Designer

Introductory Summary

The Designer plays a key role within SmartLam’s Engineering and Design department by supporting the successful delivery of mass timber projects from concept through fabrication and construction. This position is responsible for developing and managing accurate 3D models, preparing detailed submittal and production drawings, coordinating project-specific design information, and supporting collaboration between internal teams, external partners, and customers. The Designer helps ensure each project is completed with precision, efficiency, and a focus on manufacturability, assembly, and SmartLam’s high standard of service.

Location: Columbia Falls, MT or Dothan, AL, Remote Optional

Role Summary

Designers are accountable for supporting the Engineering and Design department to ensure that Mass Timber projects are completed accurately and are issued for review, fabrication and construction in a timely manner. The primary objectives are to manage projects, design for optimal manufacturing and assembly, and ensuring that SmartLam’s high level of service is provided on every project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the design/drafting responsibilities of assigned projects including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:
  • Reviewing, clean up and importing of third-party 3D models (.ifc, .sat, .stp, 3D dwg etc.)
  • Prepare and managing the 3D mass timber model (CLT, Glulam, Fabricate Steel, etc.)
  • Prepare and manage 2D submittal drawings
  • Manage project specific BIM coordination
  • Lead video conference of project review with customer and design team
  • Manage the organization of project specific design folders (source files, RFI’s, working models and documents, etc.)
  • Prepare and manage project specific RFI’s
  • Manage project specific design team (internal and external)
  • Being the point of contact for project specific design questions
  • Prepare and manage the development of production documents for CLT, Glulam and Steel fabrication.
  • Support Project Managers with fastener and hardware take-offs and work orders.
  • Pre-Production kick-off and project review with the production team, as necessary.
• Support the education and training of detailers and 3D modelers.
• Support the Quality Control review of projects
• Support effort to maintain drafting standards for ALL drafting software platforms being utilized.
• Support the preparation of project specific design fee estimations and scheduling, as necessary.
• Support sales team with preliminary models for project specific estimates, as necessary.

Required Skills & Experience

• B.S. in Engineering - Structural Emphasis Preferred
• Experienced with wood design, construction methodology and detailing.
• Experience preparing and reading construction documents and project manuals.
• Experience in FEA software
• Experience in AutoCAD 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products 
• Highly organized, accurate and detailed.
• Self-motivated, energetic and a quick learner
• Able to work well with others in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Masters with focus on Mass Timber engineering
• 2+ years experience in building engineering (structural) and project management.
• Mass Timber engineering and detailing experience
• Experience with CadWork and/or Revit Software – BIM Modeling

This role description provides an overview of key responsibilities and requirements but does not list every possible duty or expectation. Management may adjust responsibilities as needed. Americans with Disabilities; Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity
 SmartLam North America is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws regarding discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other protected status.