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: Engineering / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports project management by coordinating multidisciplinary teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to final close-out, under the guidance of a Project Manager.

• Takes ownership of key deliverables for smaller projects or specific components of larger initiatives, ensuring successful completion within established budgetary and timeline constraints.

• Facilitates critical project reviews by collaborating with Project Managers, Accounting, and Operational and Business leadership to maintain alignment and fiscal responsibility.

• Drives project execution by coordinating workloads across various teams, ensuring efficient progress and timely delivery of all project phases and outputs.

• Contributes to a dynamic and collaborative work environment, actively participating in the firm's employee-owned culture and contributing to its mission of creating impactful infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Assistant Technical Design Manager is positioned within HDR's Power sector, focusing on infrastructure related to energy generation, transmission, and delivery. This implies a need for candidates with an understanding of project coordination within technically complex engineering environments, emphasizing efficiency, budget adherence, and cross-functional team leadership. The "employee-owned culture" aspect highlights the importance of collaborative spirit and proactive contribution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the work of single or multidisciplinary technical teams throughout the entire project life cycle, from development and initiation through to project close-out, under the direct supervision of a Project Manager.

• Assume responsibility for the successful execution of many aspects of smaller projects or specifically assigned components of larger, more complex projects, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives.

• Manage and coordinate workloads across project teams during the execution phase, meticulously tracking progress to ensure all deliverables are completed on time and within budget.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Accounting departments, and Operational and Business leadership to conduct periodic project reviews, providing insights into project status, risks, and financial performance.

• Perform all other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to diverse project needs and team objectives within the Power sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical coordination and project management support, specifically within an engineering context. The focus on "project life cycle," "deliverables on budget and schedule," and "periodic project reviews" indicates a need for strong organizational, planning, and financial oversight capabilities. The role requires bridging the gap between technical design teams and project leadership, ensuring seamless execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, indicating a strong academic foundation in engineering or a related discipline relevant to the Power sector. Experience:

• General background-related experience is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of related experience is preferred, demonstrating a solid track record in technical coordination or project support roles within engineering or a similar industry. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for daily task management, reporting, and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with various design teams, fostering collaboration and clear communication channels.

• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage tasks, prioritize workloads, and maintain project documentation.

• Strong project management fundamentals, including an understanding of project phases, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for conveying technical information and coordinating with diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Power sector, including familiarity with electricity generation, transmission, or distribution systems.

• Knowledge of specific design software or tools relevant to engineering projects (e.g., CAD, BIM, project management software).

• Experience with budget management and financial tracking for project components.

• Familiarity with project scheduling tools and methodologies.

• An active participant mindset within an employee-owned culture, demonstrating initiative, collaboration, and a commitment to shared success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications suggest a role that requires a foundational understanding of technical projects coupled with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The preference for a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience indicates a mid-level position where practical application and demonstrated ability are highly valued. The emphasis on "employee-owned culture" implies a need for candidates who are proactive, team-oriented, and invested in the company's success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful coordination of technical design activities across multiple disciplines for engineering projects.

• Examples of managing project timelines and ensuring timely delivery of design documents and technical specifications.

• Case studies showcasing methods used to track and manage project budgets or specific cost components.

• Evidence of effective communication and collaboration with project teams, stakeholders, and leadership. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how project workflows were managed and optimized to ensure efficiency and adherence to schedules.

• Documentation illustrating contributions to project planning and execution phases, highlighting problem-solving approaches.

• Evidence of experience in tracking project progress and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to project delivery.

• Samples of communication materials or reports used for project status updates and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, for an Assistant Technical Design Manager role, a portfolio demonstrating project coordination, timeline management, and stakeholder communication is crucial. This would ideally include examples of how the candidate managed tasks, facilitated team collaboration, and contributed to the successful delivery of technical projects, even if under supervision. The "employee-owned culture" suggests a portfolio that also highlights collaborative achievements and proactive problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on location (Saint Louis Park, Minnesota), experience level (5-10 years), and the specific industry (Engineering/Power Sector), a competitive salary range for an Assistant Technical Design Manager is estimated to be between $75,000 and $105,000 annually. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in metropolitan areas, considering the responsibilities outlined and the preferred qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs, dental care, and vision services for employees and eligible dependents.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As an employee-owned company, HDR offers opportunities for employees to own a stake in the company, fostering a sense of shared success and long-term commitment.

• Retirement Savings Plan (401k): Offering a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement, often with a company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance and personal time.

• Professional Development and Training: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth through internal and external training programs, conferences, and certifications.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial protection for employees and their families in case of unexpected events.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives aimed at promoting employee health and well-being, potentially including fitness resources or health challenges. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours.

• While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional adjustments to accommodate project deadlines or team needs, subject to managerial approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and industry standards. The benefits highlight the unique aspect of an employee-owned structure, which is a significant differentiator for HDR.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting Services. HDR operates as a global firm providing design, construction, and consulting services across various sectors, with a significant presence in the Power sector, focusing on energy infrastructure.

Company Size: HDR is a large organization, employing over 10,000 individuals globally. This size suggests a stable company with extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and structured career paths, while also maintaining a collaborative culture through its employee-ownership model.

Founded: HDR was founded in 1917. This long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects over a century, providing a strong foundation for innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: Likely comprises project managers, technical leads, design specialists, and support staff focused on delivering engineering projects within the Power sector. The team size can vary significantly based on project scope.

• Reporting Structure: The Assistant Technical Design Manager will report to a Project Manager, working closely with them and potentially other managers overseeing specific project phases or technical disciplines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role inherently involves extensive collaboration with various design disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, electrical, mechanical), project controls, accounting, and business leadership to ensure holistic project success.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Utilizing project data to track progress, identify trends, and inform decision-making for budget and schedule management.

• Workflow Planning: Developing and optimizing workflows for design teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and adherence to project milestones.

• Automation & Efficiency: Identifying opportunities to leverage technology and streamlined processes to improve project delivery and resource utilization.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by its employee-ownership model, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. The Power sector focus indicates a specialization in energy-related infrastructure projects. The size and history of HDR suggest a robust and experienced organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Assistant Technical Design Manager," indicating a mid-level career stage. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to advance into full Project Management roles within the engineering and design field, particularly within the Power sector. It requires a solid foundation in technical coordination and project execution, preparing individuals for greater leadership responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Technical Design Manager reports directly to a Project Manager. This relationship is crucial for mentorship, guidance, and oversight, allowing the Assistant Manager to learn from experienced project leaders while contributing to project success. The direct interaction with Project Managers, Accounting, and Business Leadership provides broad exposure to project financials and strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The operations team, through roles like the Assistant Technical Design Manager, directly impacts the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects. Their efficiency, adherence to budget, and timely execution contribute to HDR's reputation, client satisfaction, and profitability, ultimately enabling the company to "make great things possible" in communities and the energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progression to a full Project Manager role, leading larger and more complex projects independently.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise within a specific technical discipline within the Power sector or gaining broader knowledge across multiple disciplines.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members, lead specific project workstreams, and participate in leadership training programs offered by HDR.

• Employee Ownership Engagement: Active participation in company initiatives and potentially taking on roles within employee committees or governance structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an Assistant Technical Design Manager at HDR appears to be well-defined, with clear opportunities for advancement into project leadership and specialized technical roles, supported by the company's employee-ownership structure and commitment to professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment. This suggests a physical workspace within HDR's Saint Louis Park, Minnesota office.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. This location is part of the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, offering access to urban amenities and a significant professional network.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas conducive to team interaction. As an employee-owned company, there's an emphasis on an open and inclusive atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to standard office technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, and potentially specialized engineering and project management software relevant to HDR's operations. High-speed internet and IT support are expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face interaction with project teams, Project Managers, and other colleagues is a key aspect of the role, facilitating real-time problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• While adherence to project deadlines is crucial, the on-site nature may offer some flexibility in start and end times, subject to team coordination and managerial approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and direct team engagement within HDR's established office environment in Saint Louis Park. The workspace is expected to support both individual focus and team-based project work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and fit with the company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Manager or senior engineering lead) to delve deeper into experience, technical skills, project management capabilities, and understanding of the Power sector.

• Team/Peer Interview: Potential interviews with other team members or peers to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit within the employee-owned framework.

• Technical/Case Study Exercise: Candidates may be asked to complete a technical assessment or a case study related to project coordination, scheduling, or problem-solving in an engineering context.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm suitability and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Coordination: Showcase specific examples where you successfully coordinated multidisciplinary teams, detailing your role in facilitating communication and task management.

• Demonstrate Project Lifecycle Involvement: Present projects where you contributed across different phases, from initiation to close-out, emphasizing your understanding of the entire process.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your contributions with metrics related to budget adherence, schedule performance, or efficiency improvements achieved.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Include examples of challenges faced and how you, or your team under your coordination, resolved them effectively.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight instances of successful cross-functional teamwork and how you fostered positive working relationships.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Coordination Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach coordinating a team with competing priorities or tight deadlines.

• Budget Management: Anticipate questions about how you track project expenses and ensure adherence to financial constraints.

• Communication Strategies: Prepare to explain how you effectively communicate project updates, risks, and issues to different stakeholders.

• Employee Ownership: Reflect on how you contribute to a collaborative and positive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to assess both technical and soft skills, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and alignment with HDR's employee-owned culture. Portfolio preparation should focus on demonstrating experience in coordinating technical teams and managing project elements with a focus on measurable outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, creating reports, and potentially building basic dashboards.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating project status reports, budget summaries, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with systems used for project accounting and financial tracking (specifics would depend on HDR's internal systems).

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for organizing and managing project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a stated requirement. Given the nature of the role in a large engineering firm, experience with dedicated project management software and collaboration tools is highly probable and advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Employee Ownership: A core value at HDR, meaning team members are encouraged to act with a sense of ownership, take initiative, and contribute to the company's overall success and well-being.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique ideas.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings and taking responsibility for actions and project outcomes.

• Innovation & Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement, seeking new solutions, and delivering high-quality work that makes a positive impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The emphasis on employee ownership promotes a highly collaborative approach, where team members work together towards shared goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication across disciplines and hierarchical levels.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of expertise and best practices across teams to elevate overall project delivery capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is strongly shaped by HDR's employee-owned model, which fosters a sense of shared responsibility, collaboration, and mutual respect. Candidates are expected to be proactive team players who value open communication and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Effectively managing the coordination of diverse teams and project aspects simultaneously while ensuring all deadlines and budget constraints are met.

• Navigating Complex Projects: Adapting to the technical intricacies and interdependencies of projects within the Power sector, ensuring all design elements are integrated seamlessly.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating with and managing expectations of various stakeholders, including internal teams, management, and potentially clients.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new design tools, methodologies, and industry best practices within the dynamic engineering and energy sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Management Certification: Pursuing certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) to enhance project leadership skills.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific areas of power system design through internal training, workshops, or external courses.

• Leadership Training: Participating in HDR's leadership development programs to prepare for future management roles.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with experienced Project Managers and technical leaders for guidance and career development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex engineering projects and develop robust project coordination skills. HDR's commitment to employee ownership likely translates into strong support for professional development and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to coordinate a project with multiple stakeholders who had conflicting priorities. How did you manage the situation and ensure project progress?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your process for tracking project budgets and ensuring deliverables stay within financial constraints." (Highlight your organizational and financial awareness.)

• "How do you approach ensuring that technical design teams are aligned and communicating effectively throughout a project's lifecycle?" (Emphasize your coordination and facilitation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to HDR, particularly our employee-owned culture?" (Research the ESOP and emphasize your collaborative spirit and commitment.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and interpersonal skills.)

• "How do you see this role contributing to the success of our Power sector projects?" (Connect your skills to the company's mission and industry focus.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project highlighted, clearly define the objective, your role, the actions you took (especially in coordination and management), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Use your portfolio to illustrate how you worked with and supported various teams to achieve project goals.

• Showcase Process Management: Detail how you managed timelines, resources, and communication to ensure smooth project execution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your contributions (e.g., "helped deliver project X% under budget," "coordinated a team of Y engineers to meet Z deadline").

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of project coordination, budget awareness, and excellent communication skills, all within the context of HDR's employee-owned culture. The portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the HDR Taleo career portal (link provided in the job posting).

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in project coordination, team management, budget adherence, and technical design support, using keywords from the job description such as "project life cycle," "multidisciplinary teams," and "deliverables on budget and schedule."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile examples of projects where you demonstrated strong organizational skills, effective communication with design teams, and contributions to project success. Focus on quantifying achievements and showcasing your ability to manage tasks within project constraints.

• Research HDR: Familiarize yourself with HDR's company culture, particularly its employee-owned model, and its work in the Power sector. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their values and mission.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to potential interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your skills in coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be ready to articulate how you would contribute to the company's success.

⚠️ 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.