Work closely with internal team members, architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, directly hired tradespersons, and field personnel to obtain technical details and resolve design issues. Review submittals and vendor information for alignment with design intent, project requirements, equipment selections, spatial constraints, and installation needs.

Prepare, respond to, or support responses to RFIs by gathering information, clarifying design intent, and coordinating input from the appropriate team members. Use Procore and other collaboration platforms to track design communication, action items, design changes, and documentation history. Communicate clearly with project managers, field personnel, vendors, clients, and design partners to support accurate and timely project execution.

Support coordination meetings by providing technical input, identifying open issues, and helping document decisions or follow-up actions. Help resolve production, fabrication, and installation questions so final drawings, models, and project deliverables remain accurate and usable. Coordinate design updates resulting from RFIs, submittals, field feedback, owner direction, or vendor information.

Support development and documentation of special products, custom equipment, and project-specific design solutions in coordination with the project team. EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline preferred. Equivalent experience and relevant industry certifications demonstrating competency will be considered.

Minimum of 3 years of engineering or design experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or related technical environment desired. Professional credentials preferred, including FE/EIT, PE/P.Eng, Principles and Practice of Engineering, or Lean certifications; willingness to obtain required credentials if not already held. Proficiency with core business and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and online communication platforms

Experience with Autodesk and Plant Design Suite tools such as Revit and AutoCAD preferred; familiarity with Inventor, Navisworks, or similar applications is beneficial. Ability to travel up to 25%, or as needed, by air or ground. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting 2050 pounds of force occasionally, 1025 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Continuously requires vision, hearing, twisting, and talking. Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, sitting, and handling, typical of office work. Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, scaffolds, and stairs, and work in confined spaces and near loud equipment.

Must be able to position oneself to work in confined spaces such as trenches, pits, manholes, attics, and tunnels. Must be able to move safely over uneven, irregular, or steep terrain and within confined spaces. Must be able to respond quickly to sounds and see and respond to dangerous situations.

Must be able to wear personal protective gear most of the day. Must be able to work in cold/hot environments and on concrete floors. Occasionally requires walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, bending, and crouching.

Must be able to stand for extended durations. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time. Keen Project Solutions is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace, and background checks are required if applicable. Benefits and additional Company Information is located on the career section of our website.

https://thinkdifferentthinkkeen.com/careers