Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Bechtel Corporation

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Other (Full-Time Office/Project)

Category: Engineering Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage engineering teams responsible for the technical execution of complex aviation and infrastructure projects.

• Oversee the interpretation, organization, execution, and coordination of engineering aspects, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, and quality standards.

• Drive project success through robust engineering planning, technical risk assessment, and effective stakeholder coordination.

• Contribute to Bechtel's growth in Western Australia by delivering critical capital works programs in aviation, defense, and energy infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a major global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm, Bechtel. The "Design Manager" title, combined with the responsibilities and requirements, indicates a senior leadership position focused on the technical delivery and coordination of design elements for large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the aviation sector. The emphasis on "project engineering" and "capital estimates" suggests a strong connection to the financial and strategic aspects of project execution, aligning it with a GTM (Go-To-Market) or project operations focus rather than pure design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment to drive project objectives.

• Interpret and organize project requirements, ensuring that all engineering activities are executed efficiently and effectively to meet client expectations and contractual obligations.

• Manage the engineering elements of capital estimates, including proposal review and cost control, to ensure projects remain within budget parameters.

• Oversee and participate in Technical Risk Assessments (e.g., HAZIDs, HAZOPs) to identify and mitigate potential project risks, ensuring safety and compliance.

• Coordinate engineering efforts across various disciplines, as well as with external stakeholders such as design contractors, suppliers, and clients, to ensure seamless project execution.

• Attend and actively participate in progress meetings with Design & Construction (D&C) or design contractors, verifying compliance with program requirements and contractual obligations, including value engineering and constructability.

• Manage the process for requests for information (RFIs) and design change requests, ensuring timely resolution and minimal impact on project timelines and budgets.

• Conduct and oversee design, constructability, and value engineering reviews to optimize project outcomes and ensure efficient construction methods.

• Ensure that engineering design and related documentation adhere to the project's Quality Assurance plan, maintaining high standards for deliverables.

• Communicate complex technical issues, proposed solutions, and project status updates clearly and concisely to project management and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and risk mitigation. The emphasis on "aviation or airport projects" and "complex interfaces with airport design" is crucial. The role requires not just technical oversight but also the management of design contractors, value engineering, and constructability reviews, which are core to successful project delivery in the EPC sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Architecture. Experience:

• 10-13 years of relevant engineering experience, or a total of 14-17 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.

• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and driving project outcomes, particularly within the aviation or airport project sector. Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of engineering principles and practices applied to large-scale infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on aviation or airport design.

• Proficiency in interpreting and applying industry-specific regulatory codes and standards relevant to aviation infrastructure projects.

• Strong understanding of engineering planning and control methods, coupled with practical knowledge of infrastructure project construction practices.

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in field engineering, construction activities, and testing & commissioning (T&C) processes.

• Expertise in managing complex interfaces associated with airport design and coordinating detailed design efforts from multiple design contractors.

• Up-to-date knowledge of computer applications relevant to engineering design and project management.

• Proven ability to manage the work efforts of professional engineers and technical staff.

• Skill in making sound decisions based on unit objectives, company policies, and established procedures.

• Ability to mentor less experienced team members and facilitate knowledge transfer within the engineering team. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with technical risk assessment methodologies like HAZID and HAZOP.

• Familiarity with value engineering and constructability review processes.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills for complex project environments.

• Experience with budget management and capital estimate development for large engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is substantial, indicating a need for seasoned professionals. The emphasis on "Aviation related industry/regulatory codes and standards" and "complex interfaces with airport design" is a key differentiator for this role, suggesting that candidates with direct experience in airport development or similar large-scale transportation infrastructure will be highly favored.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful leadership of engineering design teams on complex, multi-disciplinary aviation or infrastructure projects, showcasing project lifecycle management.

• Provide case studies illustrating how you have managed technical risks, including HAZID/HAZOP participation and mitigation strategies, to ensure project safety and compliance.

• Showcase examples of effective coordination and communication with multiple design contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders to resolve complex design interfaces and conflicts.

• Present evidence of contributions to capital estimates, proposal reviews, and budget management, highlighting your role in financial project control.

• Include documentation or descriptions of how you have overseen or participated in constructability and value engineering reviews, demonstrating impact on project efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to organizing and executing engineering technical aspects for projects, detailing workflow design and optimization phases.

• Provide examples of how you have managed the RFI and design change request process, demonstrating implementation and automation methods for efficient resolution.

• Showcase your methods for ensuring engineering design compliance with Quality Assurance plans, including measurement and performance analysis of design deliverables.

• Detail your experience in coordinating engineering efforts across disciplines and with external parties, highlighting collaborative process implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role at this level, a portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that exemplify their leadership in managing complex design processes, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination within the context of large infrastructure projects. The focus should be on tangible outcomes, process improvements, and the successful integration of various engineering disciplines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10-17 years of experience in Perth, Western Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $170,000 - $230,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized nature of aviation infrastructure, and the cost of living in Perth. Benefits:

• Career Advancement: Opportunities for professional development and progression within a global company known for its large-scale, impactful projects.

• Culture Enhancement Programs: Bechtel invests in programs designed to improve the workplace culture and foster a sense of belonging and collaboration.

• Time to Recharge: Benefits designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being, allowing professionals to recharge and maintain productivity.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Retirement savings plan contributions.

• Paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

• Professional development and training opportunities. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bechtel is a major global employer, and their benefits package is expected to be competitive. The provided range for salary is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in Perth, Australia. The "Total Rewards/Benefits" section in the original posting mentions "Career Advancement," "Culture Enhancement Programs," and "Time to Recharge," which have been incorporated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) - Infrastructure, Energy, Mining & Metals, Manufacturing & Technology. Bechtel is a significant player in global infrastructure development.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a global workforce numbering in the tens of thousands. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: 1898. With over a century of experience, Bechtel has a deep-rooted history of delivering complex and challenging projects worldwide, fostering a culture of expertise and resilience.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated engineering team, potentially comprising discipline leads, senior engineers, and junior engineers, focused on specific project phases or areas within the aviation sector.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a senior project director or engineering manager, with close collaboration with project controls, procurement, construction, and client representatives.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of Bechtel's project delivery model, requiring seamless integration with various project functions and external partners. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasizes data-driven decision-making, utilizing project data to inform engineering choices, risk assessments, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focuses on structured planning and execution of engineering tasks, with continuous efforts to optimize workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Leverages technology and best practices to automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and enhance overall project delivery efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bechtel's long history and global presence suggest a culture that values experience, technical rigor, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results on challenging projects. The emphasis on "Vision, Values and Commitments" indicates a strong corporate ethos guiding their operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring significant experience (10-17 years) and demonstrated leadership capabilities. It sits at the intersection of technical engineering expertise and project execution management, playing a critical role in the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. The scope involves leading teams, managing technical risks, and contributing to financial project controls.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director or a senior Engineering Manager overseeing a major program. They will manage a team of engineers and work closely with other functional leads within the project organization, including Project Controls, Procurement, Construction, and Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's decisions and leadership directly impact project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, schedule adherence, and overall client satisfaction. By ensuring robust design integrity, efficient constructability, and effective risk management, they are instrumental in achieving project profitability and maintaining Bechtel's reputation for successful project delivery. Their work contributes to the "legacy" Bechtel aims to create globally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Progression to roles such as Engineering Manager for larger programs, Project Director, or specialized technical leadership positions within Bechtel's global operations.

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in aviation infrastructure, complex project management, and advanced engineering technologies through challenging projects and internal training.

• Global Mobility: Potential for international assignments on high-profile projects, expanding professional experience and global exposure within the Bechtel network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within the EPC industry, leveraging deep technical and managerial experience gained at Bechtel. The scale and complexity of Bechtel's projects provide a fertile ground for continuous learning and professional growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Full-Time Office/Project role, meaning the primary work location is an office environment, likely a project site office or a Bechtel regional office. The description notes "Work Location: Perth, WA (Site)," implying the office is co-located with or very near the project site.

Office Location(s): Perth, Western Australia. This location is a hub for significant capital works programs in aviation, defense, and energy infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, involving close interaction with a project team comprising engineers, project managers, and potentially client representatives.

• Access to industry-standard engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided to facilitate efficient work.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with construction teams and site personnel will be frequent, fostering a holistic understanding of the project lifecycle from design through to execution. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of large-scale projects, there may be a need for flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or address urgent issues, potentially involving extended hours or weekend work during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Site" designation for the work location in Perth indicates that the role is project-driven and may involve working closely with or on a specific construction site, necessitating an on-site presence for effective coordination and oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior engineering leader or project director) focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, and specific project experience. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing engineering teams and complex design challenges.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of senior engineers or project leaders who will delve into your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience with aviation infrastructure projects. Expect questions related to risk assessment, design coordination, and regulatory compliance.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, highlighting your contributions to project success, process improvements, and leadership achievements.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior management, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Relevant Case Studies: Prioritize examples directly related to aviation or large-scale infrastructure projects, showcasing your design management, team leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, safety enhancements).

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. Quantify team size managed, budget oversight, schedule adherence, or specific technical improvements.

• Highlight Process & Methodology: Explain the engineering processes and methodologies you employed, emphasizing your role in planning, coordination, risk management, and quality assurance.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, design rationales, and how you navigated complex engineering challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to managing design conflicts, addressing scope changes, or resolving issues with contractors.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge relevant to aviation infrastructure.

• Leadership and Team Management: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, and how you handle underperformance or conflict.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for a role like this. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their experience through structured case studies that demonstrate not only technical competence but also leadership, problem-solving, and impact on project outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) is essential for design review and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other enterprise collaboration suites for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for analyzing project data, such as Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for performance dashboards.

• Reporting Systems: Ability to generate and interpret engineering reports, risk registers, and progress reports using standard office applications.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design integrates with project lifecycle management and client interface systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or project lifecycle management (PLM) software used in large EPC firms.

• Awareness of automation in design processes (e.g., parametric design, scripting) and project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific software, a Design Manager in an EPC firm like Bechtel would be expected to be highly proficient with standard industry tools for design, project management, and collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all project dealings and decision-making.

• Safety: A paramount commitment to the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public through stringent safety protocols and a proactive safety culture.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex challenges and improve project delivery.

• Excellence: A relentless pursuit of delivering projects to the highest standards of quality, performance, and client satisfaction.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged for collective success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasizes seamless collaboration between engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls teams to ensure a unified approach to project delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Encourages open and frequent communication with all stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams, to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promotes a culture where lessons learned and best practices are shared across projects and teams to drive continuous improvement in engineering and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bechtel's stated Vision, Values, and Commitments are central to its culture. Candidates should research these guiding principles to understand how they translate into daily operations and decision-making, particularly concerning safety, integrity, and project excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Navigating the intricate technical and contractual interfaces between multiple design contractors, suppliers, and construction teams on large-scale aviation projects.

• Technical Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating complex technical risks inherent in major infrastructure development to ensure project safety, compliance, and success.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and ensuring alignment on design decisions, scope changes, and project objectives across various internal and external parties.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of rapidly changing aviation industry regulations, technological advancements, and sustainability requirements, and integrating them into project designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Access to Bechtel's extensive training programs focused on large-scale project management, risk management, and leadership.

• Industry-Specific Expertise: Deepening knowledge in aviation infrastructure design, airport operations, and related regulatory frameworks through hands-on project experience.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities through targeted development initiatives.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Bechtel or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges, typical of major EPC projects, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement within a globally recognized organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Describe a complex engineering project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?

• How do you ensure technical compliance with aviation industry codes and standards while managing multiple design contractors?

• Walk me through your process for conducting and incorporating findings from technical risk assessments (e.g., HAZID/HAZOP) into project designs.

• How do you manage scope changes and requests for information (RFIs) on large-scale projects to minimize impact on schedule and budget?

• Describe a situation where you had to resolve conflicting design requirements or coordinate complex interfaces between different engineering disciplines or stakeholders. Company & Culture Questions:

• What do you know about Bechtel's work in Western Australia, particularly in the aviation sector?

• How do your personal values align with Bechtel's Vision, Values, and Commitments?

• Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and manage engineering teams.

• How do you approach fostering a culture of safety and quality within your engineering team? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in design management for complex infrastructure. For each, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Process Clarity: Be ready to explain the engineering processes you followed, including planning, coordination, risk management, and QA/QC.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific engineering challenges and your technical rationale for solutions.

• Conciseness: Structure your presentation to be engaging and to the point, respecting the interviewer's time while conveying comprehensive information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical depth, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of project execution within the EPC context. Demonstrating an ability to manage complexity, mitigate risk, and drive results will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Bechtel Corporation careers portal, ensuring all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience directly relevant to aviation infrastructure, large-scale project design management, and team leadership.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly showcases your years of experience, educational background, key skills (e.g., Engineering Management, Aviation Infrastructure Design, Risk Assessment), and quantifiable achievements in previous roles.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and prepare detailed case studies for your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bechtel's history, current projects in Western Australia, and their Vision, Values, and Commitments to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.