Job Title: VDC TechnicianJob DescriptionThe VDC Technician plays a key role on a growing Virtual Design and Construction team, producing LOD 400 mechanical and plumbing models, prefabrication drawings, and coordinated BIM deliverables that connect engineering design directly to field installation. Working at the intersection of design and construction, this role collaborates closely with project managers, field foremen, and engineering staff on industrial, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, and education projects, with a clear growth path into VDC leadership as the team expands.
Responsibilities
- Model mechanical and plumbing systems at LOD 400 using Autodesk Fabrication for Revit, based on issued construction documents and approved equipment submittals, in full compliance with trade standards and local codes.
- Produce detailed mechanical and plumbing shop drawings and spool drawings using Evolve and/or Stratus, including comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all pipework, fittings, and accessories.
- Create and maintain Revit families based on approved submittals and manufacturer content, confirming all critical dimensions and ensuring accuracy for fabrication and installation.
- Represent the organization in MEP coordination meetings with architects, engineers, general contractors, code officials, and other trades, leading clash detection efforts, generating clash reports, and maintaining thorough meeting documentation.
- Provide direct field support through site visits for surveys, progress checks, quality control inspections, and in-person coordination with installation crews to ensure models and drawings align with field conditions.
- Partner with project managers on the development of RFIs and change orders, and participate in preconstruction reviews to identify prefabrication opportunities, racks, skids, and other constructability enhancements.
- Assist with database management and contribute to the development, refinement, and continuous improvement of VDC standards, spooling processes, and BIM workflows.
- Support engineering staff with production drawings, submittals, and equipment selection as needed, leveraging knowledge of mechanical and plumbing system design principles.
- Collaborate on design-build workflows, coordinating with general contractors and other stakeholders throughout the construction phase to support successful project delivery.
- Help mentor and support junior designers and coordinators, sharing best practices and contributing to a collaborative, learning-focused VDC culture.
Essential Skills
- Associate's degree in CAD/Drafting, Mechanical Design, or a related technical field, or 3+ years of equivalent hands-on experience, which may include field apprentice experience with strong computer proficiency.
- At least 2 years of experience drafting in Revit, AutoCAD, or comparable BIM/CAD software.
- At least 2 years of experience in MEP engineering, mechanical or plumbing construction, or a closely related field.
- Proficiency using computers, Microsoft 365, plotters, and printers for daily design and documentation tasks.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent the organization professionally in internal and external coordination meetings.
- High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality control standards in modeling and documentation.
- Ability to work independently after onboarding, exercising sound judgment regarding when to escalate issues or seek guidance.
- Ability and willingness to visit active construction sites for surveys, progress checks, and quality assurance activities.
- Ability to manage multiple project timelines simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Experience working with BIM, CAD, and MEP design tools such as Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, and familiarity with construction and drafting practices.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Proficiency with Autodesk Fabrication for Revit and Navisworks, with demonstrated ability to produce coordinated 3D drawings and run clash detection reports.
- Working knowledge of Minnesota Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, including the ability to read, interpret, and critically evaluate plans and specifications.
- Experience with design-build workflows, including collaborating with general contractors, managing RFIs, and supporting construction phase coordination.
- Familiarity with spool drawing production using Evolve and/or Stratus and experience supporting prefabrication workflows, including fabrication spooling for racks and skids.
- Knowledge of mechanical and plumbing system design principles and the ability to assist engineering staff with system layout decisions.
- Experience mentoring or training junior designers or coordinators and an interest in growing into a VDC leadership role.
- Hands-on experience with BIM coordination for industrial and process environments, including fabrication-ready piping and mechanical models for active plants.
- Experience with BIM coordination and sleeve layouts for healthcare and medical facility construction.
- Experience producing fully coordinated mechanical and plumbing models for hospitality, commercial, and retail projects, including small to medium commercial work.
- Experience with mechanical retrofits and new construction coordination on educational campuses.
- Practical familiarity with clash detection and class detection workflows in Navisworks or similar tools.
- Experience creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) for mechanical and plumbing systems.
- Background in MEP design, drafting, and construction, including working within LOD 400 modeling standards.
Work EnvironmentThis position begins on-site, providing close collaboration with project teams and direct exposure to active construction sites, with the potential to transition to a hybrid schedule at leaderships discretion. The work environment centers on the use of BIM and CAD technologies such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Fabrication, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Evolve, Stratus, and Microsoft 365, supported by plotters and printers for producing detailed drawings and documentation. You will work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting that requires regular coordination with project managers, engineers, field foremen, general contractors, code officials, and other trades. Site visits to industrial plants, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, commercial buildings, and educational campuses are an integral part of the role for surveys, progress checks, and quality assurance. The culture emphasizes collaboration, precision, continuous improvement of VDC standards, and professional development, including opportunities to mentor others and grow into VDC leadership. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Shakopee, MN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $115000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; PTO and paid holidays. Flexible working hours. Professional development: continuing education support, software training, and a defined path toward VDC leadership as the team grows. Hands-on collaboration with field installation crews sheet metal, plumbing, and piping trades providing real-time feedback that sharpens your modeling decisions and accelerates career growth. Collaborative culture with direct access to leadership and a clear path to senior VDC roles. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Shakopee, MN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Shakopee,MN.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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