Design Build Deputy Design Manager (Special Projects)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Build Deputy Design Manager (Special Projects)

Company: KPFF Consulting Engineers

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Civil Engineering / Design Management / Project Management

Date Posted: August 3, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex design-build projects, focusing on civil engineering aspects within the Special Projects Group.

• Drive project success through effective coordination of multi-disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and quality standards.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and ensuring exceptional service delivery throughout project lifecycles.

• Contribute to business development by supporting the Design Manager in client engagement and fostering new opportunities within the Special Projects Division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within KPFF's Special Projects Group, indicating a focus on unique, complex, and potentially high-profile infrastructure initiatives. The "Deputy Design Manager" title suggests a strong emphasis on technical design oversight combined with project management responsibilities, particularly within the design-build delivery model. The hybrid work environment and explicit mention of professional development and mentorship highlight a supportive culture for career advancement in engineering management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager in orchestrating collaboration among various engineering disciplines, including roadway, drainage, structural, traffic, public involvement, and environmental, for design-build projects.

• Oversee the technical preparation and quality review of roadway and transit design tasks, ensuring compliance with project requirements and engineering best practices.

• Manage project scope, schedule, design progression, and overall quality, ensuring alignment with contract agreements and client objectives.

• Lead the review of project plans, preparation or review of technical specifications, contract documents, and cost estimates.

• Direct and review post-design construction-related tasks, including Notice of Change (NDC), Findings of Necessity (FON), Request for Information (RFI), and Potential Change Order (PCO) processes, actively managing design risks through the construction phase.

• Implement rigid cost control measures to ensure approved designs are delivered within established budget constraints.

• Proactively identify project risks, assess their potential impact, and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

• Conduct site visits and field inspections to verify compliance with project requirements and industry standards, ensuring the integrity of the design implementation.

• Mentor and guide junior engineering staff, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the overall development of the project team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on technical design oversight (quality reviews, specifications, NDCs, FDCs, RFIs, PCOs) and project management within a design-build context. The explicit mention of managing design risk through construction and implementing cost control highlights the critical operational and financial accountability of this role. Mentorship is also a key component, indicating a leadership expectation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in civil design and project management.

• At least 5 years of direct experience on large-scale Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.

• Proven experience in design-build project delivery models. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License: Must possess a PE license in the State of Washington or demonstrate the ability to obtain reciprocity quickly.

• Civil Design Expertise: Strong foundation in civil engineering principles, with a focus on roadway and transportation infrastructure.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Design-Build Proficiency: Thorough understanding of design-build processes, contract administration, and project execution within this delivery method.

• Technical Documentation: Skill in preparing and reviewing technical specifications, contract documents, and detailed engineering reports.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, understanding and addressing their needs.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Capacity to lead project teams, foster collaboration, and mentor junior engineers.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Ability to identify, analyze, and develop strategies to mitigate project risks.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Experience in implementing and overseeing quality review processes for engineering designs.

Preferred Skills:

• Construction Means and Methods: In-depth knowledge of construction practices, techniques, and feasibility.

• WSDOT Standards: Familiarity with WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, and Design Manual.

• Alternative Delivery Experience: Experience with alternative project delivery procurements for agencies like WSDOT, Sound Transit, or similar entities.

• Puget Sound Region Contractor Network: Existing relationships or experience working with contractors active in the Puget Sound area.

• DBIA Professional Certification: Designation as a DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) Professional.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Washington State PE license is critical. The preference for WSDOT and Sound Transit experience, along with knowledge of local contractors, suggests that the Special Projects Group heavily focuses on public sector transportation projects within the Puget Sound region. DBIA certification is a strong indicator of desired expertise in alternative project delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of complex civil design projects, particularly within design-build frameworks, showcasing an ability to deliver on time and within budget.

• Include case studies highlighting process optimization initiatives, such as streamlining design reviews, improving RFI response times, or enhancing cost control measures, with quantifiable results.

• Present examples of technical specifications, contract documents, and estimates prepared or reviewed, illustrating attention to detail and understanding of contractual obligations.

• Showcase experience in managing design risk through construction, with examples of how potential issues were identified and mitigated to ensure project success and client satisfaction. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of workflow design and optimization for typical design-build project phases, from initial concept through construction support.

• Illustrate methods used for implementing and automating design and project management processes to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

• Present metrics and analysis related to project performance, cost control, risk management, and client satisfaction, demonstrating a data-driven approach to operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize practical application of design-build principles, risk management, and cost control within a project management context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific processes they have implemented or improved, supported by measurable outcomes, especially those related to WSDOT or similar agency projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $150,000 - $200,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution (regardless of employee contribution).

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance (two plan options available), dental insurance, and vision insurance.

• Health Savings: Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution and Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Life & Disability: Life insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability insurance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, jury duty), including 10 paid holidays (two of which are floating).

• Family Leave: KPFF Paid Family Leave.

• Professional Development: Support for professional development education opportunities and a mentorship program.

• Licensure Recognition: Professional Licensure Recognition Program.

Working Hours:

• The role is based on a 40-hour work week, with a hybrid work environment that offers flexibility. Specific daily hours can be discussed to accommodate project needs and personal work styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $150,000-$200,000 USD aligns with a senior-level engineering management role in a high-cost-of-living area like Seattle, especially for specialized design-build expertise. The benefits package is robust, offering strong health, retirement, and paid time off provisions, which are competitive for the industry. The mention of performance-based bonuses further enhances the total compensation potential.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting (Specializing in Civil, Structural, and Transportation Engineering)

Company Size: Over 1,500 employees nationwide, with a Special Projects Division of over 150 team members across three offices (Long Beach, CA; Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA).

Founded: KPFF was founded over 60 years ago, with the Special Projects Division established in 1996. This history signifies stability and deep-rooted expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Special Projects Division operates with a dedicated team of project managers, engineers, and support staff, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Reporting structure is likely decentralized within the division, allowing for direct access to senior leadership and specialization within design-build project management.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with close interaction between civil, structural, mechanical engineers, and construction professionals to tackle multi-disciplinary challenges. Methodology:

• KPFF emphasizes creative solutions and a commitment to Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion.

• The Special Projects Division focuses on managing and designing heavy civil, structural, industrial, and waterfront infrastructure projects, often requiring innovative approaches to unique challenges.

• A strong client-centric approach is paramount, with an emphasis on understanding and delivering customized solutions that align with client objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: KPFF's decentralized structure is a key cultural element, implying autonomy and direct impact for employees. The Special Projects Division's focus on complex, multi-disciplinary challenges suggests an environment where problem-solving and technical innovation are highly valued. The core values (Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, Passion) point towards a professional, client-focused, and long-term oriented workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within engineering management, specifically focusing on the operational execution of design-build projects. It bridges the gap between detailed technical design and comprehensive project leadership, requiring a blend of engineering acumen and managerial skills.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Design Manager will report to the Design Manager within the Special Projects Group. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from experienced leadership while providing opportunities to take on increasing responsibility. Collaboration with other project leads, discipline engineers, and potentially client representatives is expected.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects. By ensuring efficient design processes, effective cost control, and proactive risk management, the Deputy Design Manager directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and KPFF's reputation for delivering complex design-build solutions. Their work contributes to the overall success and growth of the Special Projects Division.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to a Design Manager or Project Director role within the Special Projects Division, leading larger and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as alternative project delivery methods (design-build), transportation infrastructure, or waterfront engineering.

• Business Development: Develop skills in client relationship management and contribute to business development efforts, potentially leading to roles with a greater strategic focus.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior staff, develop leadership capabilities, and potentially lead training initiatives within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a significant step for an engineer looking to move into management, particularly within the design-build sector. The clear path to Design Manager and the emphasis on specialization and business development indicate a structured approach to career progression within KPFF, leveraging the firm's stability and growth in specialized project areas.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, suggesting a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. This model balances the need for team interaction and knowledge sharing with the benefits of personal work flexibility.

Office Location(s): The position is based in either Seattle or Tacoma, Washington. These locations are strategic hubs for the Special Projects Division, facilitating engagement with key clients and projects in the Puget Sound region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for team members to interact on project tasks and problem-solving sessions.

• Access to necessary operations tools, engineering software, and technology is expected to support efficient design and project management processes.

• Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions are integral to the collaborative environment, ensuring alignment and shared understanding across disciplines.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered to accommodate project deadlines and personal needs within the hybrid model. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring project commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a modern approach to work-life balance. The Seattle/Tacoma locations are significant for the Special Projects Division, suggesting that proximity to major transportation projects and clients in the Puget Sound region is a core operational strategy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly PE license and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your civil design, design-build project management experience, risk management strategies, and familiarity with WSDOT standards. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in their success.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: Presentation of your portfolio, highlighting key design-build projects, process improvements, and quantifiable achievements. You may be asked to walk through a specific case study demonstrating your problem-solving approach and impact.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your teamwork, communication, client service approach, and alignment with KPFF's values (Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, Passion). Questions about mentorship and leadership style will likely be included.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize assessment and discuss overall compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 impactful design-build projects that best showcase your experience in civil design management, risk mitigation, and client engagement.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction, client satisfaction metrics).

• Process Focus: Highlight specific processes you've managed, optimized, or implemented (e.g., design review workflows, RFI management, cost control procedures).

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, and concise summaries to present complex information effectively.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, explaining the context, your actions, and the positive results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing project challenges, resolving conflicts between disciplines, or addressing scope creep.

• Practice articulating your approach to risk identification and mitigation for complex transportation projects.

• Develop clear explanations for how you would mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and demonstrated results. A strong portfolio showcasing specific design-build project successes, especially those involving WSDOT or similar agencies, will be critical. Candidates should be ready to discuss their approach to operational challenges like risk management, cost control, and multi-disciplinary coordination.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for design and drafting is essential for civil engineering roles.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, specifications, and contract files.

• ERP/Financial Systems: Basic understanding of how project costs are tracked and managed within broader financial systems.

• WSDOT Specific Software: Familiarity with any specific software or platforms mandated by WSDOT for project submissions or management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for strong proficiency in standard civil engineering design software (CAD), robust project management tools for scheduling and cost control, and effective communication/collaboration platforms. Familiarity with WSDOT-specific systems would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions and outstanding client service on every project.

• Trust: Building reliable relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders through integrity and dependable performance.

• Relationships: Fostering strong, long-term connections with clients and team members, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect.

• Stability: Operating as a financially sound and well-established firm, providing a secure and consistent work environment.

• Passion: Demonstrating enthusiasm for engineering challenges and a dedication to achieving project success and professional growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and seamless collaboration between civil, structural, traffic, and environmental disciplines to solve complex, multi-faceted problems.

• Proactive Feedback: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement in design processes and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across project teams and within the Special Projects Division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values of Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion are central to KPFF's culture. For operations professionals, this translates to a focus on delivering reliable, high-quality results, building strong professional networks, and contributing to a stable, growth-oriented organization. The collaboration style emphasizes a team-first approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Coordination: Managing the intricate coordination of multiple engineering disciplines on large-scale design-build projects, ensuring all components integrate seamlessly.

• Risk Management in Design-Build: Effectively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks inherent in the design-build delivery model, which can involve dynamic contractor relationships and evolving project scopes.

• Client Expectation Management: Balancing diverse client needs and expectations with technical feasibility, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements, especially on public projects.

• Evolving Technologies & Methods: Staying current with advancements in engineering design software, construction technologies, and alternative project delivery methods to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design-Build Training: Opportunities to pursue further certifications or training in design-build project management (e.g., DBIA courses).

• Leadership Skill Development: Access to mentorship programs and professional development courses focused on enhancing leadership, communication, and team management skills.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transportation infrastructure, heavy civil engineering, or waterfront projects through challenging project assignments.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences and engage with professional organizations to stay abreast of best practices and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of design-build infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with the role, offering clear paths for specialization, leadership development, and continuous learning essential for career advancement in operations and project management within the engineering sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design-build project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate the different disciplines, and what was your specific role in ensuring its success?" (Focus on demonstrating process oversight, risk management, and team leadership.)

• "How do you approach identifying and mitigating design risks throughout the construction phase of a project, particularly in a design-build setting?" (Prepare to discuss specific methodologies and past examples.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing or reviewing technical specifications and contract documents for a large transportation project. What are the critical elements you look for?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of contractual obligations, and quality assurance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our values of Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion, how would you apply these principles in your day-to-day role as a Deputy Design Manager?" (Research KPFF's values and prepare specific examples of how you embody them.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse engineering disciplines and with external contractors?" (Discuss your approach to communication, conflict resolution, and team building.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage challenging client expectations. How did you balance their needs with project constraints?" (Prepare a concise case study demonstrating client relationship management and problem-solving.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly outlining the project scope, your responsibilities, the design-build elements, key challenges, your solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Metrics Focus: For each project, be ready to present relevant metrics such as budget adherence, schedule performance, risk mitigation success, and client satisfaction indicators.

• Process Deep Dive: Be prepared to elaborate on specific processes you managed or improved, such as design review workflows, RFI management, or cost control implementation, and explain the impact.

• Conciseness: Present information clearly and concisely, focusing on your direct contributions and the impact you made. Use visual aids where appropriate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of design-build project management, risk mitigation, and civil engineering principles, particularly within the context of large transportation projects. Candidates should be ready to articulate their approach to operational excellence, client service, and team leadership using concrete examples from their experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Build Deputy Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Smartrecruiters link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of civil design and management experience, specifically emphasizing your 5+ years on large DOT projects and any design-build project experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases your most relevant design-build projects, focusing on your role in coordination, risk management, cost control, and client satisfaction. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• PE License Verification: Ensure your Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington State (or your ability to obtain reciprocity) is clearly stated on your application and resume.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KPFF's Special Projects Division, its core values, and recent projects. Understand their approach to design-build and client service.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience with WSDOT standards, construction means and methods, and your approach to mentoring junior engineers and managing project risks.

⚠️ 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.