What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Designer position at Kahuna USA LLC?
Company Name: Kahuna USA, LLC (Kahuna)
Title of position: Lead Designer
Position type: Full Time
Pay range: $42–$65 Hourly
Location: Westminster, Colorado
About Kahuna USA
Kahuna is an energy-focused organization, driven by growth, project execution, and long-term relationships. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative, and rewarding work environment rooted in our core values: Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Safety, and Empowerment. We are committed to creating a workplace that employees are proud to be part of — and one they can build a long and fulfilling career with.
About the Role
The Lead Designer role is a senior-level position responsible for leading piping design efforts on large-scale projects, including cryogenic gas processing, amine treating, refrigeration, condensate stabilization, and oil treating facilities. In this role, you will oversee the development and execution of complex 3D piping designs, ensuring alignment with project objectives and technical requirements.
You will operate with a high level of autonomy while coordinating closely with multi-discipline engineering leads to manage design efforts across concurrent projects. This role carries responsibility for ensuring that all drawings and deliverables meet company standards, project schedules, and budget expectations.
As a leader within the design team, you will mentor and develop designers at all levels, provide technical guidance, and perform quality checks and back-checks to ensure accuracy and consistency. You will play a critical role in driving successful project outcomes while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
What You’ll Do
- Strong P&ID and piping annotation skills; able to implement redlines per Kahuna standards, identify errors, and generate walkdown-based P&IDs with minimal guidance.
- Proficient with Basic 3D modeling using CADWorx Plant® (or AutoCAD Plant 3D®) with some direction from experienced designers; consistently produces accurate piping models and construction drawings.
- Meter station level piping ability; able to route and detail piping with intermediate knowledge of piping rules of thumb and supporting piping.
- Independently lead piping on small and mid-sized projects while coordinating with supervisors, designers, and engineers.
- Coordinate with other design teams to ensure continuous flow of information concerning other engineering disciplines affecting the design execution of a project.
- Assist in development of group standards and practices and proactively lead evolution of team designs and pre-developed tools/templates.
- Prepares complex plans, sections, details, isometrics, and Bills of Materials with attention to design integrity, working closely with senior staff.
- Effectively manages multiple small projects with conflicting deadlines, identifying potential delays and maintaining proactive task flow and drawing accuracy. Commitment to putting in the time required to complete assigned tasks to meet deadlines.
- Utilizes AutoCAD® and CADWorx Plant® to create and manage 3D models, strictly following company drafting standards and protocols.
- Accurately interprets engineering specifications and applies them throughout the piping modeling and annotation process. Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 piping codes.
- Reviews and assists with drawings from less experienced designers, marking up as needed to ensure a functional design. Contributes to mentoring and development of junior staff.
- Consistently communicate technical and administrative project/task details including correspondence via emails and general documentation. Proactive in communicating project status and workload.
- Demonstrates professionalism, punctuality, and a strong sense of ownership for assigned work. Continuously seeks to improve drafting efficiency, AutoCAD capabilities, and industry knowledge.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
What You’ll Bring
- 2–4 years of progressive relevant design experience or equivalent; 2 years minimum required.
- CADWorx Plant® proficiency required (or AutoCAD Plant 3D® at equivalent level); must be able to build and manage 3D piping models.
- Strong knowledge of available Navisworks® tools; able to operate Freedom, Manage, and Simulate and perform a presentation internally.
- Proficient AutoCAD® skills: knows how to use LISP routines, tools, plotting settings, and CUI; understands AutoCAD setup, layer properties, and xrefs, learning project setup.
- Highly detail-oriented; consistently precise and organized in producing and handling technical drawings; able to prioritize and multitask as an individual.
- Receives general to minimal supervision; communicates effectively with engineers and senior designers.
- Strong computer literacy; proficient in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD®, CADWorx P&ID®, CADWorx Plant®, and Bluebeam Revu®.
- Completion of community college coursework or drafting/CAD classes a plus.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Kahuna offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) participation
- Optional supplemental insurance coverage
- Paid Time Off and company holidays
- Access to onsite fitness facilities
- Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development
Learn more about our culture, history, and the exciting work we do at www.KahunaUSA.com
Next Steps
To apply, please provide a copy of your resume and cover letter and apply directly through our website at www.Kahunausa.com. Kahuna is a DOT-regulated company; therefore, this position will require that the candidate pass an initial drug screen and background check upon hire. Must be eligible to work in the United States as this job is ineligible for sponsorship.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Kahuna is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
What You’ll Bring
- 6–15 years of progressive relevant design experience or equivalent; 8 years minimum in a lead role.
- Expert-level CADWorx Plant® proficiency required, independent 3D model building, spec editing, ISOGEN setup, and clash review.
- Advanced mastery and expert knowledge of available Navisworks® tools; able to perform a presentation with a client using Freedom, Manage, and Simulate without any guidance.
- Advanced mastery and expert of AutoCAD®; understands, can edit and use LISP routines, tools, plotting settings, and CUI; creates new tools to be more efficient; can troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical assistance to others. V-Lisp tool development a plus.
- Proficient in 3D modeling and software tools including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD®, CADWorx P&ID®, CADWorx Plant®, Bluebeam Revu®, Navisworks®, and other relevant company platforms.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and dependable; able to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team.
- Capable of interpreting engineering specifications and applying relevant codes, standards, and material knowledge to practical design solutions.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and lead the work of junior designers and drafters.
- Coursework in drafting/CAD, community college studies, or supervisory/managerial training is a plus.
- Laser scanning and point cloud drafting capabilities a plus.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Kahuna offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) participation
- Optional supplemental insurance coverage
- Paid Time Off and company holidays
- Access to onsite fitness facilities
- Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development
Learn more about our culture, history, and the exciting work we do at www.KahunaUSA.com
Next Steps
To apply, please provide a copy of your resume and cover letter and apply directly through our website at www.Kahunausa.com. Kahuna is a DOT-regulated company; therefore, this position will require that the candidate pass an initial drug screen and background check upon hire. Must be eligible to work in the United States as this job is ineligible for sponsorship.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Kahuna is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Salary : $42 - $65