Project Designer

Location: Fairfax

SummarySHIELD is a Kansas City-based manufacturer that designs and builds products for some of the world’s leading sports and healthcare brands. Our lockers are chosen by top NBA, NFL, and NCAA teams, while our innovative healthcare products help doctors and nurses serve their patients in modern, clean environments at nationally recognized healthcare facilities across the United States.

Reporting to the Design/Estimating Manager, the Project Designer plays a critical role in turning client ideas into thoughtful, buildable, and cost-effective solutions. This role balances creativity with technical problem-solving to develop design and estimate packages that meet client expectations while considering feasibility, quality, schedule, and budget.

The Project Designer collaborates closely with clients, Sales, Project Management, Estimating, Production, Engineering, external vendors, and other partners throughout the design process—from early concepts through construction documentation and production.

We are open to candidates at different stages of their careers. The scope and complexity of projects, level of independence, and opportunities to lead or mentor others will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience and demonstrated capabilities.

Essential Responsibilities Use Sketch Up, Excel, and other necessary software to create high-quality, accurate, and timely design drawings and estimates through multiple phases, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.

Translate client goals and design intent into solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, manufacturability, quality, schedule, and cost.

Work proactively and collaboratively with clients, Sales, Project Management, Estimating, Production, Engineering, and other teams to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective.

Clearly and thoroughly document design decisions, specifications, and cost details so they are understood by all stakeholders.

Apply and champion the use of standard components, assemblies, and processes while identifying opportunities for custom solutions when appropriate.

Receive, interpret, and execute information from both internal and external clients with a high level of attention to detail.

Take ownership of assigned design projects and deliverables, working to ensure they are completed on time and within established budgets.

Collaborate with project managers and cross-functional teams to establish scope, deliverables, resources, work plans, budgets, and schedules for new projects.

Develop solutions using an understanding of materials, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.

Participate in field verification, project site checks, installations, and occasional off-site client meetings as needed.

Build and maintain collaborative, professional relationships across Sales, Design, Estimating, Production, Engineering, Accounting, and other project teams.

Contribute to departmental process improvements, standards, and best practices.

Participate in—and, depending on experience, lead—project initiatives with urgency, humility, accountability, and respect.

Depending on experience, provide guidance, technical support, or coaching to less-experienced teammates.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to balance design intent with technical and budget considerations.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent listening skills and the ability to understand and translate client needs.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Ability and willingness to learn new skills, processes, materials, and software.

Comfort working across both design and estimating, balancing creative and technical thinking.

Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and contribute positively to a team environment.

Developing to demonstrated ability to think independently, make informed decisions, and take ownership of work.

Developing to demonstrated knowledge of material selection, fabrication methods, and manufacturing…