Assistant Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Technical Design Manager

Company: HDR

Location: Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Operations - Technical Design Management / Project Coordination

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the operational coordination and management of technical design projects, ensuring efficient execution across multidisciplinary teams.

• Key responsibilities involve supporting project managers in overseeing project lifecycles, from initiation to close-out, with a strong emphasis on budget and schedule adherence.

• The position requires proactive engagement with various stakeholders, including project teams, accounting, and leadership, to facilitate smooth project operations and reviews.

• Success in this role relies on robust organizational skills, effective communication, and a deep understanding of project management principles within an engineering and infrastructure context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as an "Assistant Technical Design Manager," which implies a strong operational focus on the execution and coordination of design projects rather than the direct technical design itself. It sits at the intersection of project management and technical execution, requiring skills in process management, stakeholder alignment, and resource coordination within an engineering environment. The "Power Sector" context suggests a focus on energy infrastructure projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate the efforts of single or multidisciplinary design teams throughout the entire project life cycle, from initial development and initiation through to final close-out, under the guidance of a Project Manager.

• Take ownership of specific aspects of small projects or critical components of larger, complex projects, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and operational standards.

• Manage and track project workloads diligently during the execution phase, ensuring all deliverables are completed accurately, on time, and within the allocated budget.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Accounting departments, and Operational and Business leadership to conduct regular and comprehensive project reviews, identifying potential risks and opportunities for process improvement.

• Support the development and implementation of project plans, ensuring all technical design activities are integrated with broader project management frameworks.

• Actively contribute to process improvement initiatives within the technical design and project coordination functions, seeking opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.

• Maintain detailed project documentation, including progress reports, budget tracking, and schedule updates, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for all relevant stakeholders.

• Facilitate communication channels between design teams, project management, and other internal departments to ensure a cohesive and efficient workflow.

• Assist in the preparation of project proposals, bids, and presentations, contributing operational insights and coordination plans.

• Perform other administrative and operational duties as assigned to support the successful delivery of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize the operational and coordinative aspects of project management within a technical design context. The role requires a blend of project execution, stakeholder management, and process oversight, aligning with typical functions within a Sales Operations or Project Operations framework, but specifically tailored to technical design projects in the infrastructure and power sectors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Business Administration) is strongly preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of related experience in project coordination, technical design support, or a similar operational role within an engineering, construction, or infrastructure environment is required.

• Experience within the Power Sector or in managing energy-related infrastructure projects is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, tracking, and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage the workload of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and task completion.

• Strong organizational skills with a proven track record of managing project deliverables, budgets, and schedules effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for interacting with diverse teams, stakeholders, and leadership.

• A proactive attitude and a commitment to actively participating in an employee-owned culture, demonstrating initiative and engagement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) for detailed scheduling and resource allocation.

• Familiarity with technical design processes and documentation within the engineering or construction industry.

• Understanding of project lifecycle management principles and best practices.

• Experience in budget tracking, forecasting, and financial reporting for projects.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications to support coordination efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5 years related experience" and "Bachelor's degree preferred" suggest this role is geared towards an early to mid-career professional looking to advance in project operations or coordination. The emphasis on Microsoft Office and general background experience points to a foundational requirement, while preferred skills indicate areas that would significantly enhance a candidate's suitability. The explicit mention of an "employee-owned culture" is a key cultural differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in managing project timelines, showcasing effective schedule development, tracking, and adjustment strategies for technical design projects.

• Provide examples of budget management, including tracking expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and contributing to financial reporting for projects.

• Showcase instances of coordinating multidisciplinary teams, illustrating your approach to facilitating collaboration, resolving conflicts, and ensuring aligned execution of tasks.

• Include documentation samples or descriptions of process improvements you have implemented or contributed to, highlighting efficiency gains or enhanced workflow management.

• Present case studies or project summaries that clearly articulate your role in project execution, emphasizing deliverables, timelines, and budget adherence. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or contributing to clear, concise process documentation for project coordination, workflow management, or team collaboration.

• Examples of how you have utilized project management methodologies to document and track project progress, milestones, and dependencies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document and communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to various stakeholders, including technical teams and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly requested in the initial application, candidates should be prepared to discuss projects and responsibilities that demonstrate their capabilities in process management, coordination, and project execution. This section outlines the types of evidence that would be most compelling during an interview process for an operational role focused on technical design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Assistant Technical Design Manager role in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is $70,000 - $95,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area and typical compensation for roles requiring project coordination, technical support, and management skills within the engineering and infrastructure sectors. Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: As part of an employee-owned company, you will have a stake in the company's success, contributing to a unique culture of shared responsibility and reward.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for long-term financial security through a 401(k) or similar retirement savings program, potentially with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning through training programs, workshops, and potential tuition reimbursement, fostering career growth.

• Employee Network Groups: Participation in employee-led groups that foster diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, but flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and critical operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level, factoring in the company's industry (engineering/infrastructure) and employee-owned structure, which often influences compensation philosophy. Benefits are common for large, established firms with employee ownership.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a strong focus on the Power Sector (electricity generation, transmission, and delivery).

Company Size: HDR is a large, global firm, typically employing over 10,000 professionals. This size suggests a well-established corporate structure with ample resources, specialized departments, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: HDR was founded in 1917, indicating a long history of experience and stability in the industry. This longevity suggests a deep well of expertise and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of project coordinators, technical design support staff, and administrative personnel who work in close conjunction with engineering and project management leads.

• Reporting structures will likely be hierarchical, with Assistant Technical Design Managers reporting to Project Managers or Design Managers, who in turn report to senior leadership within the Power sector.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving frequent interaction with various engineering disciplines (electrical, civil, structural), project controls, accounting, procurement, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data analysis is likely used to track project performance, identify trends in budget and schedule adherence, and inform future project planning.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are essential for managing the complex interdependencies of design projects and ensuring efficient resource allocation.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where possible, particularly in documentation, reporting, and communication, to streamline operations and reduce manual effort.

Company Website: https://www.hdrinc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights HDR's scale, history, and focus on employee ownership, which are significant cultural drivers. The "Power Sector" focus is crucial for understanding the types of projects and technical considerations involved. The operations team's role is framed as supporting the core engineering and project delivery functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Assistant Technical Design Manager" role represents an intermediate level in project operations and coordination. It is a stepping stone for individuals looking to grow into full Project Manager roles or specialize further in technical project coordination and operational management within the engineering and infrastructure sectors. The responsibilities indicate a significant level of autonomy in managing specific project components and coordinating teams, but with oversight from senior management.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Project Manager or a Senior Design Manager, who provides guidance, sets project objectives, and reviews performance. This structure ensures mentorship and alignment with broader project goals.

Operations Impact: The operations team, including this role, has a direct impact on project success by ensuring timely and within-budget delivery of technical designs. Efficient coordination and management of design processes contribute significantly to client satisfaction, profitability, and HDR's reputation for reliable project execution in the critical power sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Management Specialization: Transition to a full Project Manager role, taking on greater responsibility for project scope, client relationships, and financial performance. This often involves pursuing certifications like PMP.

• Technical Leadership: Develop deeper expertise within a specific technical discipline or project type (e.g., transmission systems, renewable energy infrastructure) and potentially lead technical coordination efforts for more complex projects.

• Operations Management: Move into broader operational management roles, overseeing multiple projects, improving operational processes, and managing teams of coordinators and support staff.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to engage with industry best practices, attend relevant training and conferences, and stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in project management and technical design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a typical career progression path in operations and project management within a large engineering firm. The growth opportunities are designed to appeal to ambitious professionals seeking advancement and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where employees work from a physical HDR office location. This setting is conducive to direct collaboration, team cohesion, and easy access to resources and colleagues.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. This location serves as a hub for project teams operating within the region, potentially supporting clients and projects across Minnesota and surrounding areas.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project team spaces to facilitate interaction and brainstorming among design teams, project managers, and support staff.

• Access to standard office technology, including robust IT infrastructure, communication tools, and potentially specialized design software interfaces, will be available to support operational tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with experienced project managers, technical leads, and fellow operations professionals will be abundant, fostering a learning environment and facilitating problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role requires approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. While a typical Monday-Friday schedule is expected, occasional flexibility may be necessary to accommodate project deadlines, urgent client needs, or critical operational reviews, especially given the importance of timely project delivery in the power sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. The description emphasizes the collaborative nature of the office environment and the availability of resources crucial for operational roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience, with a focus on project coordination and operational support.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Manager or Design Manager) to delve into your experience with project coordination, team management, budget/schedule adherence, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially an interview with other team members or a technical lead to assess your understanding of design project lifecycles, your ability to collaborate with technical teams, and your communication style.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: An evaluation of your alignment with HDR's employee-owned culture, emphasizing your collaborative spirit, initiative, and commitment to shared success.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Coordination: If you have a formal portfolio, include specific projects where you were instrumental in coordinating design teams, managing timelines, and tracking budgets. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "contributed to delivering X project Y% under budget").

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Showcase any instances where you identified inefficiencies in project workflows or communication and proposed or implemented solutions that improved outcomes.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Provide examples of reports, presentations, or documentation you've created that effectively communicate complex project information to diverse audiences.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Detail how you've successfully worked with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals, highlighting your role in fostering teamwork.

• Address Cultural Alignment: Be ready to speak about your understanding of and enthusiasm for an employee-owned culture and how you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to project coordination challenges, such as managing competing priorities, resolving team conflicts, or addressing budget/schedule deviations.

• Practice articulating your approach to project management, focusing on your role in execution, coordination, and support.

• Consider how you would communicate project status updates to different stakeholders (e.g., a technical team vs. senior leadership).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their experience and prepare for the specific interview stages common in project-focused roles within large engineering firms. The emphasis on portfolio content is tailored to operational and coordination achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for tracking and reporting, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication. Advanced Excel skills for data manipulation and analysis are highly beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking is highly advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal company platforms for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel-based Reporting: Proficiency in creating custom reports and dashboards using Excel for project performance tracking, budget monitoring, and schedule analysis.

• ERP/Financial Systems: Exposure to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or financial management software used for project accounting, invoicing, and budget oversight.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how project data integrates with company-wide CRM systems for client management and business development may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with any workflow automation tools or processes used within HDR for task management, document routing, or reporting could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred from typical requirements for project coordination roles in large engineering firms. The emphasis is on productivity tools, project management software, and basic reporting capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve common project goals, reflecting HDR's employee-owned ethos.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high standards of professional conduct, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in project execution and reporting.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, striving for continuous improvement in processes and project outcomes.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to problem-solving and project execution, even within established operational frameworks.

• Inclusion: Actively contributing to a welcoming and respectful environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to share their perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Operations professionals are expected to integrate seamlessly with engineering, project management, and administrative teams, acting as a central point of coordination.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages open, honest, and timely communication to address potential issues, share updates, and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share best practices, lessons learned, and insights to collectively enhance project delivery and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are derived from HDR's stated company culture and the typical values emphasized in professional services and engineering firms, particularly those that are employee-owned.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing the demands of multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and technical intricacies. This requires strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Coordinating diverse teams with potentially competing priorities and ensuring effective communication and buy-in from all parties involved, from technical experts to senior management.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Requirements: Responding to changes in project scope, technical specifications, or client needs while maintaining schedule and budget integrity.

• Driving Efficiency in Established Processes: Identifying opportunities for process improvement and automation within a large, established organization, which may require navigating internal protocols and gaining stakeholder consensus.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) to advance career prospects.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen understanding of specific technical areas within the Power Sector through internal training, workshops, and project exposure.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in programs designed to cultivate leadership skills, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced Project Managers and Design Managers who can provide guidance, share knowledge, and support career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to reflect common operational hurdles in project-intensive environments, while growth opportunities are designed to appeal to career-minded individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to coordinate a multidisciplinary team on a complex project. What was your role, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on your coordination process, communication strategies, and problem-solving approach.)

• "How do you ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget? Walk me through your process for tracking and managing project schedules and finances." (Emphasize your organizational skills, use of tools, and proactive risk management.)

• "Imagine a situation where a technical team is behind schedule. How would you approach this as an Assistant Technical Design Manager, and what steps would you take to get the project back on track?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills, communication with stakeholders, and ability to implement solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HDR's employee-owned culture, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?" (Research HDR's values, employee network groups, and be ready to articulate how your collaborative spirit aligns.)

• "How do you handle working with diverse teams and personalities to achieve a common goal?" (Provide examples of your collaborative approach and ability to foster positive working relationships.)

• "Describe your experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, in a project management or coordination context." (Be ready to discuss specific functions, reporting methods, and data analysis techniques you've used.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Achievements: When discussing past projects, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "managed a budget of $X," "coordinated a team of Y," "contributed to a project delivered Z% ahead of schedule").

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the processes you followed for coordination, communication, tracking, and problem-solving. This is key for an operations role.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present specific examples of challenges you faced and the steps you took to overcome them, highlighting your analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Tailor to HDR: Connect your experiences and skills to HDR's work in the Power Sector and their commitment to employee ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and strategies are designed to help candidates prepare for interviews that assess both technical/operational capabilities and cultural fit, with a specific focus on the requirements of an Assistant Technical Design Manager role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the HDR career portal linked from the job posting.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight quantifiable achievements in project coordination, budget management, schedule adherence, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Use keywords from the job description and HDR's industry (e.g., "Power Sector," "technical design," "project execution").

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather examples of projects where you demonstrated strong organizational and coordination skills. Be ready to discuss your role in managing deliverables, budgets, and timelines, and any process improvements you contributed to.

• Research HDR: Familiarize yourself with HDR's company history, values, recent projects (especially in the Power Sector), and their employee-owned culture. Understand how your skills and aspirations align with their mission.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to project coordination, problem-solving, and collaboration, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.