Tekla Design Engineer (Structural & Custom Fabrication)

At KDi, we know that a project is only as good as the steel that arrives at the job site—and that steel is only as good as the models you build. We aren't looking for someone to just "draft"; we’re looking for a Tekla Design Engineer who understands that every detail you place in the model directly impacts the success of our shop floor. If you take pride in complex structural design and want to see your work come to life in a shop that moves at high speed, you’ve found your home.

The Mission

• Precision at Pace: Convert structural requirements into accurate, fabrication-ready models and shop drawings. We need speed, but accuracy is the baseline.
• Structural Integrity: Use your deep knowledge of structural steel connections and industry standards to ensure every design is buildable, efficient, and up to code.
• The "Shop First" Approach: You aren't designing for the sake of art; you are designing for the shop floor. You’ll work directly with our shop leads to ensure your prints are clear, intuitive, and minimize assembly time.
• Proactive Coordination: Identify potential clashes or fabrication issues in the model before they reach the cutting table. If you see a problem, you speak up.
• Bridge the Gap: Work closely with our Project Manager to ensure the engineering pipeline stays ahead of our two-shift production schedule.

Qualifications

• Tekla Expertise: Must be highly proficient in Tekla Structures. You should be able to navigate complex models, create clean drawings, and manage bill-of-materials (BOMs) without constant oversight.
• Structural Background: Proven experience in structural steel detailing. You know how beams, columns, and plates go together.
• The "Speed" Factor: You are inherently fast. You know the shortcuts, you understand how to organize your workflow, and you thrive under the pressure of a fast-paced environment.
• Mindset: You own your work. You don't wait to be told what to do; you look at the schedule, see what’s coming next, and you get it done.
• Communication: Comfortable talking to the shop floor. You don't have to be a salesman, but you must be able to explain the "why" behind your design if a fabricator asks.

Why KDi?

Since 1942, KDi has been a staple in Northern Indiana manufacturing. We are a 3rd-generation, family-owned company that lives by 12 Core Values , including:

Find a Way to Win | Work the Problem | Humbly Confident | Continuous Improvement

If you want to work in an environment where your designs are fabricated the next day, and where "getting into the weeds" is a badge of honor, this is the right place for you.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance & HSA options
• Paid time off
• A culture that rewards efficiency, results, and ownership.