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 & Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: July 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Project Lifecycle Coordination: Oversee and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teams across all project phases, from initial development to final close-out, under the guidance of a Project Manager. This involves ensuring seamless collaboration and adherence to project objectives.

• Scope Management: Take responsibility for managing specific aspects of larger projects or the entirety of smaller projects, ensuring all deliverables are completed within the defined scope and quality standards.

• Budget and Schedule Oversight: Actively manage project budgets and timelines, working closely with project managers and accounting to monitor financial performance and project progress, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with Project Managers, Accounting, and Operational and Business leadership to facilitate periodic project reviews, providing critical insights into project status, risks, and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Assistant Technical Design Manager," the core responsibilities and AI-derived keywords strongly indicate a role focused on the operational and managerial aspects of technical projects, particularly within the Power sector. This suggests a need for strong project management, coordination, and stakeholder communication skills, rather than purely hands-on technical design. The emphasis on budget, schedule, and cross-functional collaboration positions this role within the broader scope of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations, specifically in managing project execution and delivery aspects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Assume accountability for the successful execution of key aspects of small-scale projects or specific components of larger, more complex initiatives.

• Proactively manage and track workload distribution to ensure timely completion of project deliverables, consistently meeting established budget and schedule parameters.

• Collaborate effectively with the Project Manager, Accounting department, and Operational and Business leadership to conduct regular and comprehensive project reviews, presenting status updates, financial reports, and performance metrics.

• Maintain meticulous project documentation, ensuring all project-related information, decisions, and changes are accurately recorded and accessible.

• Identify potential project risks and challenges early in the lifecycle and develop proactive mitigation plans in conjunction with the Project Manager.

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication among project team members, stakeholders, and leadership to ensure alignment and address any emerging issues.

• Support the Project Manager in client interactions, particularly concerning project scope, progress, and deliverables, ensuring client satisfaction.

• Perform other essential duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the project and the operations team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct project management tasks and supportive coordination roles. The mention of "single or multidisciplinary teams" and "single aspect of a larger project" suggests that the role might involve managing specific workstreams or supporting multiple smaller projects concurrently, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Preferred) Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of general background-related experience in project coordination, technical design support, or a similar operational management role.

• Demonstrated experience managing project deliverables within defined budget and schedule constraints. Required Skills:

• Project Management Fundamentals: Proven ability to coordinate project activities, manage timelines, and ensure the successful delivery of project components.

• Technical Design Acumen: Understanding of technical design processes and the ability to interface effectively with design teams.

• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, reporting, and communication.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain meticulous records.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, essential for interacting with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Commitment to Employee Ownership: A proactive attitude and dedication to actively participating in and contributing to an employee-owned company culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrated ability to guide and motivate project teams, even in a supporting capacity.

• Budget Management: Experience in tracking and managing project budgets.

• Schedule Management: Proficiency in developing and adhering to project schedules.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with diverse departments (e.g., Accounting, Operations, Business Leadership).

• Power Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with the power sector, infrastructure development, or grid transformation is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a foundational understanding of project execution and technical environments, with a strong preference for formal education and broader experience in managing project components. The emphasis on "attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture" is a key cultural fit requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Coordination Case Studies: Showcase examples of projects where you successfully coordinated multidisciplinary teams, highlighting your role in ensuring seamless workflow and timely delivery. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "improved team coordination efficiency by X%").

• Budget & Schedule Management Examples: Provide evidence of your ability to manage project budgets and schedules. This could include sample project plans, budget tracking reports, or case studies detailing how you navigated budget constraints or schedule challenges.

• Process Improvement Documentation: If applicable, include documentation or descriptions of processes you helped optimize or streamline within a project context, focusing on efficiency gains or risk reduction.

• Stakeholder Communication Samples: Present examples of how you communicated project status, risks, and requirements to various stakeholders, demonstrating clarity and effectiveness in written and verbal communication.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to document and analyze project workflows. Examples could include process maps, flowcharts, or descriptions of how you contributed to optimizing team processes for better efficiency.

• Collaboration Tool Utilization: Illustrate your experience using project management or collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, SharePoint) to manage tasks, track progress, and facilitate team communication.

• Reporting & Analysis: Showcase your ability to generate and interpret project status reports, budget summaries, and schedule updates, demonstrating how data was used to inform decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize project execution and coordination capabilities. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to manage project elements, communicate effectively, and contribute to a structured project environment. While formal "technical design" portfolios might not be expected, showcasing project management artifacts and process-oriented documentation will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for an Assistant Technical Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the Saint Louis Park, Minnesota area, the estimated annual salary range is between $70,000 and $95,000. This estimate considers the required and preferred qualifications, the nature of the role within a large engineering firm, and regional cost of living and salary data for similar positions.

Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: Be part of an employee-owned company, with opportunities for profit sharing and a vested interest in the company's success.

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to support long-term financial security.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and certifications to enhance skills and career growth.

• Employee Network Groups: Access to employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on diversity and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources aimed at promoting employee health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines or attend critical meetings, as coordinated with the Project Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles and adjusted for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area's cost of living and job market. Benefits are standard for a large, employee-owned firm and are highlighted to align with the company's stated values of employee well-being and engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a specific focus on the Power sector.

Company Size: HDR is a large, global organization, employing over 10,000 people. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: HDR was founded in 1917, bringing over a century of experience and a strong legacy in shaping infrastructure and communities worldwide.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role likely sits within a project delivery or engineering division, supporting technical project managers and design teams.

• Reporting: Reports directly to a Project Manager, with potential dotted-line reporting to operational or divisional leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with project managers, accounting, various design disciplines (civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.), and business development teams.

Methodology:

• Project Management Frameworks: Likely adheres to established project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK principles) for project execution, control, and close-out.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes the use of project data (budget, schedule, performance metrics) to inform decision-making and drive project success.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Fosters a culture where teams work together to identify and solve challenges, leveraging diverse perspectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's employee-owned structure and long history are significant cultural differentiators. The "Power sector" focus, as mentioned in the job description, implies a dedication to critical infrastructure and energy solutions, which aligns with a mission-driven approach to operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Assistant" manager, indicating an entry to mid-level management track within project operations. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals aspiring to become full Project Managers or specialized technical leads.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Technical Design Manager reports to a Project Manager, providing direct support and gaining experience in project oversight. This structure allows for mentorship and learning from experienced project leaders.

Operations Impact: The role contributes to the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects within the Power sector. By ensuring projects stay on budget and schedule, the Assistant Technical Design Manager directly impacts HDR's ability to deliver vital services, maintain client satisfaction, and contribute to the company's overall profitability and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Management Progression: A clear path to becoming a full Project Manager, with opportunities to lead increasingly complex and larger-scale projects.

• Technical Specialization: Potential to develop deeper expertise within a specific technical discipline or project type within the Power sector.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through team coordination, mentorship, and participation in leadership training programs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Exposure to various facets of engineering, design, and project operations, broadening professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant" title implies a strong mentorship and learning component. Candidates should view this role as a foundational step in a project management or operations leadership career within the engineering and infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, offering access to a metropolitan area with amenities and transportation links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open areas conducive to team collaboration and brainstorming.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including computers, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design and project management software.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with project teams, managers, and other HDR employees, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected.

• Flexibility may be required to meet critical project milestones or client needs, as directed by the Project Manager. This could occasionally involve extended hours or specific task scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team dynamics, and direct supervision, which are critical for managing complex technical projects and fostering a cohesive team environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager (likely a Project Manager or senior operations lead) to delve into your experience, project management approach, and understanding of technical coordination. Expect behavioral questions.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve meeting with other team members or subject matter experts to assess your collaboration style, technical aptitude, and fit within the project team.

• Portfolio Review (if applicable): If a portfolio is requested, be prepared to walk through key projects, explaining your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Focus on project coordination, budget/schedule adherence, and team collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or department head to discuss career aspirations and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Coordination: Highlight your role in orchestrating the work of different teams. Use specific examples of how you facilitated communication and ensured smooth handoffs.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Managed a $X budget component," "Contributed to X% schedule adherence," "Resolved Y critical coordination issues").

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present a challenge you faced in coordinating a project and detail the steps you took to resolve it, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention and, if possible, show examples of how you used project management tools (Microsoft Office, specific PM software) to manage tasks and communicate.

• Cultural Fit: Be ready to articulate how your values align with HDR's employee-owned culture and commitment to inclusion.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical project scenarios (e.g., "What would you do if a key design team fell behind schedule?"). Focus on your problem-solving process, communication strategy, and proactive measures.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for common behavioral questions related to teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, and handling pressure.

• Understanding of HDR's Business: Research HDR's recent projects, particularly in the Power sector, and be ready to discuss how your skills could contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical and project management skills but also a candidate's ability to integrate into HDR's unique employee-owned culture. A strong emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and communication will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, documentation, reporting, and communication. Proficiency in Excel (for budgeting/tracking), Word (for documentation), and PowerPoint (for presentations) is critical.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for task management, scheduling, and progress tracking.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel for Data Analysis: Ability to perform basic data analysis, create charts, and generate reports using Excel.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with or ability to learn how to use internal reporting tools or dashboard software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for project status updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with any CRM or workflow automation tools used in project management or client relations could be beneficial. The focus is more on project execution tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a baseline requirement. Experience with project management software is highly desirable, as it directly supports the core responsibilities of coordinating work, managing schedules, and tracking progress.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and teams to achieve common project goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks and responsibilities, ensuring commitments are met.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all project dealings and communications.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex technical and project challenges.

• Employee Ownership: A core value that permeates all aspects of work, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect a highly collaborative environment where open communication and mutual support are valued.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams (engineering, accounting, operations) to ensure project success.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's explicit mention of an "employee-owned culture" and "inclusive environment" suggests that candidates should demonstrate a willingness to contribute to a positive, shared workplace and value diverse perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects/Tasks: Effectively managing competing priorities and workloads in a dynamic project environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Navigating communication and workflow complexities between different technical teams with varying priorities.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines & Budgets: Successfully delivering projects on time and within financial constraints, often under pressure.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Needs: Responding effectively to changes in project scope, client requirements, or technical specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Management Certifications: Pursuing PMP or other relevant project management certifications.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn more about specific engineering disciplines or technologies within the Power sector.

• Leadership Training: Access to internal training programs focused on developing management and leadership capabilities.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with senior project managers and leaders for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for growth in project management. The challenges presented are typical for project coordination roles and provide excellent learning opportunities for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Management Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to project coordination, team management, and ensuring project success. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple demands?

• Collaboration and Communication: Describe a situation where you had to coordinate with diverse technical teams. How did you ensure clear communication and alignment?

• Problem-Solving in Projects: Discuss a time you encountered a significant challenge (e.g., budget overrun, schedule delay) in a project. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the outcome?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Employee Ownership: How do you understand and contribute to an employee-owned culture? What does being an active participant mean to you?

• Team Dynamics: How do you approach working within a multidisciplinary team? What is your role in fostering a positive team environment?

• Impact Measurement: How do you measure the success of your contributions to a project, beyond just task completion?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project example, clearly outline the situation, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Coordination Efforts: Emphasize how you facilitated communication and collaboration among different teams.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Showcase your ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.

• Showcase Tool Usage: Briefly explain how you leveraged tools like Microsoft Office or project management software to manage and track project elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their understanding of project management principles, demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, and show genuine enthusiasm for HDR's employee-owned culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the HDR Taleo career portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in project coordination, budget/schedule management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "project lifecycle," "multidisciplinary teams," "technical design," and "Microsoft Office."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of projects where you demonstrated strong coordination, organizational, and communication skills. Focus on demonstrating your ability to manage project components and contribute to team success.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions, using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools and your understanding of HDR's employee-owned culture.

• Research HDR: Familiarize yourself with HDR's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the Power sector. Understand their commitment to employee ownership and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.

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