Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: AirTrunk

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization, schematic, and detailed design phases for large-scale hyperscale data center projects, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with business objectives.

• Drive innovation and efficiency in design processes to support rapid expansion and critical sustainability goals within the data center infrastructure.

• Foster strong collaboration with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and contractors to deliver world-class hyperscale solutions that meet stringent customer requirements.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the design team, promoting best practices and continuous improvement in engineering and design methodologies.

• Manage project lifecycle from concept through to detailed design, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and quality objectives while championing modularity and standardization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a rapidly growing hyperscale data center company, implying a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The "Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like managing design phases, stakeholder collaboration, and technical leadership, suggests a role that requires not only technical expertise but also strong project management and communication skills. The focus on "innovation and efficiency" and "sustainability goals" points to a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the entire design lifecycle for hyperscale data center projects, encompassing concept, schematic, and detailed design stages, either in-house or through external consultants.

• Conduct thorough peer reviews of designs with external consultants or principal engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and internal cross-functional teams (e.g., operations, construction, sales) to guarantee design integrity, compliance, and seamless project execution.

• Provide robust technical leadership and mentorship to the design team, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and professional development.

• Ensure all projects meticulously meet AirTrunk's and customer's minimum requirements, including critical parameters for cost-effectiveness, modularity, technical compliance, and feasibility through standardization.

• Develop and present weekly progress reports, clearly outlining required support, milestones achieved, and potential risks, to ensure effective design completion.

• Drive the implementation of design strategies that enhance cost-effectiveness, promote modularity, and ensure technical compliance and feasibility through the adoption of standardization principles.

• Collaborate with customer-facing teams to interpret Request for Proposals (RFPs), translate customer needs into design specifications, and engage in technical discussions with clients.

• Champion sustainability initiatives within the design process, integrating eco-friendly solutions and practices to meet AirTrunk's environmental objectives.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design standards, methodologies, and best practices across the organization to support scalable and efficient data center development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking. The emphasis on "inhouse or get it done through consultants" and "peer review" indicates a need for strong vendor management and quality assurance capabilities. The mention of "customers via standardization" and "customer RFP" points to a strong customer-centric approach within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Mechanical-HVAC, IBMS, Civil-Architectural, or Structural engineering is required.

• A degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Civil-Structural or building services engineering is considered advantageous. Experience:

• 7-10 years of comprehensive experience in engineering and design, with a strong preference for large-scale infrastructure or data center buildings and campuses, covering the entire project lifecycle.

• Proven experience in managing complex design projects and effectively coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

• Prior experience working as a Design Manager in a consultancy or client-side role is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Strong foundational knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills in at least one specialization of Electrical, Mechanical-HVAC, IBMS, Civil-Architectural, or Structural engineering.

• In-depth expertise in core data center systems, including UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers, cooling towers, Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs)/Close Control Units (CCUs), fire suppression systems, and structured cabling.

• Proficiency in core and shell building design, including structural steel/precast building design and master planning.

• Experience in reading, understanding, and responding to customer RFPs, and discussing technical aspects with clients.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex design projects concurrently and effectively.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of being a strong team player.

• Sound understanding of engineering principles and practices within the chosen discipline, with a bonus for knowledge across multiple disciplines.

• Ability to align with AirTrunk's culture and demonstrate a positive attitude and mindset. Preferred Skills:

• Electrical Engineering experience with Extra High Voltage (EHV) and Low Voltage (LV) distribution for various customer designs.

• Broader knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., both electrical and mechanical).

• Familiarity with data center master planning and campus-level design considerations.

• Experience with sustainable design practices and energy efficiency solutions in data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a broad technical base with deep specialization in at least one engineering discipline relevant to data center infrastructure. The emphasis on both "in-house" and "consultant" work suggests adaptability and experience managing external partners. The desire for knowledge across multiple disciplines and specific EHV/LV experience indicates a preference for candidates with a holistic understanding of data center power and cooling systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful management of large-scale data center design projects from concept through to detailed design phases.

• Include case studies highlighting your contributions to innovation and efficiency improvements in design processes, particularly those supporting rapid expansion or sustainability goals.

• Provide examples of how you have coordinated with diverse internal teams (e.g., construction, operations) and external consultants/contractors to ensure design integrity and project success.

• Demonstrate experience in reviewing and approving designs, ensuring compliance with technical standards, customer requirements, and AirTrunk's quality objectives.

• Present evidence of your ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and quality metrics within the design phase. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to managing design phases, including methodologies for concept development, schematic design, and detailed design documentation.

• Detail your process for conducting design reviews, including peer reviews and SME consultations, and how you incorporate feedback.

• Outline your workflow for stakeholder management and communication, including experience with progress reporting and managing client expectations.

• Showcase your experience with standardization efforts in design, illustrating how modularity and repeatable solutions were implemented to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Provide examples of your process for integrating customer RFP requirements into design specifications and ensuring technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on project outcomes. The focus should be on showing how they managed complexity, drove efficiency, and ensured successful design delivery in a hyperscale environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7-10 years of experience in Mumbai, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,800,000 to ₹2,800,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of hyperscale data center design, the required technical expertise, and the strategic importance of the role within AirTrunk's rapid expansion plans. Benefits:

• Flexible working environment: AirTrunk promotes a flexible work setting, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Career growth opportunities: Significant opportunities for professional development and advancement within a rapidly growing hyperscale company ("Grow@Hyperscale").

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs: Likely includes medical insurance, wellness initiatives, and support for employee well-being.

• Performance-based incentives: Potential for bonuses or other performance-related rewards tied to project success and company growth.

• Professional development support: Access to training, certifications, and opportunities to attend industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in data center design and engineering.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of hyperscale project delivery may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for a Design Manager in Mumbai with this experience level in the specialized data center industry can be quite competitive. The provided range is an estimate based on general market data for senior engineering roles in India and the specific demands of hyperscale projects. Benefits are inferred from the company's description of its culture and typical offerings for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centers / Infrastructure / Technology. AirTrunk operates in the critical infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on hyperscale data centers that power the digital economy for major cloud providers and large enterprises across the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. This industry demands precision, scalability, and reliability.

Company Size: Large. AirTrunk is described as "Asia Pacific & Middle East's (APME) largest, most innovative, and rapidly growing data centre company." This implies a significant global presence and a substantial number of employees, likely in the thousands, supporting its expansive operations and development projects.

Founded: 2017. AirTrunk is a relatively young but rapidly scaling company, founded with a vision to redefine hyperscale data center development. Its rapid growth since inception, backed by major investors like Blackstone, suggests a dynamic, ambitious, and forward-thinking organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely structured to support AirTrunk's rapid expansion across APME. It includes specialized engineering disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) and is led by a Sr. Director, Design.

• Collaboration extends across India and internationally, with key interactions involving teams in Sydney and Singapore, highlighting a global and cross-functional operational model.

• The Design Manager will work closely with various internal teams (e.g., construction, operations, project management) and external consultants/stakeholders, indicating a highly collaborative and matrixed reporting environment. Methodology:

• Design Excellence: A core methodology involves developing world-class hyperscale solutions through rigorous design phases (concept, schematic, detailed).

• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuous focus on driving innovation and efficiency in design to support rapid expansion and sustainability goals, likely leveraging modular design principles and standardization.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: A structured approach to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, project success, and technical integrity.

• Quality Assurance: Emphasis on peer reviews, SME consultations, and ensuring designs meet stringent requirements, cost, schedule, and quality objectives.

Company Website: https://airtrunk.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid growth and focus on hyperscale infrastructure suggest a culture that values speed, innovation, and technical expertise. The international collaboration points to a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior management level, responsible for leading and managing critical design phases of complex hyperscale data center projects. It requires significant technical depth, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. The role acts as a key interface between technical design teams, project stakeholders, and customer requirements.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Sr. Director, Design, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the design department. This also implies opportunities for mentorship and guidance from senior leadership on strategic design initiatives and career development.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is substantial, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of AirTrunk's hyperscale data centers. Their work underpins the company's ability to rapidly expand its infrastructure footprint and meet the evolving demands of its global clientele. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget, directly contributing to AirTrunk's market leadership and revenue generation capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific data center engineering disciplines (e.g., advanced cooling systems, power distribution strategies, sustainability integrations) or broaden knowledge across multiple disciplines.

• Leadership Development: Progress into senior leadership roles within the design department, potentially managing larger teams, more complex projects, or strategic design initiatives. This could include roles like Principal Design Manager or Head of Design for specific regions or project types.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas such as Project Management, Construction Management, or Operations Engineering, leveraging their deep understanding of data center infrastructure from a design perspective.

• Global Exposure: As AirTrunk expands globally, there will be opportunities to contribute to international projects, fostering exposure to diverse markets, regulatory environments, and engineering challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers clear pathways for both technical and managerial growth within a high-growth industry. The emphasis on "Grow@Hyperscale" suggests a company culture that actively supports employee development and advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a requirement to work from AirTrunk's Mumbai headquarters (AT-India-HQ). The environment is likely a professional office setting conducive to collaborative work, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Mumbai, India. The role also involves close collaboration with teams in Sydney and Singapore, suggesting potential for occasional international travel or remote collaboration with these global offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, and potentially specialized areas for design reviews, encouraging interaction among the design team and with other departments.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms necessary for managing complex data center engineering projects.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, and leadership, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment. The culture emphasizes being a "team player" and "collaborative problem solvers."

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard office hours expected. However, the fast-paced nature of hyperscale projects may necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines, participate in global calls across different time zones, and ensure project milestones are achieved effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mumbai, coupled with international collaboration, suggests a role that balances focused work with extensive team interaction and potential travel, typical for global infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in data center design and engineering disciplines.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering as applied to data centers. Expect questions on system design (UPS, generators, cooling, etc.), project lifecycle, and problem-solving scenarios.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to present a past project in detail, discuss your role, challenges faced, design decisions made, and outcomes achieved. This could involve a specific design problem or a review of your portfolio.

• Managerial/Behavioral Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, stakeholder management skills, ability to mentor teams, and cultural fit with AirTrunk's values (dynamic, transparent, responsive, collaborative).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Sr. Director, Design) to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-4 key hyperscale data center projects that best showcase your design management experience, technical depth, and impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within each project.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., % cost savings, % efficiency improvement, adherence to schedule, meeting specific technical performance targets).

• Showcase Process: Explain your design process, including how you managed concept, schematic, and detailed design phases, and how you incorporated reviews and stakeholder feedback.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss significant challenges encountered during design and how you overcame them.

• Tailor to RFP: If possible, align your portfolio presentation with the types of projects and customer requirements mentioned in the job description or company materials.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of core electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering principles relevant to data centers.

• Data Center Systems: Be ready to discuss the intricacies of UPS, generators, cooling systems (chillers, CRACs/CCUs), fire suppression, and structured cabling.

• Project Management: Prepare to discuss your approach to managing design schedules, budgets, scope, and risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• AirTrunk Context: Research AirTrunk's projects, expansion plans, and sustainability initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of their business and operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role will heavily weigh technical proficiency and practical experience in managing complex engineering projects within the data center domain. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a compelling story of successful design delivery is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for creating and managing design drawings and models.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit is highly probable for integrated design and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Jira for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• 3D Modeling/Simulation Tools: Potentially experience with tools for simulating airflow, thermal performance, or structural integrity, depending on specialization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially more advanced tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and reports on design project progress, performance metrics, and cost tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication, file sharing, and team coordination across different locations and time zones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how customer requirements (from RFPs) translate into design specifications suggests familiarity with processes that might be managed through CRM-adjacent systems or project intake platforms.

• Automation within design processes could involve scripting or using features within BIM/CAD software to streamline repetitive tasks or generate documentation efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role's nature implies a need for expertise in CAD/BIM and project management tools. The emphasis on reporting and data analysis suggests familiarity with tools that support efficient project tracking and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Challengers: Embracing a proactive mindset to question the status quo and find innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative Problem Solvers: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to tackle complex challenges and achieve shared goals.

• Going Above and Beyond: Demonstrating commitment and dedication to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations.

• Dynamic, Transparent, and Responsive: Operating with agility, open communication, and quick adaptation to changing needs and priorities.

• Sustainability Focused: Integrating environmentally conscious practices and solutions into all aspects of design and operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with various departments, including construction, operations, and sales, to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be freely shared, feedback is constructively given and received, and transparency is maintained.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the design team and with other engineering disciplines.

• Efficiency-Driven: A collective drive to optimize processes, leverage standardization, and implement efficient design methodologies to support AirTrunk's rapid growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: AirTrunk's culture appears to be high-energy, innovative, and team-oriented, with a strong focus on impact and continuous improvement. The values are geared towards supporting rapid growth and delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Expansion Pace: Keeping pace with AirTrunk's aggressive global expansion requires efficient design processes, quick decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across different stages.

• Technical Complexity: Designing hyperscale data centers involves intricate systems (power, cooling, structural) requiring deep technical expertise and constant learning to stay abreast of evolving technologies and best practices.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of internal teams, external consultants, regulatory bodies, and customers can be challenging, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively integrating cutting-edge sustainable design solutions while meeting stringent performance, cost, and schedule requirements presents an ongoing technical and logistical challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training and certifications in areas like advanced data center cooling technologies, high-voltage electrical systems, sustainable building design, and BIM management.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend leading data center and engineering conferences to gain insights into industry trends, new technologies, and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs with senior engineering leaders within AirTrunk to guide career progression and skill development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain exposure to and potentially contribute to projects involving different engineering disciplines, broadening overall technical understanding and project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a fast-growing, innovative company in a complex technical field. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professionals looking to advance their careers in the hyperscale data center sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the full lifecycle of a hyperscale data center design project, from concept to detailed design. How do you ensure technical integrity and stakeholder alignment throughout?"

• "How have you driven innovation and efficiency in data center design processes? Provide a specific example where your design contributions led to significant cost savings or improved sustainability."

• "Walk me through a challenging situation where you had to coordinate with multiple internal teams and external consultants on a complex infrastructure project. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AirTrunk and the hyperscale data center industry? How do you see yourself contributing to our mission of scaling and sustaining the region's digital future?"

• "How do you embody AirTrunk's values of being dynamic, transparent, and responsive in your work? Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to a change in project scope or requirements."

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. How do you foster teamwork and knowledge sharing among engineers with different specializations?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of AirTrunk and the role, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project, detail the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, key design challenges, your solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, schematics, or renderings (if permissible) to illustrate complex design concepts. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

• Metrics: Emphasize data – cost savings, energy efficiency improvements, adherence to schedule, capacity metrics, etc. – to demonstrate tangible impact.

• Process Focus: Explain the design methodology used, how you managed reviews, and how stakeholder feedback was integrated.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how your work aligns with AirTrunk's strategic objectives (growth, sustainability, standardization).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise, strong project management capabilities, effective leadership, and a cultural fit with AirTrunk's high-energy, growth-oriented environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AirTrunk careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in data center design, large-scale infrastructure projects, and specific engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, civil). Quantify achievements with metrics related to cost savings, efficiency, and project delivery.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful hyperscale data center design projects. Ensure it clearly outlines your role, responsibilities, technical solutions, and demonstrated outcomes. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research AirTrunk: Familiarize yourself with AirTrunk's mission, values, recent projects, and expansion plans. Understand their focus on hyperscale, sustainability, and innovation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise relevant to data center design. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.