Senior Performance Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Shape the Future with KCL as our next Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial.

At KCL Engineering, we don’t just design systems—we create an environment where our employees thrive. Flexibility, empowerment, and innovation define our workplace. Our award-winning culture fosters growth, celebrates success, and ensures work is fun. From holiday parties, summer boat days, and family outings to impactful community projects, we make every day count.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial, you will lead mechanical design project teams to create top quality designs for new projects including power, process, healthcare, institutional, and industrial facilities. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting mechanical plans according to project requirements.

Generous PTO and flexible schedules.

100% paid medical insurance premiums.

Premium dental, vision, and health savings account contributions.

401(k) with company contributions.

Company-paid disability and life insurance.

Parental leave and paid holiday shutdown in December.

What We Value at KCL - Do you share KCL’s values and thrive in a supportive, innovative environment?

Growth-minded Innovators who solve problems creatively, and want to grow themselves and the business.

Natural Team Players ready to collaborate and grow.

Motivated Experts dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes for teammates and clients

Oversee the mechanical design of projects from the initial concept to final design, ensuring alignment with the requirements set by project managers.

Create specifications and data sheets for mechanical equipment, including packaged equipment, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), technical bid summaries, and purchasing recommendations.

Review vendor drawings for mechanical equipment and coordinate data exchanges with suppliers, clients, and other engineering teams, including detailers and designers.

Contribute to the development of project schedules, scopes, budgets, staffing plans, and construction strategies, while effectively managing change orders.

Utilize expert knowledge of widely used mechanical concepts, practices, codes, and procedures in the mechanical engineering field.

Apply knowledge and experience to tackle complex projects and develop innovative design solutions.

Conduct quality reviews of production drawings and project-related data as requested by project managers, ensuring corrections are made using various CAD software.

Review construction administration processes, collaborating with field personnel to address design-related installation challenges, calculations, and mechanical system testing.

Lead field inspections, installations, measurements, or calculations for both public and private clients.

Prepare and deliver technical reports for clients and industry publications.

Cultivate strong relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors, while seeking new business opportunities and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Engage in sales and marketing initiatives and identify key opportunities for growth.

Lead the creation of cost proposals and qualification statements to meet financial performance targets.

Develop and present project budgets and cost estimates, while monitoring project performance.

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the mechanical engineering team, especially for less experienced engineers.

Ensure adherence to QA/QC processes.

Maintain effective communication with other engineering disciplines.

Comply with company and site safety policies.

Perform additional duties as assigned and adhere to all relevant policies and standards.

Proficient in standard engineering design methods and practices, with a solid understanding of mechanical design standards (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE).

Familiar with software for pipe stress and fluid flow analysis.

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

Experienced in overseeing the mechanical design for large-scale projects and assigning tasks to team members. Capable of leading project execution and addressing challenges within a team setting.

Proven critical thinking abilities, with a methodical and analytical approach to quantitative problem-solving.

Skilled in conducting quality reviews of detailed engineering documents and specifications.

Willingness to travel as needed.

Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program. and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sitting an average of 5-6 hours per workday

Stand an average of 2-3 hours per workday

Walk an average of 1-2 hours per workday • Bend/Stoop – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Squat – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Reach Above Shoulder – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Up to 50 lbs of weight carried – Rarely (0-1 times/day)

Up to 50 lbs of weight lifted – Rarely (0-1 times/day) Job requires being on construction sites.

Personal protective equipment as required will be provided (hard hats, safety glasses, steel toed boots, and hearing protection). Job also requires operating a vehicle to and from meetings and job sites (personal or rental). Valid drivers’ license is required. Exposure to job site hazards.

If you're still reading and are more excited about Energy and Industrial design work than ever, congratulations, you're already our kind of person. So what are you waiting for? Send in that application!