Food Service Designer

Role overview

The Food Service Designer role focuses on creating detailed technical drawings, layout plans, and supporting documentation for commercial foodservice spaces. Projects may include restaurants, hotels, healthcare buildings, schools, and institutional kitchens. The position works closely with sales teams, owners, operators, architects, engineers, equipment vendors, general contractors, and project managers to produce accurate plans that help kitchens function efficiently while meeting code, standard, and client expectations.

The ideal candidate is personable, self-directed, highly organized, and comfortable working independently. Strong experience with Revit, BIM, and Bluebeam is especially valued.

Key responsibilities

• Develop precise foodservice equipment drawings, kitchen layouts, utility plans, and installation documents using CAD tools.
• Use AutoCAD, KCL, Adobe tools, Microsoft Office apps, and email effectively in day-to-day work.
• Work with additional design platforms when needed, such as SketchUp and Photoshop.
• Create polished presentations in Microsoft Office, with particular strength in PowerPoint.
• Use Google Workspace tools such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Slides.
• Discuss project needs with sales teams and customers to define scope and requirements.
• Plan kitchen, seating, and restroom arrangements in line with building, ADA, and health code requirements.
• Design custom stainless-steel details and related fabrication elements.
• Check spec sheets and shop drawings for utility-related details.
• Support review of shop drawings and related project documents.
• Communicate clearly with architects, engineers, vendors, and customers in both written and verbal form.
• Take part in internal and customer review meetings to discuss drawings and updates.
• Manage workload priorities across multiple assignments.
• Stay updated on kitchen products through rep meetings and presentations.
• Track billable and non-billable time accurately.
• Organize and archive digital and physical project files as needed.
• Respond to customer questions about custom dimensions and product details.
• Join coordination meetings with consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Perform site visits and field measurements when required.

Requirements

• A degree, certification, or equivalent experience in design, CAD drafting, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively across functions and with diverse teams.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, with Revit or BIM experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of commercial kitchen and foodservice equipment layouts.
• Solid understanding of construction drawings and drafting standards.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering documents.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational habits.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Capability to handle several projects at once and meet deadlines.
• Preferred experience in foodservice consulting, commercial kitchen design, restaurant development, or hospitality projects.
• Familiarity with NSF requirements and foodservice design best practices is an advantage.
• Knowledge of MEP coordination is preferred.
• Experience with VR or rendering tools such as Twinmotion is a plus.
• 3D modeling and BIM coordination experience is beneficial.

Work environment and physical expectations

This role is primarily office-based in an indoor setting, though conditions may vary. The work involves extended computer use and may occasionally require standing, stooping, bending, or kneeling. Site visits to construction locations or existing facilities may be necessary, and occasional travel could be part of the job.

Performance expectations

• Deliver accurate, complete drawing packages.
• Keep projects on schedule and meet drafting deadlines.
• Reduce errors and revision cycles caused by coordination gaps.
• Help move projects smoothly from concept stage through installation.
• Ensure work remains aligned with relevant codes and client standards.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer is committed to fair hiring and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Benefits

Benefits include a 401(k) match, medical, dental, and vision coverage with a strong employer-paid premium contribution for the employee, vacation accrual, and access to additional voluntary benefits.

Compensation

Starting pay is $26 to $31 per hour, depending on experience.