Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Applied High Voltage, LLC (Operating as Signal Energy)

Location: United States (Specific location TBD, likely requiring on-site presence)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Project Engineering

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ years (Mid-level to Senior)

Remote Status: On-site (Requires travel up to 15%)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the engineering and design efforts for Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages.

• Manage the integration of multi-disciplinary design components, including civil, structural, electrical, SCADA, and high voltage systems.

• Serve as the primary technical interface for clients and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout the design phase, facilitating swift resolution of RFIs, comments, and change events.

• Drive the implementation of value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs and performance.

• Mentor and provide leadership to junior engineering team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities strongly align with a Project Engineering Manager or Senior Project Engineer role within the renewable energy sector, specifically focusing on the design and engineering phases of large-scale PV and BESS installations. The emphasis on client interface, cross-functional coordination, and technical oversight suggests a role that bridges pure design and project execution management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all engineering activities for multiple concurrent PV and BESS projects, ensuring design deliverables meet project specifications and client requirements.

• Develop detailed design-phase execution plans, proactively monitor progress against these plans, and implement corrective actions to mitigate schedule or budget deviations.

• Ensure comprehensive integration of all design disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, SCADA, high voltage) to produce cohesive and constructible IFC design packages.

• Manage client communications regarding technical aspects of the design, including leading design reviews, addressing comments, and resolving technical queries promptly.

• Facilitate thorough design reviews involving all internal stakeholders, third-party consultants, and vendors, ensuring all design aspects are rigorously vetted and deficiencies are addressed efficiently.

• Identify, track, and drive the implementation of value engineering opportunities to enhance project cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Monitor internal engineering hours against project progress, ensuring efficient resource allocation and facilitating corrective actions when necessary.

• Coordinate with AHJs to ensure timely and complete permit submittals, managing communication and addressing any required modifications.

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and designers on the team.

• Support the contracting process for third-party consultants and foster strong, collaborative partnerships to ensure quality design support.

• Document and communicate lessons learned and best practices from design phases to improve future project execution and standards.

• Ensure a seamless and comprehensive handover of approved designs, permits, and relevant documentation to the Solar Operations team for construction execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong process management and an understanding of the full project lifecycle from initial design through to construction handover. The emphasis on "IFC design packages" and "basis of budget" indicates a focus on delivering designs that are not only technically sound but also commercially viable and ready for procurement and construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of applicable industry experience in the design of PV, High Voltage (HV), BESS, or SCADA systems. Experience in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) environments is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering and design efforts for complex projects.

• Strong understanding of PV and BESS system design principles, including electrical, civil, structural, and SCADA aspects.

• Proficiency in managing technical client interfaces and resolving complex issues.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate design reviews with diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience with value engineering processes and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Project management experience, particularly with complex, multi-disciplinary EPC projects in the renewable energy sector.

• Proficiency in project management software such as Procore, MS Project, and/or Primavera P6 (P6).

• Experience interfacing with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for permitting processes.

• Leadership or mentoring experience with junior engineering staff.

• Familiarity with SCADA system design and integration for renewable energy projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a technical degree and 3+ years of specific industry experience positions this role as mid-level to senior. The explicit mention of EPC experience and specific project management software (Procore, MS Project, P6) indicates a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with established industry tools and methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed design phases for complex renewable energy projects (PV, BESS).

• Case studies showcasing effective coordination of multi-disciplinary engineering teams (civil, structural, electrical, SCADA, HV).

• Examples of technical documentation, design review summaries, and RFI resolution processes.

• Evidence of managing client technical interfaces and stakeholder communication throughout the design lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams illustrating the design process from concept to IFC, including interdependencies between disciplines.

• Examples of design execution plans, progress tracking mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies for design phases.

• Documentation of best practices for design reviews, comment resolution, and lessons learned capture within engineering teams.

• Procedures for client technical query management and AHJ permit submittal processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize not just technical design output but also the management of processes, teams, and stakeholder interactions that lead to successful design delivery. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to organize, track, and drive complex design efforts to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 3+ years of experience in the US renewable energy sector, a competitive salary range is estimated between $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the required experience, technical specialization (PV, BESS, HV), project management responsibilities, and the potential for significant impact on large-scale projects. Actual compensation will depend on specific location, candidate experience, and skill set.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

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

• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

• Travel reimbursement for required site visits and meetings.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for overtime based on project demands and deadlines. The role may require flexibility to accommodate client needs and critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided information (experience level, industry, and general responsibilities) and standard compensation for similar roles in the US. It is crucial for candidates to research local market rates for this specific region and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Renewable Energy (Solar and Energy Storage), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC). Signal Energy operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector focused on sustainable energy solutions.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Applied High Voltage, LLC (Signal Energy) is likely a mid-to-large sized company within the specialized field of high-voltage electrical contracting and renewable energy project development, given the scope of operations described. A company of this size typically fosters a culture that balances specialized expertise with collaborative project execution.

Founded: Information not provided.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report to the Principal Engineer, indicating a clear line of technical leadership and oversight.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple internal departments, including Engineering, Procurement, and Solar Operations, as well as external clients, third-party consultants, and AHJs.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a structured approach to project design, focusing on delivering IFC-ready packages that are on time, on budget, and aligned with client specifications and the "basis of budget."

• A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving to ensure seamless integration of design components and timely resolution of technical issues.

• Value engineering and continuous improvement through lessons learned are integral to their design process.

Company Website: Signal Energy operates under the domain ahvsllc.com.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on PV, BESS, and high-voltage design implies a technically rigorous environment. The emphasis on collaboration across multiple teams (Engineering, Procurement, Operations) and external parties highlights the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills for success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior engineering management position. It requires a solid foundation in design principles for renewable energy systems and demonstrated experience in managing complex project phases. The responsibilities indicate a significant level of autonomy and accountability for design deliverables.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Principal Engineer. This structure suggests that the role is integral to the senior engineering leadership and has direct influence over design strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the success of PV and BESS projects. By ensuring accurate, timely, and budget-compliant designs, they directly impact project cost, schedule, safety, and overall client satisfaction. Effective design management is foundational to the efficient execution of construction by the Solar Operations team and contributes significantly to the company's profitability and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like high-voltage design, BESS integration, or advanced SCADA systems.

• Project Leadership: Transition into broader project management roles overseeing entire EPC projects, moving beyond the design phase.

• Team Leadership: Grow into a lead engineering management position, managing larger teams and more complex engineering portfolios.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance design workflows, implement new technologies, or develop standardized design practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to a Principal Engineer suggests a clear path for technical mentorship and advancement within the engineering discipline. The emphasis on managing multiple concurrent projects and cross-functional teams provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles in project management or engineering management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role, requiring a professional work environment conducive to detailed design work, collaboration, and client interaction. The specific office setup would likely be within a dedicated engineering department.

Office Location(s): While the job is listed as "USA," the mention of "America/Chicago" timezone in the metadata suggests a potential primary location or operational hub in the Central US. Travel is expected up to 15% for client meetings and site visits.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a dedicated desk or cubicle within an engineering team setting, equipped with necessary software and hardware for design and project management.

• Collaboration will be frequent, involving in-person meetings, video conferences, and shared digital workspaces with engineers, project managers, and procurement specialists.

• Access to company-specific design software, project management platforms (Procore, MS Project, P6), and communication tools will be standard.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, aligning with typical business hours. However, the nature of project deadlines and client demands may necessitate flexibility and occasional overtime to ensure critical milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement and up to 15% travel indicate a hands-on role where physical presence for team collaboration and client engagement is valued. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment that balances focused design work with active project coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and alignment with company values.

• Technical Interview: Conducted by the Principal Engineer or other senior engineering staff. This will focus on your technical expertise in PV/BESS/HV design, project coordination experience, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges you've overcome and your approach to multi-disciplinary integration.

• Managerial/Team Fit Interview: May involve meeting with other project managers or team leads to assess collaboration style, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, design improvements).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive or department head to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in managing design phases for PV/BESS projects, highlighting your coordination and problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., design completion time, budget adherence, efficiency gains from value engineering).

• Process Focus: Showcase your understanding of design workflows, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. Use diagrams or process maps if helpful.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Procore, MS Project, P6, and other relevant design and project management software.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical scenario questions, such as "How would you handle a significant design conflict between electrical and civil disciplines?" or "How would you manage a client request for a major design change late in the design phase?"

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and adherence to project constraints.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to mentoring junior engineers and fostering a positive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on project management tools and cross-functional coordination, interviewers will likely probe for practical examples of how candidates have used these tools and managed complex stakeholder relationships to achieve design objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in Procore is highly preferred, along with strong experience in MS Project and/or Primavera P6 (P6) for scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking.

• Design Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, PVSyst, Helioscope) is beneficial, though direct design proficiency may not be the primary requirement for the manager role.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize project management software for generating progress reports, budget tracking, and performance analytics.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing engineering hours against design progress and identifying trends for corrective actions.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design integrates with CRM data (e.g., project scope from sales) is an advantage.

• Automation: Familiarity with how design processes can be streamlined or automated, particularly in documentation and reporting, is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Procore, MS Project, and P6 indicates these are critical tools for this role. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their expertise in utilizing these platforms for project planning, execution, and reporting within an engineering and construction context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Alignment with Signal Energy's Core Principles: Candidates must demonstrate an understanding and embodiment of the company's foundational values, which likely include integrity, safety, quality, and client focus.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse internal teams (Engineering, Procurement, Operations) and external partners (clients, consultants, AHJs).

• Problem-Solving: A proactive, creative, and persistent approach to identifying and resolving technical and logistical challenges inherent in complex engineering projects.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Driving projects to completion on time and within budget, with a clear sense of ownership and responsibility for design deliverables.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning from past projects, sharing knowledge, and implementing best practices to enhance future outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with Procurement to ensure designs align with available materials and vendor capabilities, and with Solar Operations to ensure designs are constructible and meet operational needs.

• Proactive Communication: Regular, clear, and transparent communication with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders is essential for managing expectations and resolving issues promptly.

• Team-Oriented: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where junior team members are mentored and encouraged to contribute their best work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Core Principles" mentioned are central to the company's ethos. Candidates should research Signal Energy's stated values and be prepared to discuss how their work style and approach align with these principles, particularly concerning collaboration, problem-solving, and efficiency in a technical, project-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Balancing the demands of several complex PV and BESS projects simultaneously, each with unique client requirements and timelines.

• Technical Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of disparate engineering disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, SCADA, HV) into cohesive and constructible designs.

• Client Interface & RFI Management: Effectively managing client expectations, technical queries, and design comments from various stakeholders to ensure timely resolution without compromising design integrity or budget.

• Value Engineering Implementation: Identifying and driving adoption of value engineering opportunities, which can sometimes face resistance from established practices or client preferences.

• Mentoring Junior Staff: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced engineers while maintaining project momentum and quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specialized areas like grid interconnection standards, advanced energy storage technologies, or complex high-voltage system design.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or enhancing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or other relevant industry credentials.

• Leadership Development: Exposure to strategic decision-making, cross-functional leadership, and mentorship programs designed to cultivate future engineering leaders.

• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of evolving technologies, regulations, and best practices in the rapidly changing renewable energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a Design Manager in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing the need for strong organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities highlight pathways for both technical and managerial advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design conflict between two engineering disciplines. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, collaboration, and problem-solving approach.)

• "How do you ensure that Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages are delivered on time and within budget while meeting all specifications?" (Highlight your planning, monitoring, and risk management strategies.)

• "Walk me through your experience managing client technical interfaces and resolving RFIs. What is your approach to ensuring timely and satisfactory responses?" (Emphasize communication, documentation, and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align your work with a company's core principles, such as those at Signal Energy?" (Be prepared to discuss integrity, safety, quality, and client focus.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior engineers. What is your philosophy on team development?" (Focus on your leadership and coaching style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the project type, your role, the key challenges, your specific actions, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your management of the design process, stakeholder coordination, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Showcase Tools: Be ready to discuss how you utilized Procore, MS Project, or P6 to manage project timelines, resources, and communication.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your contributions, such as percentage of budget saved through value engineering, or on-time delivery metrics.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle unexpected issues, and your technical rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only articulate technical solutions but also demonstrate strong project management discipline, leadership capabilities, and a clear understanding of the business impact of design decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UltiPro careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in PV, BESS, HV, or SCADA design, emphasizing project coordination, client interface, and any EPC experience. Quantify achievements with numbers related to project scope, budget, or schedule.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your design management, cross-functional coordination, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to present your role, process, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Research Signal Energy: Understand their core principles, recent projects, and their position in the renewable energy market. Prepare to discuss how your values and experience align with theirs.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on specific examples and your structured approach to problem-solving and project management.

⚠️ 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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