Project Designer

Job DetailsJob Location: Shield - KS - Kansas City, KS 66115Position Type: Full TimeSummary SHIELD 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 SketchUp, 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 considerations. Ability to manage projects of varying complexity, with the appropriate level of support based on experience. Interest in developing leadership and coaching skills as experience grows. Commitment to the success of the Design/Estimating team and to contributing positively to SHIELD's company culture. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, or a related field required. 0–4+ years of relevant professional experience in design, architecture, manufacturing, fabrication, or a related field. Candidates with varying levels of experience are encouraged to apply. Working knowledge of SketchUp Pro and Microsoft Excel required; professional experience with these tools is preferred. Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or similar design tools is a plus. Experience with casework, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, or similar products is highly preferred. Familiarity with fabrication tools, materials, and manufacturing processes is highly preferred. Comfortable—or interested in becoming comfortable—with job-site activities such as field verification, project site checks, installations, and occasional off-site client meetings. What matters most: We’re looking for a designer who is curious, detail-oriented, collaborative, and excited about seeing ideas become real, fabricated products. You may be early in your career and ready to learn from an experienced team, or you may bring several years of experience and be ready to take greater ownership of complex projects. We’re interested in finding the right combination of design thinking, technical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and team mindset. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Extensive use of standard computer equipment. Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing, crouching, or crawling. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to communicate verbally and hear effectively. Work Environment Because of our onsite fabrication process, employees may work in or around an active manufacturing environment. While performing the duties of this position, employees may occasionally be exposed to hot and/or cold conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions. Adherence to company safety policies is required. Qualifications