Design Technician

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. 

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Design Technician located out of our Bloomington, MN corporate office.  This role will create project feasibility drawings for both new store and reinvestment projects. Provide support for the development of new food and treat prototype concepts for both North America and International markets. Develop and maintain prototype plan documents that comply with current building codes and utilize industry standard construction methodology. Assist prototype plan development progress with external consulting engineers and respond to inquiries from outside parties regarding application of design finishes and elements, sourcing of materials, and other matters pertinent to the timely completion of projects. The overall objective of aligning the system image design and operational standards is to provide the greatest opportunity for franchisees to maximize return on investment.

Principal Accountabilities Include:

• Feasibility Drawing Assistance: Create project feasibility drawings for both new store and reinvestment projects based on requests submitted by franchise developers, field staff, and franchisees. Generate rendered site plans, building plans, and exterior elevation solutions utilizing prior design experience and food service knowledge. In addition, formulate production core and back-of house equipment feasibility layouts representing the best use of current approved operational standards and principals. Completed drawings are to be in accordance with prevailing building codes and accessibility standards and are expected to be precise in their representation of a proposed location to provide the franchisee a reasonable assessment of project viability and cost. Requires in-depth knowledge of current food and treat concept designs and approved equipment specifications.
• New Concept Development: Assist in the creation and documentation of new store prototype designs for all concepts in the DQ® system. Utilize CAD and 3D software to create design intent working drawings and support materials to accurately communicate concept design resolutions. Assist in the development of equipment plans that reflect the operational needs of current and proposed menu platforms and customer service methods. Provide new store technical support for architects, engineers, and builders on the various building systems, details, and specifications impacted by proposed equipment layout or building design. Requires in-depth knowledge of current food and treat concept equipment specifications including electrical, mechanical and plumbing needs based on facility type or anticipated usage.
• Prototype Plan Development and Maintenance: Responsible for the development of prototype plan documents for all IDQ facility design concepts. Coordinate the completion of the prototype Design Intent documents with consulting architect, structural, M/E/P consulting engineers. Work with vendors to source appropriate materials to be utilized for the construction of prototype buildings. Generate plan revision bulletin documentation in response to engineering modifications, material specification changes, furniture or fixture updates, equipment specification changes, and operational revisions that impact equipment positioning or selection.
• Communications: Effectively communicate status and content of prototype drawings with internal and external persons.  Respond in a prompt and courteous manner to the numerous inquiries from outside parties regarding application of design finishes and elements, sourcing of materials, and other matters pertinent to the timely completion of projects. Provide guidance to field and internal staff, architects, builders, franchisees and vendors on the accurate and effective application of new store and reinvestment program requirements. 
• Support DAC or other corporate-wide initiatives: Utilize design and technical expertise to assist the various corporate initiatives including the Connect franchisee gathering, numerous operational and equipment explorations, branding and merchandising applications in new store prototypes, and non-traditional building prototype explorations.

Education & Qualifications

• Associate or technical degree in Architectural Technologies, or a related specialized field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of design and/or construction documentation experience with a multiple restaurant (QSR) project background preferred.
• Custom design and plan preparation as well as collaboration experience with architects, general contractors and franchisees on construction drawing interpretation (in a food service setting preferred).

Skills

• Working knowledge of AutoCad, Revit, Bluebeam, and 3D software to produce high quality drawings, renderings, and photo reviews.
• Track record of independently creating design and/or construction documents in accordance with recognized industry drawing standards and formatting.
• General understanding of both historic and current building construction industry systems and techniques.
• Informed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate information in a department and/or team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite application software.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized and focused on detail and accuracy, as well as ability to provide daily project status updates.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently for periods of time up to 8 hours.

The US national hourly range for this non-exempt position is $34.31 - $41.17.  The base hourly range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and relevant education or experience.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.