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: Engineering / Project Management / Design-Build

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the technical coordination and quality assurance of multi-disciplinary design-build projects, focusing on complex fish passage, roadway, and transportation improvements within the Special Projects Group.

• Manage and oversee the design, scope, schedule, and quality for large-scale Department of Transportation (DOT) projects, ensuring strict adherence to contract agreements and budget constraints.

• Drive project leadership by managing design-build tasks, ensuring efficient coordination of timelines, budgets, and resources, and conducting site visits for compliance and quality assurance.

• Cultivate and maintain robust client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor by understanding client needs and delivering customized, expert solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Contribute to risk assessment and mitigation strategies, enhancing problem-solving capabilities through innovative engineering techniques in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within KPFF's "Special Projects Group," indicating a focus on unique, complex, and likely high-impact infrastructure projects, particularly within the transportation and environmental engineering sectors. The "Deputy Design Manager" title suggests a strong emphasis on technical leadership and project execution, with significant responsibility in managing design processes and teams. The hybrid work environment implies a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager in coordinating all complimentary disciplines, including roadway, drainage, structural, traffic, public involvement, and environmental, ensuring seamless integration of design elements.

• Execute technical preparation and supervision of roadway and transit design tasks, including rigorous quality reviews to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.

• Lead, develop, and meticulously review post-design construction-related tasks such as Notices of Construction Directives (NCDs), Final Design Considerations (FDCs), and Requests for Information (RFIs), managing design risks throughout the construction phase.

• Assure project teams strictly comply with contract agreements, while implementing rigid cost control measures to deliver approved designs within established budget parameters.

• Proactively identify project risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies to contribute to overall project success and client satisfaction.

• Conduct site visits and perform field inspections as necessary, ensuring project requirements and industry standards are met on-site.

• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the design and project management teams.

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, actively listening to their needs, providing clear and consistent communication, and delivering tailored solutions that align with their project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, project management execution, and client-facing advisory roles. The emphasis on "post design construction related tasks" (NCDs, FDCs, RFIs) indicates a strong need for understanding the construction phase and managing design implications during that period. This role requires a candidate who can bridge the gap between design and construction in a design-build context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of civil design and management experience, with a strong emphasis on large Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.

Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Washington or ability to obtain reciprocity.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically on large Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.

• Proficiency in civil design principles and engineering practices relevant to transportation infrastructure.

• Demonstrated experience in project management, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget control.

• Strong understanding of design-build project delivery methods and their inherent complexities.

• Excellent teamwork, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills, essential for collaborative environments and client interactions.

• Proven capability to work dynamically and effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for developing advanced design and project management skills.

• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and consistently exceeding expectations. Preferred Skills:

• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, and techniques.

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

• Experience delivering alternative project delivery procurements for WSDOT, Sound Transit, or similar agencies.

• Experience working with contractors actively engaged in the Puget Sound Region.

• DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) Professional certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license in Washington State is critical, emphasizing the need for local regulatory understanding. The preference for WSDOT and Sound Transit experience, along with familiarity with local contractors, points to a strong regional focus for this role. The DBIA certification is a significant advantage, underscoring the role's alignment with advanced design-build practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of design-build project components, showcasing an understanding of integrated project delivery phases from concept through construction completion.

• Provide examples of complex technical challenges encountered and resolved, highlighting problem-solving methodologies and innovative engineering solutions implemented.

• Showcase experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams, illustrating effective communication and collaboration strategies to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Include documentation or case studies detailing how project scope, schedule, and budget were effectively managed, with a focus on cost control and risk mitigation strategies. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization: Present examples of how you have documented and improved engineering workflows, particularly in a design-build context, to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Implementation and automation methods: Illustrate your experience with implementing new engineering processes or leveraging technology to automate tasks, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy.

• Measurement and performance analysis: Provide evidence of how you have tracked, measured, and analyzed the performance of engineering processes, using data to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize practical application of engineering principles within a design-build framework. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their contributions to project success through effective process management, risk mitigation, and technical leadership, ideally with quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,000 - $175,000 per year.

• This range is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. Benefits:

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

• Choice of two medical insurance plans.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution.

• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Life insurance.

• KPFF Paid Family Leave.

• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance.

• Paid holidays, including two floating holidays.

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, jury duty).

• Hybrid work environment.

• Professional development education opportunities.

• Mentorship program.

• Monthly social events.

• Professional Licensure Recognition Program.

• Winter parties and summer picnics.

• Office committee opportunities.

• Community projects participation. Working Hours:

• The role is based on a 40-hour work week, typical for full-time engineering positions.

• The hybrid work environment offers flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing office presence with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the job listing's explicit compensation details. The comprehensive benefits package, including retirement contributions, health insurance options, and various paid leave policies, is standard for a firm of KPFF's size and industry presence. The inclusion of professional development and recognition programs highlights the company's investment in employee growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting, specializing in Civil, Structural, and Transportation Engineering, with a significant focus on Design-Build projects.

Company Size: 1,500+ professionals across 36 offices nationwide. This indicates a large, established firm with a strong national presence and a decentralized structure.

Founded: Over 60 years of experience, highlighting a legacy of stability and expertise in the engineering sector.

Team Structure:

• The Special Projects Division operates with over 150 team members across three offices (Long Beach, CA; Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA), suggesting a focused, specialized unit within the larger KPFF organization.

• The Deputy Design Manager will likely report to a Design Manager and collaborate closely with project managers, discipline leads, and external contractors within the design-build framework.

• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, requiring seamless interaction with roadway, drainage, structural, traffic, environmental, and public involvement teams, as well as direct engagement with construction contractors. Methodology:

• KPFF emphasizes a commitment to "Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion," suggesting a culture that values high-quality work, integrity, strong interpersonal connections, long-term viability, and dedication.

• The firm's decentralized structure promotes autonomy and flexibility, encouraging professionals to take ownership and drive innovation.

• Their approach to design-build projects involves a blend of proactive project management, rigorous technical oversight, and a strong focus on client service and relationship building.

Company Website: kpff.com

📝 Enhancement Note: KPFF's emphasis on a decentralized structure with a large national footprint suggests that while there are overarching company values and standards, individual offices and divisions operate with significant autonomy. This can lead to a dynamic work environment where initiative is rewarded. The Special Projects Division's focus on heavy civil and infrastructure aligns with a team that tackles challenging, large-scale engineering problems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level position, acting as a Deputy Design Manager. It requires significant technical expertise in civil engineering and project management, particularly within the design-build context, and involves leadership responsibilities. It sits between a senior engineer and a full Design Manager or Project Director.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Design Manager will report to a Design Manager and will likely supervise or coordinate the work of other engineers and technical staff involved in the design phases of projects. They will also collaborate closely with Project Managers and external contractors.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts project success by ensuring the technical integrity, quality, and timely delivery of complex design-build infrastructure projects. Effective management of design processes, risk mitigation, and client relations contributes significantly to KPFF's reputation, profitability, and ability to secure future projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Manager: Advancement to a full Design Manager role, taking primary responsibility for the design aspects of larger and more complex design-build projects.

• Project Director/Manager: Transitioning into a broader project management role, overseeing all aspects of design-build projects from pre-construction through completion.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as fish passage design, advanced transportation infrastructure, or alternative delivery methods, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to further develop leadership, mentorship, and client relationship management skills through formal training and on-the-job experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Deputy" title clearly indicates a path toward greater leadership. KPFF's emphasis on professional growth and their decentralized structure suggests that motivated individuals can carve out significant career paths within the firm, potentially leading to senior technical roles or broader project leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. This suggests modern office facilities designed for collaboration and focused individual work.

Office Location(s): Seattle or Tacoma, Washington. Both locations are within the Puget Sound region, a hub for significant transportation and infrastructure development projects.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to be collaborative, fostering interaction among engineers, designers, and project managers.

• Access to standard engineering software, design tools, and potentially advanced modeling or simulation technologies will be available to support project needs.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with colleagues within the Special Projects Division and other KPFF departments will be common, promoting knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Primarily a 40-hour work week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement. The nature of design-build projects may occasionally require extended hours to meet critical deadlines or address urgent site issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: A hybrid work environment in the engineering consulting sector typically means designated days in the office for team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative sessions, with other days available for remote work, focusing on individual tasks and analysis. This setup balances the need for face-to-face interaction with the desire for focused work time and personal flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, particularly PE license, DOT experience, and design-build familiarity.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve a discussion of your civil engineering design experience, project management approach, and specific experience with design-build projects, WSDOT standards, and complex infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss technical challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: You may be asked to present specific projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to manage design, coordinate disciplines, control costs, mitigate risks, and satisfy clients.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your teamwork, communication, leadership potential, problem-solving approach, and alignment with KPFF's values (Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, Passion).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, client relationship management, and overall fit for the Special Projects Group.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design-Build: Focus on projects executed under design-build contracts. Detail your specific contributions to the design coordination, risk management, and successful delivery within the design-build framework.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact. For example, "Managed design phase for a $50M transportation project, ensuring delivery 2 weeks ahead of schedule and 5% under budget," or "Reduced RFI response time by 15% through improved process documentation."

• Showcase Technical Breadth: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of multiple engineering disciplines (roadway, drainage, structural) and how you coordinated them.

• Client Focus: Present instances where you successfully managed client expectations, resolved issues, and built strong relationships.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to walk through a complex technical problem you solved, explaining your thought process, the steps taken, and the final resolution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design-build scenario and asked how you would coordinate multiple disciplines or address a critical design conflict.

• Risk Assessment Task: Be prepared to discuss how you would identify and mitigate risks on a complex transportation project.

• Client Communication Exercise: You may be asked to draft an email or outline a meeting agenda for addressing a challenging client request or project issue. Focus on clear, concise, and professional communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Deputy Design Manager" title, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your technical leadership capabilities, your understanding of design-build processes, and your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships (clients, contractors, internal teams). A strong portfolio demonstrating concrete project successes is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially MicroStation, is expected for design and drafting tasks.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking on complex projects.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and creating custom reports.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be beneficial for presenting project performance metrics and insights.

• Cost Estimation Software: Experience with specialized cost estimating tools used in civil engineering and construction.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how project data is managed and how client interactions are tracked within a firm's system (if applicable) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with any workflow automation tools or processes that streamline design reviews, RFI management, or submittal processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed, standard engineering and project management tools are implied. For a Deputy Design Manager role, proficiency in CAD and scheduling software is a baseline. Experience with WSDOT-specific software or platforms for managing project documentation (e.g., e-Construction platforms) would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions and exceeding client expectations.

• Trust: Building and maintaining trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders through honesty, integrity, and reliable performance.

• Relationships: Fostering strong, long-term relationships with clients and within the team, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect.

• Stability: Contributing to a stable and reputable firm that provides secure career opportunities and consistent project delivery.

• Passion: Demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication to engineering, project success, and professional growth.

Collaboration Style:

• The firm's decentralized structure combined with a focus on strong relationships suggests a collaborative approach where team members are empowered to contribute and support one another.

• Expect a culture that values open communication, proactive problem-solving, and shared responsibility for project outcomes, especially within the Special Projects Division.

• The hybrid work model necessitates effective digital collaboration tools and practices to maintain seamless teamwork and knowledge sharing across different work locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: KPFF's stated values are central to their operational ethos. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their daily work, particularly in how they approach technical challenges, build relationships, and contribute to team success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Disciplines: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines (roadway, structural, environmental, traffic) within a design-build framework requires strong communication and integration skills.

• Navigating Design-Build Complexities: Understanding and managing the unique risks, contractual obligations, and stakeholder dynamics inherent in design-build projects.

• Balancing Technical Rigor and Schedule/Budget: Ensuring high-quality design while adhering to strict timelines and cost constraints in a fast-paced project environment.

• Client Demands and Expectations: Meeting the varied and sometimes evolving needs of clients, particularly government agencies, on large infrastructure projects.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new engineering software, design methodologies, and construction techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design-Build Methodologies: Gaining deeper expertise in alternative project delivery methods and complex contract management.

• Project Leadership Skills: Developing advanced project management capabilities, including financial oversight, risk management, and strategic planning.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in areas like advanced transportation engineering, fish passage solutions, or specific infrastructure types.

• Mentorship and Professional Recognition: Leveraging KPFF's mentorship programs and licensure recognition to advance career goals and build professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Special Projects" designation implies that challenging, non-routine projects are the norm. This environment is ideal for individuals who thrive on problem-solving and continuous learning, offering significant opportunities for professional development beyond standard engineering roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design-Build Experience: "Describe a complex design-build project you worked on. What was your role, what were the biggest challenges, and how did you contribute to its successful technical delivery?" Focus on your understanding of the integrated nature of design-build.

• Discipline Coordination: "Imagine a scenario where the structural and roadway design teams have conflicting requirements for a critical bridge element. How would you facilitate a resolution that meets both technical needs and project constraints?" Emphasize your communication and negotiation skills.

• Risk Management: "How do you approach identifying and mitigating design-related risks in a design-build project? Can you provide an example of a risk you successfully managed?" Discuss proactive strategies and lessons learned.

Company & Culture Questions:

• KPFF Values: "How do you embody 'Excellence' and 'Trust' in your daily work as an engineer and team member?" Be ready to connect your past experiences to KPFF's core values.

• Collaboration: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic, especially in a hybrid work setting?" Highlight your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and adapt to different work modes.

• Client Service: "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to satisfy a client's needs, especially on a challenging project." Showcase your client-centric approach and problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project presented, clearly articulate: 1) Project background and scope, 2) Your specific role and responsibilities, 3) Key technical or management challenges, 4) Your contributions and solutions, 5) The outcomes and impact (quantifiable where possible).

• Focus on Design-Build & WSDOT: Prioritize examples that specifically demonstrate your experience with design-build delivery and familiarity with WSDOT projects or standards.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, photos, or charts to illustrate design concepts, project progress, or key data. Keep slides concise and focused.

• Storytelling: Frame your project experiences as compelling narratives that highlight your expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a strategic thinker, a strong communicator, and a collaborative team player capable of managing the unique demands of design-build projects within a reputable engineering firm.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Build Deputy Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your 8+ years of civil design and management experience, your 5+ years on large DOT projects, and any direct design-build project experience. Emphasize your PE license in Washington state.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your responsibilities and achievements in areas such as technical coordination, cost control, risk management, client relations, and team leadership, using keywords found in the job description (e.g., design-build, WSDOT, project management, civil design).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for technical and project management scenarios, especially those related to design-build and transportation infrastructure.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KPFF Consulting Engineers, their Special Projects Division, and their core values. Understand their recent projects and market position, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

⚠️ 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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