About the Organization
At Local Engineering, we are an Alberta based engineering services provider supporting a select group of recurring clients. Local’s unique approach is to develop a long-term relationship with our clients, becoming the “owner’s engineer” and prioritizing client needs. We have a wide-ranging and diverse client base to help stabilize our workload when some markets are in a downturn. The growing Local Engineering team is small but nimble, with a one-of-a-kind collaborative team environment.
Job Summary
The Mechanical/Piping Design Lead is an exciting and fast paced position with a key focus on functional leadership for the Mechanical/Piping Team. This position has many interconnected but unique focuses and requires an individual with a broad skillset who is results driven and able to take ultimate responsibility of a variety of unique tasks.
The pace of work is fast and changes from day to day, which requires an agile person who can manage and execute many activities simultaneously while striving for continual improvement. This position provides an opportunity for continued growth and career development and requires a motivated individual who can constantly adapt.
Education & Qualifications
- Diploma in piping design and drafting technology such as NAIT Mechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology (EDDT) discipline, or equivalent, or substantial demonstrated work experience in this field.
- Preference will be given to a candidate with at least 10 years of progressive design experience and demonstrated ability to act in a leadership capacity.
- Proven ability to effectively deliver project designs in brownfield environments.
- Experience both in the operation and setup/configuration of AutoCAD, Plant3D, CADWorx, and MicroStation.
- Experience developing and managing pipe specs, catalogs, project setup configuration files, etc. in Plant3D.
- Experience working with 3D scanning including both scanner operation, stitching, and integration of point clouds into designs.
- Experience providing mentorship to other designers.
- Experience preparing drawings including P&IDs, plot plans, G/As, layouts, isometrics, piping details, and equipment details.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs used to create reports and documents.
- Familiarity with industry codes and client standards and ability to apply them independently.
- Experience with SolidWorks, or Inventor is considered an asset.
- Registered as a CET with ASET, or eligible for registration, is considered an asset.
- Site/field based industrial work experience is considered an asset.
- Experience or familiarity with electrical drawings is considered an asset.
Responsibilities
The Mechanical Design Lead provides functional leadership for the mechanical design team by establishing design standards, developing technical capability, and driving continuous improvement. The role supports project teams while ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across the department. This role is expected to be approximately a 50/50 split between functional leadership and performing technical work as a Sr. Piping/Mechanical Designer.
Technical Leadership
- Establish and maintain mechanical drafting and CAD standards across the department.
- Develop and implement best practices for mechanical design, detailing, and documentation.
- Provide technical guidance and support to designers on complex or challenging design issues.
- Review and approve updates to design standards, templates, and workflows.
- Act as the subject matter expert for mechanical design methodologies and detailing practices.
Quality Assurance
- Conduct periodic quality reviews of drawings and design packages to ensure compliance with client standards.
- Identify recurring quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives that reduce design errors and rework.
Designer Development
- Mentor and coach mechanical/piping designers to strengthen technical skills.
- Develop onboarding and training plans for new designers and assist with onboarding.
- Identify individual development opportunities and recommend technical training.
- Share lessons learned and promote knowledge transfer across the design team.
CAD Systems and Standards
- Maintain and develop CAD templates, title blocks, libraries, and standard details.
- Evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements to CAD software, tools, and workflows.
- Coordinate implementation of new design technologies and software updates.
- Ensure consistency of file management, revision control, and document standards across the design team.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve design efficiency and standardization.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures for design activities.
- Lead initiatives to automate repetitive design tasks where practical.
- Monitor design metrics and recommend improvements to increase productivity.
Functional Coordination
- Serve as the primary functional resource for all mechanical designers.
- Coordinate with Engineering Team Leads to ensure design resources are supported and technical standards are maintained.
- Provide recommendations on designer assignments based on technical expertise and development objectives.
- Support workload balancing during periods of high demand when requested.
Department Support
- Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and selection of mechanical designers.
- Provide input to team leads regarding performance by providing technical feedback on design staff.
- Support succession planning and identification of future technical leaders.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
- Independently work as a Sr. Mechanical/Piping Designer to execute mechanical/piping design activities as required to support workload fluctuations.
Continuous Improvement
- Stay current with industry standards, drafting practices, and emerging design technologies.
- Evaluate new tools, software, and workflows that improve design quality and efficiency.
- Lead departmental initiatives that enhance design capability and consistency.
- Champion continuous improvement across all aspects of the mechanical design function.
3D Scanning
- Ownership of the 3D Scanning portfolio.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures for 3D scanning and stitching design activities.
- Develop and implement training of team members to enhance quality and consistency.
- Champion continuous improvement across all aspects of 3D Scanning.
- Lead business development for the 3D scanning portfolio.
- Identify areas for expanded business offerings to ensure Local remains an industry leader in 3D scanning.
Skills & Knowledge
- Client service oriented
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Independent and dependable self-starter
- Analytical and creative problem-solving skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team as required by the project
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- High accuracy and attention to detail
- Continuous learner
Position Conditions
- Job is typically performed in an office environment.
- Site travel may be required depending on the project.
Opportunities
- Our small, open, and close-knit office culture and the wide variety of clients and projects we are engaged with lends itself to learning and mentorship opportunities, as well as significant growth opportunities within the organization. It’s an exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing and expanding Alberta based, employee-owned company and will specifically suit an ambitious person who is driven to be a part of that growth story. Local offers employee benefits, a welcoming and casual office environment, competitive pay, growth opportunities, and a place where you’re treated like a valued friend.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
