Job Description

Overview

Kiewit Nuclear Solutions is seeking an experienced Mechanical Designer to develop mechanical and piping designs for complex nuclear and power projects. This role involves collaboration with various teams and the use of advanced 3D design technology to create practical solutions in the field.

Responsibilities

  • Leverage advanced 3D design tools to create detailed equipment and piping system models.
  • Design comprehensive piping systems for utility and process applications.
  • Participate in early project development stages by contributing to facility layouts and equipment arrangements.
  • Perform detailed reviews and quality checks on design deliverables.
  • Identify and resolve spatial conflicts and constructability issues.
  • Provide technical support to construction teams and respond to RFIs.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain project alignment.
  • Develop and manage project schedules, resource allocation, and work assignments.
  • Mentor junior designers and drafters by sharing best practices.
  • Report project progress and design status to senior design leadership.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or associate degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting Technology, Engineering or related field.
  • Experience with SmartPlant 3D, Microstation, and AutoCAD required.
  • A minimum of 7-10+ years of 3D modeling/detailed design experience.
  • Experience in Nuclear, Industrial, Power, Oil and Gas design.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • DOE and Commercial Nuclear experience preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a background check.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401k
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Location options include Lenexa, Kansas; Houston, Texas; or Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Relocation opportunities may be available.

Benefits

Health Insurance
401k
PTO

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

At roughly $43/hr, this posting sits about 35% above the $32/hr median for welding jobs in Houston, TX — toward the top of a $23–$41/hr middle band drawn from 74 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 82% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 321 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 179 different employers. 80 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,132 other active welding openings from 498 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Kiewit currently has 3 other openings live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Zachry Group (33), Austin Industries (30), and Welding Shop in Austin, TX (21). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Arlington at $40/hr, Dallas at $39/hr, and Pasadena at $36/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Mechanical Designer - Kiewit Nuclear Solutions figures were last recalculated when this page was built.