Program Design Manager

The Program Design Manager is responsible for leading the development of complex programs from initial concept through engineering completion and handoff to execution. Serving as the primary client-facing design lead, this role works directly with customers and internal stakeholders to define requirements, develop design solutions, drive decisions, and maintain program schedules.

This individual will lead design reviews, coordination meetings, and planning workshops while ensuring all program requirements, assumptions, constraints, and decisions are clearly documented and communicated. The Program Design Manager is responsible for identifying risks early, resolving design challenges, and ensuring engineering, manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and construction teams are aligned to the technical strategy and execution of the program design.

Success in this role requires a strong understanding of design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction processes, along with the ability to lead discussions, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and bring the right people together to solve problems. The Program Design Manager is ultimately accountable for turning customer requirements into solutions that can be engineered, manufactured, delivered, and successfully executed.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience: 12+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting.

or

Education: Associate's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

Experience: 10 + years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting. 

or

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting

• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution
• Strong knowledge of ETO (Engineered-to-Order) product design, Design-Build, Mission Critical, and integrated project delivery models
• Experience leading client-facing meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project teams
• Proven ability to manage project schedules, coordinate stakeholders, and drive design decisions to completion

Travel: 10-50%

Work Schedule: Typical work hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. However, work may be performed at any time on any day of the week to meet business needs.

• Leads cross-functional teams from program/project pursuit through design completion and transition to execution.
• Serves as primary leader for design-phase stakeholders, including clients, consultants, internal teams, while driving design schedules, coordinating deliverables, and facilitating timely decisions to support program objectives.
• Drives development of design solutions from concept through detailed engineering documentation.
• Drives standardization and product evolution across programs by leveraging lessons learned, reusable design strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads design activities across engineering, BIM, and operations teams.
•  Partners with Estimating, Procurement, and Engineering to evaluate cost impacts, design alternatives, and value engineering opportunities.
• Develops and manages team budgets and cost estimates.
• Tracks design progress, design changes, and risks throughout program lifecycle.
• Develops and maintains Program Requirements Documentation that serves as the single Source-of-Truth (SoT) that consolidates all requirements of the program/product design.
• Ensures alignment between design intent, manufacturing capabilities, and constructability.
• Ensures design compliance with codes, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Ensures seamless transition from design into program execution.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

The job description and responsibilities described are intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.