Construction Design Manager (R5486)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Construction Design Manager (R5486)

Company: Shield AI

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full Time Employee

Category: Operations & Facilities Management

Date Posted: August 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead facility planning, programming, and design execution for advanced engineering, manufacturing, and secure facility projects.

• Act as the owner's representative, directing external architecture and engineering (A&E) firms throughout the project lifecycle.

• Translate high-level business and operational objectives into actionable facility and infrastructure requirements, driving design from concept to construction documents.

• Ensure designs align with stringent operational objectives, budget constraints, schedule requirements, and critical security protocols, particularly for defense-tech environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical component of Shield AI's infrastructure development, focusing on the strategic and tactical aspects of facility design to support cutting-edge defense technology. The emphasis on evolving requirements and guiding design teams through ambiguity suggests a need for strong problem-solving and adaptability, typical of high-growth, innovative companies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the owner's lead representative for all facility planning, programming, and design execution phases.

• Manage and direct architecture, engineering, specialty consultants, and design-build teams to ensure project success.

• Develop comprehensive project requirements by collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, security, and executive stakeholders.

• Convert abstract business and operational goals into concrete, actionable facility and infrastructure requirements.

• Lead in-depth programming efforts, detailed space planning exercises, feasibility studies, and conceptual design development.

• Oversee and meticulously manage the design development process from initial concept through the creation of final construction documents.

• Establish, monitor, and manage project design schedules, consultant deliverables, critical review cycles, and design budgets.

• Lead crucial design review meetings, driving the resolution of technical challenges, scope gaps, and complex coordination conflicts.

• Conduct thorough reviews of architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and specialized system designs.

• Evaluate designs for their constructability, long-term maintainability, operational efficiency, scalability, safety, and overall lifecycle performance.

• Ensure that all designs directly support manufacturing operations, intricate engineering workflows, specialized laboratory functions, airfield activities, and demanding secure facility requirements.

• Coordinate and facilitate internal stakeholder reviews, ensuring all project requirements are accurately incorporated into design documents.

• Actively support permitting, entitlement processes, and necessary regulatory approval efforts.

• Provide expert technical leadership during procurement, contractor selection, and critical project execution activities.

• Manage design-related Request for Information (RFIs), submittals, field modifications, and consultant support during the construction phase.

• Utilize AutoCAD to efficiently review, coordinate, and provide constructive comments on all design documentation.

• Act as the primary and dedicated interface between internal stakeholders and all external design consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant emphasis on proactive design management and stakeholder alignment, crucial for a defense-tech company like Shield AI where security and operational precision are paramount. The need to translate high-level objectives into detailed requirements points to a strategic planning component within this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, owner's representation, architecture, engineering, facilities development, or capital project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success in managing and directing architecture and engineering (A&E) firms on complex, multi-faceted facility projects.

• Strong, in-depth understanding of facility planning principles, programming methodologies, design development processes, and construction documentation standards.

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams through all phases of project development, from conceptualization to completion.

• Ability to meticulously review and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, detailed specifications, complex calculations, and technical documentation.

• Working knowledge of essential building systems, modern construction methods, relevant building codes, and established industry best practices.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for design review, coordination, and comment generation.

• Experience supporting projects within active operational environments, specifically including aviation or airfield facilities.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, clear communication, and decisive problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to thrive and deliver effectively in situations characterized by incomplete or evolving requirements.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. SECRET Security Clearance.

• Physical capability to lift 50 pounds or greater and perform site visits in active construction environments. Preferred Skills:

• Active U.S. SECRET Security Clearance or higher.

• Direct experience supporting advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or high-technology environments.

• Significant experience planning and designing specialized facilities such as laboratories, prototype development spaces, advanced engineering facilities, or complex manufacturing operations.

• Familiarity with Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 requirements and secure facility design standards.

• Experience with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) planning, design, and accreditation processes.

• Experience delivering projects utilizing advanced delivery methods such as design-build, progressive design-build, or fast-track methodologies.

• Professional registration or certification such as Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or LEED accreditation.

• Experience managing mission-critical or highly technical facilities demanding exceptional reliability and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 10+ years of experience positions this role as senior-level. The emphasis on specific environments like aviation, manufacturing, and secure facilities, alongside AutoCAD proficiency and the security clearance, strongly indicates the need for specialized knowledge in defense-related infrastructure projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of three complex facility projects where you served as the lead design manager or owner's representative, detailing your role in planning, programming, and design development.

• For each project, provide clear documentation of how you translated stakeholder requirements (e.g., operational, security, budget) into specific design criteria and managed A&E consultant performance.

• Include examples of design reviews, constructability assessments, and technical problem-solving exercises you led, demonstrating your ability to identify and resolve coordination conflicts and scope gaps.

• Present evidence of your experience with AutoCAD, including sample markups or coordination drawings that illustrate your technical review capabilities.

• Demonstrate your understanding of building systems (MEP, structural, architectural) and how you evaluated designs for lifecycle performance, scalability, and operational efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Document your standard process for developing project requirements from initial business objectives, including stakeholder engagement strategies and needs assessment methodologies.

• Provide examples of your programming and space planning processes, illustrating how you created functional layouts and allocated space based on operational needs.

• Detail your approach to managing the design development process, including key milestones, review cycles, budget tracking, and risk mitigation strategies for design-related issues.

• Outline your methods for evaluating design documentation for constructability, maintainability, and compliance with codes and standards, particularly in specialized environments like laboratories or secure facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role heavily focused on design management and owner's representation, a portfolio demonstrating successful project delivery through effective design oversight is crucial. The emphasis on translating requirements, managing consultants, and technical review suggests the need for detailed case studies that highlight problem-solving and strategic decision-making in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $190,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Bonus opportunities for achieving project milestones and company performance targets.

• Comprehensive benefits package, potentially including health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Equity participation, offering ownership in Shield AI's growth and success.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Access to temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and critical deadlines. Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $130,000 - $190,000 is competitive for a senior-level Design Manager role in a high-cost-of-living area like Dallas, especially within the defense-tech industry. This range reflects the significant experience (10+ years), specialized skills (AutoCAD, secure facilities), and responsibility for capital project delivery. The inclusion of Bonus, Benefits, and Equity indicates a robust total compensation package. Compensation is influenced by factors such as experience, licenses, certifications, and specific work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology / Aerospace & Defense. Shield AI operates at the forefront of autonomous systems for defense applications, a sector characterized by rapid innovation, stringent security requirements, and significant government contracts. This context implies a culture that values precision, technological advancement, and mission-critical execution.

Company Size: Shield AI is a venture-backed, rapidly growing company. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the mention of offices and facilities across multiple continents suggests a significant and expanding global footprint, likely placing it in the mid-to-large company size bracket (e.g., 500-5000+ employees). This size implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact but also the need for structured processes.

Founded: Shield AI was founded in 2018. This relatively recent founding means the company is likely in a high-growth phase, characterized by agility, innovation, and evolving operational structures. The focus on advanced technologies like AI and autonomous systems suggests a forward-thinking and ambitious organizational ethos.

Team Structure:

• The Operations & Facilities team likely comprises specialists in various areas, including project management, construction, engineering, security, and potentially logistics. As a Design Manager, you would likely report to a Director or VP of Operations/Facilities, working closely with project managers, engineers, and site operations personnel.

• The reporting structure is expected to be relatively flat, common in fast-growing tech companies, allowing for direct interaction with senior leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnerships with Engineering, Manufacturing, Security, IT, and Executive leadership to define and deliver facility projects that meet diverse and often complex needs. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical for informing facility requirements, budget allocations, and performance metrics, ensuring designs are data-driven.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to the design and construction process to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to schedules.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into facility design to support operational throughput and reduce long-term maintenance costs, particularly in manufacturing and lab environments.

Company Website: www.shield.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Shield AI's position in the defense-tech industry suggests a professional environment where technical expertise, security consciousness, and mission-driven execution are highly valued. The company's growth phase implies opportunities for individuals to shape processes and contribute significantly to the company's infrastructure development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Construction Design Manager role is a senior-level position, likely equivalent to a Principal or Lead Designer within an operations or facilities department. It involves significant responsibility for strategic planning, design oversight, and stakeholder management across complex capital projects. The role demands a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise, with a focus on translating high-level objectives into tangible facility solutions.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Operations, Facilities, or Engineering. You will act as the primary owner's representative, coordinating extensively with external A&E firms, specialty consultants, and design-build teams, while also managing internal stakeholder alignment with departments such as Engineering, Manufacturing, and Security.

Operations Impact: The Construction Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on Shield AI's operational capabilities. By ensuring facilities are optimally designed for manufacturing, R&D, and secure operations, this role directly supports the company's mission to deliver advanced defense technology. Successful project delivery enhances efficiency, scalability, security, and the overall ability of Shield AI to meet its strategic objectives and contractual obligations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in designing specialized facilities for the defense-tech sector, such as SCIFs, advanced manufacturing plants, or R&D laboratories, becoming a go-to expert within the company.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with broader project management responsibilities, potentially overseeing multiple projects or leading a team of design professionals as the company continues its rapid expansion.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the long-term strategic planning of Shield AI's global facility footprint, influencing future investments and site selection based on evolving business needs and technological advancements.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM, LEED AP) or professional registrations (PE, RA) to enhance credibility and expand career opportunities within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential, moving from managing specific projects to influencing broader facility strategy and potentially leading teams. The specialized nature of the defense-tech industry provides opportunities for deep technical expertise and career advancement within a high-demand field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring a strong presence at the Dallas, Texas location. The work environment will involve a mix of office-based design review and coordination, as well as site visits to active construction zones and operational facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Dallas, Texas. This location offers access to a major metropolitan area with a robust business infrastructure and a growing technology sector. Site visits may extend to other Shield AI facilities or project sites as required.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a dedicated office environment for design review, documentation, and meetings, equipped with necessary technology.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, involving frequent interaction with internal teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Security) and external consultants, necessitating an environment conducive to communication and problem-solving.

• Access to project documentation, design software (AutoCAD), and potentially virtual collaboration tools will be standard. Site visits will require adherence to safety protocols in active construction and operational areas.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour workweek is expected, primarily during business hours. However, given the project-driven nature of facility development and the defense industry's demands, occasional extended hours, weekend work, or flexible scheduling may be necessary to meet critical deadlines, particularly during design review phases or pre-construction activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Dallas is a key characteristic, emphasizing hands-on involvement in project delivery and direct collaboration. The blend of office-based design work and site visits is typical for project management roles in construction and facilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with required qualifications, focusing on experience in design management, facility planning, and relevant industries.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with hiring managers or senior operations/engineering leads to evaluate your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific facility types (labs, manufacturing, secure facilities). Be prepared to discuss your approach to design reviews, constructability assessments, and managing A&E consultants.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your most relevant projects from your portfolio. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex designs, resolve technical challenges, and deliver within budget and schedule constraints. Prepare to articulate your role, the project's objectives, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented, highlighting your impact.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: This stage assesses your communication skills, teamwork, adaptability to evolving requirements, and alignment with Shield AI's mission and values. Prepare to discuss how you handle ambiguity and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions with senior leadership to finalize the decision and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your experience in facility planning, design management, and delivering projects in specialized environments (manufacturing, labs, secure facilities).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved efficiency, security compliance).

• Highlight Process: Explain your design management process, from requirement gathering and programming to design reviews and coordination. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss specific technical aspects of the designs, building systems, and your review process. Showcase your AutoCAD proficiency through examples of markups or coordination efforts.

• Address Security Requirements: If applicable, clearly articulate your experience with secure facility design (ICD 705, SCIFs) and your ability to manage projects requiring security clearances.

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and leadership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Review Exercise: You might be presented with a set of architectural or engineering drawings and asked to identify potential issues, coordination conflicts, or areas for improvement based on operational, security, or constructability criteria.

• Requirements Translation Scenario: Be prepared to walk through how you would translate a high-level business need (e.g., establishing a new prototype lab) into detailed facility requirements, considering stakeholder input and technical constraints.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting requirements from different internal departments or how you would communicate complex design decisions to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates experience in defense-related facility design and project delivery will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for reviewing, coordinating, and commenting on architectural, engineering, and construction drawings. Proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, familiarity with tools like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and schedules is highly beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, budgeting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Control Tools: Experience with tools or methodologies for tracking design budgets, forecasting costs, and managing financial aspects of capital projects.

• Scheduling Software: Familiarity with project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) to manage design timelines and consultant deliverables.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily communication and team collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and accessing project documentation, specifications, and drawings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD highlights its critical importance. Beyond that, familiarity with standard project management and construction technology stacks is expected, enabling efficient management of design processes and stakeholder communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A strong commitment to supporting Shield AI's defense technology mission through the delivery of high-quality, secure, and efficient facilities. Operations professionals are expected to understand the critical nature of their work.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies in facility design and construction to meet evolving operational and security requirements in a fast-paced industry.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication and teamwork, working closely with diverse internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals.

• Precision & Detail: Maintaining a high standard for accuracy and detail in all aspects of design management, from initial programming to final construction document review, ensuring compliance and operational integrity.

• Security Consciousness: A deep understanding and adherence to security protocols, particularly relevant for projects involving sensitive information or secure facilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design teams, engineering, manufacturing, security, and executive leadership to ensure all facility projects are aligned with broader business objectives.

• Proactive Feedback: Cultivating a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged between internal teams and external consultants to drive continuous improvement in design quality and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the operations and facilities team to elevate overall capabilities and foster professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Shield AI's values likely emphasize a mission-oriented approach, technical rigor, and adaptability, reflecting its position in the defense technology sector. The culture is expected to be collaborative and focused on delivering high-impact results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Evolving Requirements: Navigating and effectively managing projects where requirements are not fully defined or are subject to change, requiring agility and strong problem-solving skills to guide design teams.

• Security Compliance: Ensuring all designs meet stringent security requirements, such as ICD 705 for secure facilities, which involves specialized knowledge and meticulous attention to detail.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively mediating and integrating potentially conflicting requirements from various internal stakeholders (e.g., R&D, manufacturing, security) into a cohesive and constructible design.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to the fast-paced, evolving nature of a rapidly growing defense-tech company, where processes and infrastructure needs are constantly developing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Facility Design: Gaining in-depth expertise in designing advanced manufacturing plants, high-tech laboratories, and secure facilities (SCIFs) relevant to the defense industry.

• Advanced Project Delivery Methods: Exposure to and experience with cutting-edge project delivery methods like design-build and progressive design-build.

• Industry Certifications & Licenses: Opportunities to pursue and be sponsored for professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM, LEED) or professional licenses (PE, RA) that enhance career prospects.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders in operations and facilities, with opportunities to grow into leadership roles overseeing larger projects or teams as Shield AI expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in innovative, high-growth industries like defense tech, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant, offering paths for specialization and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a facility design project with evolving or incomplete requirements. How did you guide the design team and ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on your process for managing ambiguity, stakeholder alignment, and technical decision-making.)

• "Walk me through your process for reviewing architectural and engineering designs for constructability, maintainability, and operational efficiency. Provide a specific example of an issue you identified and how you resolved it." (Highlight your technical review skills, use of AutoCAD, and problem-solving approach.)

• "How do you ensure that facility designs align with stringent security requirements, such as ICD 705 or SCIF standards, while also meeting operational and budget constraints?" (Demonstrate your understanding of secure facility design and your ability to balance competing priorities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Shield AI's mission and its role in the defense-tech industry, how do you see this Construction Design Manager role contributing to the company's success?" (Connect your experience to the company's mission and the specific needs of a defense contractor.)

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, security). How do you manage differing priorities and ensure alignment on facility projects?" (Showcase your collaboration and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you approach project budgeting and schedule management for complex capital projects, particularly when working with external A&E firms?" (Detail your financial and timeline management strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Projects: For each project presented, use a clear structure: Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design Solutions Implemented, and Quantifiable Outcomes/Impact.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the value you brought to each project (e.g., "Identified design cost savings of 15%," "Ensured project completion 2 weeks ahead of schedule," "Successfully integrated complex laboratory equipment requirements").

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals such as floor plans, renderings, or site photos where appropriate. Be prepared to show specific examples of your AutoCAD markups or coordination comments.

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your project selection and presentation to emphasize experience in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, laboratories, or secure facilities. Highlight your experience managing A&E firms and technical consultants.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, design rationale, and specific challenges encountered on your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical expertise in facility design, robust project management capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a demanding, mission-critical environment like defense technology. A strong portfolio presentation is key to showcasing practical experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Shield AI's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 3-4 of your most impactful facility design management projects. For each, prepare a concise summary highlighting your role, key challenges, innovative solutions, and quantifiable results, with a specific emphasis on projects involving manufacturing, labs, or secure facilities.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly showcase your 10+ years of experience in design management, owner's representation, and capital project delivery. Integrate keywords from the job description such as "facility planning," "programming," "AutoCAD," "constructability reviews," "stakeholder management," and "secure facility design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to discuss your approach to design reviews, managing A&E firms, and handling evolving requirements. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your technical acumen and problem-solving skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Shield AI's mission, products, recent news, and its role in the defense-tech industry. Understand their values and how your skills and experience align with their strategic objectives and operational needs.

⚠️ 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.