- The Design Engineer develops new and alternative designs for plant equipment and systems, working closely with internal customers to understand project needs and gather all necessary design requirements. This role transforms concepts into detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and other technical documents, while coordinating the purchase of equipment required for successful project execution. The Design Engineer also provides technical guidance to operating departments, including training on the proper use of new or modified equipment and support during startup or maintenance activities related to the design. This position includes both office and plant-based work, with exposure to varying weather conditions while supporting projects in the plant.
Key Responsibilities:
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Performs engineering design work by developing an understanding of project goals, evaluating and defining project scope with the customer, determining equipment and device requirements, and writing specifications, preparing complete working drawings, and purchasing equipment best suited to accomplish project goals.
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Coordinates projects from conception through justification verification to assure project results meet initial goals.
- Helps train co-workers in all aspects of the design process.
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Communicates designs for projects to users through correspondence, drawings, papers, reports, etc.
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Specifies and procures equipment and materials from outside vendors, including selecting applicable equipment and devices, developing working drawings and specifications for custom equipment, working with vendors to achieve required results, and writing purchase requisitions and bills of material.
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Provides technical assistance and training to all internal customers. Assists as needed in the start-up of projects.
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Ensures excellence and consistent availability of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system and office computers through proper maintenance, software development, and user training.
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Assists with conducting feasibility and justification studies of new projects.
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Plans, schedules, estimates, checks drawings, and prepares spreadsheets for projects.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Must exhibit a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET EAC accredited program at a four-year college or university. Proof of degree required.
- Must exhibit the ability to learn.
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Must exhibit a record of punctuality and good attendance.
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Must exhibit good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with persons of different socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Must exhibit the ability to cooperate well with other individuals and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
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Must exhibit a working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD)/drafting equipment.
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Must exhibit good oral and written communication skills with all levels of the Company (i.e., good command of grammar and spelling). Must exhibit the ability to communicate in a courteous, polite, and effective manner, both verbally and in written format.
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Must exhibit the ability to learn technical information, such as technical aspects of manufacturing processes, environmental standards as they relate to design parameters, etc.
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Must possess a valid state issued driver's license.
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Must exhibit good attention to detail and good organizational skills.
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Must be able to read and interpret specifications for projects, such as technical drawings, product codes, etc.
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Must exhibit a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. Also, must exhibit the ability to learn software, such as Mathcad.
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Must exhibit the ability to learn to use measuring instruments, such as meters, gauges, micrometers, drafting scales, transit, etc.
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Must exhibit a tolerance for stress, the ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines under a dynamic work schedule. The nature of this job requires performing job duties with numerous interruptions.
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Must exhibit the ability to work with confidential information and maintain confidentiality.
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Must exhibit the ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately.
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Must be able to work extra hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as required to fulfill job duties.
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Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
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Must exhibit the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job duties.
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Due to the hazardous nature of the job environment (mobile equipment, overhead cranes, etc.), an acceptable level of vision and hearing is required in order to identify and respond to visual and audible warnings in a safe manner.
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Must exhibit professionalism and good judgment.
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Must exhibit the ability to effectively train others.
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Must exhibit good reasoning and analytical skills for identifying and resolving problems.
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Must be willing and able to travel as required in order to perform the job duties and represent the Company when needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Three or more years of prior work experience in design engineering, environmental compliance, or project coordination.
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Possess a current State of Alabama Professional Engineers License or, if candidate is a recent graduate, Engineer-In-Training Certification. Proof of license or certification required. A copy of the license or certification must be provided for proof of achievement.
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Knowledge of AMERICAN's manufacturing processes and products, or similar processes and products.
AMERICAN Benefits:
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Paid Vacation and Holidays
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Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonus Plan (Employee-Owned Company)
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Medical, Dental and Supplemental Vision
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Generous 401k and Savings Plan (Company Match)
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Wellness Program
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Tuition Reimbursement
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Employee Assistance Program
About AMERICAN:
Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 1905, AMERICAN is a manufacturer of fire hydrants, valves, ductile iron and spiral-welded steel pipe for the waterworks industry, and high-frequency-welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries. AMERICAN's diversified product line also includes fire pumps, structural casing and piling, castings for waterworks products and large machinery, and specialty rubber products. For more than a century, AMERICAN has been committed to doing things The Right Way by applying the Golden Rule in life and in business, always exceeding customer expectations, by empowering and supporting our team members, and by being a good neighbor in our communities.
EOE/VETS/DISABILITY
