Lead Design Engineer

RK Company Overview

As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers' greatest concepts into reality.

Position Summary

The Lead Design Engineer serves as the technical leader of the Design Engineering department, responsible for defining system layout strategy, integration standards, and design methodologies for modular power infrastructure products. This role owns the technical direction of physical system integration across mechanical, electrical, structural, and architectural disciplines, ensuring designs are scalable, manufacturable, and consistently executed across all projects.

Role Responsibilities

* Serve as the technical authority for system layout and integration, establishing the approach for how modular systems are configured and executed.

* Define and maintain design standards, layout rules, and integration best practices across all modular products.

* Lead the development of module architecture, equipment arrangement strategies, and interface definitions to support scalable and repeatable product platforms.

* Provide technical leadership across all design efforts, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment across projects and engineering teams.

* Guide and support Design Engineers and Senior Design Engineers through design reviews, technical direction, and decision-making.

* Lead cross-functional coordination with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and external partners to ensure fully integrated and buildable designs.

* Own resolution of complex cross-disciplinary integration challenges, acting as the final decision-maker for layout and interface conflicts.

* Oversee development and quality of 3D models, general arrangement (GA) drawings, BOMs, and fabrication packages.

* Review and approve third-party engineering packages (structural, mechanical, architectural) to ensure alignment with internal standards and system requirements.

* Drive integration of DFMA principles, ensuring designs support efficient assembly, installation, and production scalability.

* Lead troubleshooting of system-level integration issues during prototype builds and production, implementing robust and repeatable solutions.

* Drive continuous improvement and standardization of modular layouts, templates, and design processes.

* Mentor and develop engineering staff, elevating the technical capability of the Design Engineering team.

Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline required.

* 10+ years of experience in product design and manufacturing, with demonstrated ownership of system-level layouts and multi-disciplinary integration (electrical, mechanical, and structural systems).

* Advanced proficiency in 3D modeling and design software such as Solid Works, Revit, Inventor, or similar CAD platforms.

* Expert-level experience developing and governing system layouts, general arrangements (GA), and complex equipment integration designs.

* Strong knowledge of electrical equipment layouts and NEC clearance requirements.

* Deep understanding of structural design principles, including frames, weldments, lifting/rigging, and support systems.

* Experience integrating HVAC and thermal considerations into enclosure and module designs.

* Strong knowledge of DFMA principles and manufacturing processes, with the ability to influence design for production efficiency.

* Expert experience with BOM management, configuration control, and engineering change processes.

* Ability to evaluate and approve third-party engineering designs and ensure alignment with system requirements.

Minimum

Physical Requirements and Accountability

* Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas.

* Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces and/or other adverse…