Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Johnson Controls

Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu, China

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers, fostering skill development and adherence to global design standards and processes.

• Drive product layout design and model tree planning, ensuring robust and scalable engineering solutions.

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of high-quality product models, technical drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including problem-solving, process optimization, and quality control methodologies.

• Implement and refine global design processes within the local engineering team to enhance efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational excellence within an engineering context, focusing on process implementation, quality control, and team leadership, aligning it with a crucial operational management function within a product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Coach and train design engineers to enhance their technical skills and professional development, fostering a high-performance engineering culture.

• Global Process Implementation: Actively participate in the development of global design processes and ensure their successful implementation and adoption by the local Wuxi design team.

• Product Design Oversight: Take ownership of product layout design, including strategic model tree planning to ensure design integrity and future scalability.

• Quality & Delivery Assurance: Rigorously track project progress to guarantee the timely delivery of high-quality 3D models, technical drawings, and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Continuous Improvement: Lead and drive Continuous Improvement (CI) projects, focusing on root cause analysis, problem-solving (problem shooting), and implementing effective solutions.

• Process & Quality Enhancement: Continuously improve existing design processes and develop enhanced quality control methods to elevate overall engineering output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership and operational management, focusing on process adherence, quality assurance, and team development within a product design context. This role is critical for operational efficiency in the engineering department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in mechanical product design.

Required Skills:

• Mechanical Design Expertise: Strong experience in mechanical product design and creating detailed technical drawings.

• CAD Proficiency: Proficient in using CAD software, specifically Pro/E (Creo) and AutoCAD.

• Software Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills for cross-functional and international collaboration.

• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to effectively identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical and process-related issues.

• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and foster collaborative relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in air-conditioning system design.

• Experience with model tree planning and BOM management best practices.

• Familiarity with global design process frameworks and implementation strategies.

• Experience in leading CI projects and implementing quality control methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Pro/E and AutoCAD, coupled with the preference for HVAC design experience, suggests a need for deep technical expertise in specific engineering software and product domains. The requirement for strong English communication points to potential global team interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation: Showcase examples of complex mechanical product designs, including detailed 3D models and technical drawings, demonstrating proficiency in Pro/E and AutoCAD.

• Process Implementation: Evidence of participation in or leadership of projects involving the implementation or refinement of design processes, ideally within a global or standardized framework.

• Quality Control Examples: Showcase instances where you've contributed to improving design quality, perhaps through implementing new checks, methodologies, or troubleshooting systematic issues.

• BOM & Model Tree Examples: Include examples that illustrate structured model tree planning and the creation of accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), highlighting attention to detail and organizational skills.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you've analyzed and improved existing design workflows to increase efficiency, reduce errors, or accelerate delivery times.

• Standardization Efforts: Document contributions to establishing or standardizing design procedures, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices across a team or department.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present case studies detailing complex design challenges encountered, the methodologies used for problem-solving, and the successful outcomes achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio should not only showcase technical design output but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, drive improvements, and ensure quality within the engineering function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension scheme, 401k equivalent).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training programs and potential for further education support.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for personal and work-related support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues, particularly during critical product development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for China can vary significantly by city and industry. Wuxi, being a significant industrial hub in Jiangsu province, commands competitive salaries for experienced engineering managers. The upper end of the range would typically be for candidates with exceptional experience, specific HVAC expertise, and strong leadership capabilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Technologies and Solutions, HVAC, Fire & Security Systems, Energy Storage. Johnson Controls is a global leader in making buildings smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally).

Founded: 1885. With a long history, Johnson Controls has established a strong legacy in innovation and industrial solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a team of mechanical design engineers focused on specific product lines or components within the HVAC division.

• This team will report up through a broader Engineering or Product Development department, potentially with matrixed reporting to global engineering leads.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using performance data, simulation results, and customer feedback to inform design decisions and improvements.

• Process Standardization: Commitment to implementing and adhering to globally recognized design processes and quality management systems (e.g., ISO standards).

• Agile/Lean Principles: Potential application of agile or lean methodologies in project management and continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls' global presence means the Wuxi team likely operates within a framework of international engineering standards and processes, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The company's focus on sustainability and smart buildings suggests an innovative and forward-thinking operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering and operations function. It requires a blend of technical depth and managerial acumen, with significant responsibility for team performance and process execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to an Engineering Director, Head of Product Development, or a senior operations leader within the Wuxi facility or regional engineering hub. They will, in turn, manage a team of design engineers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that new and existing products meet stringent quality, performance, and cost targets. Their effectiveness directly impacts the manufacturability, reliability, and market competitiveness of Johnson Controls' offerings, thus influencing overall operational efficiency and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, or Head of Product Development within Johnson Controls.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product areas (e.g., advanced HVAC technologies, sustainable design) or operational domains (e.g., global process development, quality systems).

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into related operational roles, such as Manufacturing Engineering Management, Quality Assurance Management, or Program Management, leveraging their product development and process understanding.

• Global Mobility: Potential opportunities to work in other Johnson Controls locations globally, contributing to international projects or leading teams in different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a large corporation like Johnson Controls is typically well-defined, offering clear routes for advancement based on performance, leadership potential, and acquired expertise in both technical and operational aspects of product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment within Johnson Controls' Wuxi facilities, which likely includes modern office spaces designed for collaboration and technical work.

Office Location(s): Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. This location is a significant industrial and technology hub, offering good infrastructure and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The workspace is expected to support team collaboration with meeting rooms, design review areas, and open-plan or dedicated team spaces.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software (Pro/E, AutoCAD), hardware, and potentially prototyping or testing facilities.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with colleagues from manufacturing, quality, R&D, and supply chain teams, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. However, the dynamic nature of product development and global operations may necessitate flexibility to accommodate project timelines, urgent issues, and collaboration with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating in a multinational company means the Wuxi office environment will likely adhere to international standards for workplace safety, ergonomics, and collaborative design practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely an Engineering Director or Senior Manager) to delve into technical expertise, leadership style, and understanding of design processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Pro/E, AutoCAD, and HVAC design.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a technical assessment or a case study focusing on a design problem, process improvement scenario, or a product development challenge relevant to Johnson Controls' offerings. This could involve presenting a solution or a design strategy.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other design engineers or cross-functional team members (e.g., from manufacturing or quality) to evaluate collaboration skills and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to confirm suitability for the role and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your design management, process improvement, and technical skills.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies used (including software and processes), challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you coached engineers, implemented new processes, or led problem-solving initiatives.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to walk through specific aspects of your designs, explaining your choices in terms of model tree structure, drawing standards, and BOM accuracy.

• Focus on Operations Impact: Clearly link your design decisions and process improvements to tangible operational benefits for the company.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common design challenges, such as design for manufacturability, cost reduction initiatives, or resolving field issues.

• Process Improvement Frameworks: Be familiar with methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or general process mapping and analysis techniques.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would manage underperforming team members, resolve conflicts, or motivate a team towards difficult goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "problem shooting" and "CI project" in the original description suggests that interviewers will heavily probe your ability to identify and resolve issues systematically and drive continuous improvement. A strong portfolio demonstrating these capabilities will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Pro/E (Creo) for 3D modeling and parametric design; AutoCAD for 2D drafting and technical drawings.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Likely used for managing design data, revisions, and workflows (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, or similar).

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and presentations. Potentially Microsoft Teams or similar for internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis. Potentially more advanced analytical tools if involved in performance data analysis for product improvement.

• BOM Management Tools: Integrated within CAD/PLM systems or standalone tools for managing component lists.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Jira, or internal systems for tracking project progress and timelines.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design inputs affect downstream processes (e.g., manufacturing, service) which interact with CRM data is beneficial.

• Automation may be relevant in terms of scripting within CAD or automating report generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Pro/E and AutoCAD is a hard requirement. Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems is highly implied for managing design data in a large manufacturing organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Reliability: A strong commitment to delivering designs that are robust, reliable, and meet high-quality standards, ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing warranty issues.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve design processes, reduce lead times, and optimize resource utilization to achieve cost-effective product development.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages creative problem-solving, embraces new technologies, and actively seeks opportunities for enhancement in both products and processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across teams and departments to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual support and knowledge sharing.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, from design execution to process implementation, and being accountable for outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of close collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and R&D teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet performance requirements.

• Global Alignment: A collaborative approach that respects and integrates global standards and best practices while adapting them effectively to the local Wuxi team's context.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to foster a learning environment and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls, as a global entity, likely promotes values centered on integrity, customer focus, innovation, and teamwork. The Wuxi engineering team will operate within this framework, with an added emphasis on operational excellence in design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Process Adaptation: Successfully integrating and adapting global design processes to the specific operational context and capabilities of the Wuxi team, ensuring buy-in and effective implementation.

• Technical Skill Development: Keeping the design team's skills sharp and up-to-date with evolving technologies and software (e.g., advanced Pro/E modules, simulation tools).

• Balancing Quality and Speed: Managing the inherent tension between delivering high-quality, robust designs and meeting aggressive project timelines common in competitive markets.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Navigating potential communication nuances and ensuring clear understanding when collaborating with international teams or stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD & Simulation Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Pro/E functionalities, explore simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD), and learn about advanced design methodologies.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs focused on effective team leadership, project management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for support in obtaining relevant professional certifications in mechanical engineering, project management, or quality management.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Involvement in international engineering projects, providing broader industry exposure and experience working with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proactively addressing these challenges and leveraging the growth opportunities will be key to success in this role and for long-term career development within Johnson Controls.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience implementing a global design process within a local engineering team. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process adaptation, stakeholder management, and measurable outcomes).

• "How do you coach and develop junior design engineers? Provide an example of a time you significantly improved an engineer's skills or performance." (Highlight mentorship techniques, feedback delivery, and impact on team capability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability and smart buildings? How do you see design engineering contributing to these goals?" (Research company mission, values, and recent initiatives).

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous improvement within your design team in Wuxi, considering the company's global standards?" (Connect your CI experience with the company's operational philosophy).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly state the quantifiable results – e.g., "Reduced material cost by 15%", "Improved product reliability by 10%", "Accelerated design cycle by 2 weeks."

• Showcase Process Flow: Visually represent the design process you followed or improved, highlighting key stages, decision points, and quality gates.

• Highlight Leadership Actions: Specifically point out where you coached engineers, led problem-solving sessions, or implemented process changes.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your CAD work (Pro/E, AutoCAD), BOM accuracy, and technical problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "global design process," be prepared to discuss your understanding and experience with standardized engineering frameworks and how you ensure consistency and quality across different locations or teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with Pro/E, AutoCAD, mechanical product design, and any air-conditioning specific projects. Explicitly mention experience with BOM management, model tree planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest design projects that demonstrate your technical skills, leadership capabilities, and experience with process implementation and quality control. Be ready to present specific examples and quantifiable results.

• Research Johnson Controls: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, key product lines (especially in HVAC), and its commitment to sustainability and smart building technology.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and process management skills, particularly in an engineering context.

⚠️ 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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