Senior Mechanical Designer
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $80,000 $120,000 (DOE)
Senior Mechanical Designer
Location: Richland, WA (Position based 100% onsite)
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary Range: $80,000 $120,000 (DOE)
About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a 30+ year legacy of delivering practical, cost-effective solutions to clients in the nuclear, defense, energy, and environmental sectors. Originally founded to support nuclear cleanup work for the U.S. Department of Energy at Hanford, weve grown into a full-service engineering, fabrication, and project execution firm serving both federal and commercial markets.Our team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and focused on precision, accountability, and results. We pride ourselves on integrity, agility, and technical excellenceand were looking for professionals who share these values.
Why Join Columbia Energy?
At Columbia Energy, youll work in an environment that values initiative, continuous improvement, and smart problem-solving. As a small but growing company, we offer the opportunity to make an immediate and visible impact. This is a chance to take ownership of your work, see your designs brought to life, and contribute meaningfully to the success of complex, highly regulated projects.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to support the development of piping systems and mechanical equipment from concept through fabrication and installation. This position plays a key role in translating engineering concepts into buildable 3D models and detailed fabrication drawings, working closely with engineers, project managers, and shop personnel.
This is a hands-on, detail-driven role for someone with strong experience designing for fabrication and familiarity with ASME standards, manufacturing processes, and equipment layout.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
Create piping and mechanical system designs in collaboration with project teams.
Develop 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
Apply ASME and client-specific drafting standards.
Translate redlines, markups, and engineering comments into drawing revisions.
Produce accurate, shop-ready packages based on real-world fabrication constraints.
Support ECN/DCN processes and shop redline updates.
Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and fabrication staff throughout design lifecycle.
Contribute to solutions for field installation and constructability challenges.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma
2-Year Degree in Drafting, Mechanical Design, or Engineering Technology
12+ years of mechanical design experience
Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD
Must be a U.S. (due to federal contract requirements)
Qualifications
Experience designing equipment and piping for DOE or Hanford Tank Farm projects
Working knowledge of fabrication and machining processes (welding, cutting, tolerances)
Familiarity with Creo, SolidWorks, SmartPlant, or other 3D modeling tools
Prior experience preparing ECNs/DCNs and fabrication drawing packages
Key Success Attributes
Detail-Oriented: Produces clean, buildable designs with accuracy and clarity.
Collaborative: Works well with engineers, project managers, and shop staff.
Adaptable: Thrives in fast-paced projects with shifting priorities and real-time changes.
Problem Solver: Brings practical thinking and hands-on solutions to the table.
Ownership Mentality: Sees work through from concept to fabrication.
Core Competencies
Technical Precision
Critical Thinking
Communication
Reliability
Professional Integrity
Working Conditions
This position is office-based in Richland, WA, with occasional collaboration with fabrication and field teams.
Standard business hours with occasional flexibility depending on project needs.
Columbia Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , or veteran status.