Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Johnson Controls

Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu, China

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Engineering Management

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years Relevant Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers to enhance their technical skills and professional development.

• Drive the implementation and adherence to global design processes within the local Wuxi engineering team.

• Oversee critical product development stages including product layout design and model tree planning.

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of high-quality engineering models, detailed drawings, and accurate Bill of Materials (BOM).

• Spearhead Continuous Improvement (CI) projects and effectively troubleshoot design-related issues to enhance product quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities strongly align with a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer or a Design Engineering Lead role within a product development context, particularly in the HVAC/Air-Conditioning sector. The emphasis on coaching and implementing global processes suggests a leadership component beyond individual contribution. The mention of "CI project and problem shooting" indicates a focus on process optimization and root cause analysis within the design lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct coaching and training to design engineers, fostering skill development in mechanical design, CAD software, and design process methodologies.

• Actively participate in the development and refinement of global design standards and processes, and ensure their effective implementation and adoption by the local Wuxi design team.

• Take ownership of product layout design, ensuring optimal component placement, thermal management, and assembly considerations for new and existing products.

• Strategize and manage model tree planning within CAD software, ensuring logical organization, reusability, and efficient data management for complex assemblies.

• Monitor project timelines for design tasks, ensuring that all engineering models, manufacturing drawings (including GD&T, tolerances), and Bills of Materials (BOMs) meet stringent quality standards and are delivered on schedule.

• Lead cross-functional Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives focused on design efficiency, cost reduction, and product performance enhancement.

• Develop and implement robust quality control methods for the design process, including design reviews, peer checks, and adherence to DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.

• Diagnose and resolve complex design challenges and technical issues, collaborating with manufacturing, R&D, and quality assurance teams to implement effective solutions.

• Document and optimize design processes, workflows, and best practices to enhance team productivity and product reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership, process management, and direct design contribution, common in senior engineering roles within manufacturing organizations. The focus on "global process implementation" suggests a need for adaptability and understanding of scaled engineering operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or above in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical product design. Experience specifically within the Air-Conditioning (HVAC) industry is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in mechanical product design, including conceptualization, detailed design, and component selection.

• Proven proficiency in creating manufacturing-ready drawings with adherence to industry standards (e.g., ASME, ISO), including GD&T and tolerance analysis.

• Strong command of 3D CAD software, specifically Pro/ENGINEER (Pro/E) or PTC Creo.

• Proficient in 2D CAD software, including AutoCAD.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, capable of clear technical discourse and documentation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct design experience with air-conditioning systems, including components such as compressors, heat exchangers, fans, and controls.

• Experience in implementing and optimizing global design processes and standards within a local engineering team.

• Familiarity with DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.

• Experience with PDM (Product Data Management) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

• Knowledge of simulation and analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) for design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience, coupled with leadership responsibilities like coaching and CI projects, positions this as a senior individual contributor or a team lead role. The strong emphasis on Pro/E and AutoCAD indicates a need for hands-on CAD proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of completed mechanical product designs from concept through production release, showcasing complexity and impact.

• Detailed case studies of significant design projects, highlighting your role, problem-solving approach, and the quantifiable improvements achieved (e.g., cost savings, performance enhancements, reliability increases).

• Examples of engineered drawings, including complex assemblies and intricate parts, with clear adherence to GD&T and tolerance specifications.

• Documentation of your experience in developing or implementing design processes, including workflow diagrams, checklists, or process improvement reports.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase ability to document design processes, including design review protocols, change management procedures, and BOM creation workflows.

• Present examples of how you have contributed to or led Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives within a design engineering context.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to track and report on design progress, quality metrics, and project milestones.

• Provide examples of how you have utilized CAD software (Pro/E, AutoCAD) and other tools to manage design data and ensure version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize not only individual technical contributions but also leadership in process improvement, team development, and successful project execution. Highlighting experience with global process implementation and CI projects is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in a major manufacturing hub like Wuxi, China, the estimated annual salary range would typically fall between ¥200,000 - ¥350,000 CNY. This estimate considers the experience level, technical expertise (Pro/E, AutoCAD), leadership responsibilities, and the specific market conditions in Jiangsu province for engineering roles.

Benefits:

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

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

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and potential support for further certifications.

• Access to company-provided tools and software essential for design and engineering tasks.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Wuxi.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 5 days a week, with an estimated 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and address urgent design issues, especially during critical project phases or problem-solving initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for experienced engineering managers in China and should be considered a guideline. Actual compensation will be determined by Johnson Controls based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and internal pay scales. The role is on-site, so benefits would align with local Chinese employment law and company policy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Technologies and Solutions, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Industrial Automation, Fire and Security Systems. Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings.

Company Size: Johnson Controls is a Fortune 500 company with over 100,000 employees worldwide. This large scale implies robust corporate structures, established processes, and significant resources available for engineering and development.

Founded: Johnson Controls was founded in 1885, bringing over a century of innovation and industrial expertise. This long history suggests a culture that values stability, long-term vision, and continuous adaptation to technological advancements and market needs.

Team Structure:

• The design engineering team in Wuxi likely operates within a larger product development or engineering department, potentially focusing on specific product lines or regional market needs for HVAC solutions.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering or a Senior Engineering Manager, overseeing a team of mechanical design engineers, CAD specialists, and potentially junior design engineers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing performance metrics and root cause analysis for design improvements.

• Structured approach to product development, likely following stage-gate processes or similar project management frameworks adapted for engineering.

• Commitment to Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

• Integration of global design standards and best practices, balanced with local operational needs and market requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls' global presence and focus on innovation suggest an environment that values technical excellence, process discipline, and cross-cultural collaboration. The Wuxi site likely plays a key role in their Asian manufacturing and engineering footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within product engineering. It requires seasoned technical expertise combined with people management and process leadership skills. The scope involves direct team leadership, process implementation, and significant influence on product design quality and efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a higher-level engineering leader, such as an Engineering Director or VP of Engineering, within the Wuxi facility or a regional product division. They will manage a team of Design Engineers and potentially CAD Technicians.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful development and launch of high-quality, cost-effective air-conditioning products. Their impact is directly felt through improved product performance, reduced manufacturing defects, enhanced design cycle times, and the successful adoption of global engineering standards, all contributing to Johnson Controls' market competitiveness and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in HVAC design, advanced materials, or specific engineering analysis techniques.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles like Senior Design Manager, Engineering Manager, or Director of Engineering, overseeing larger teams or broader product portfolios.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Johnson Controls engineering centers globally.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead strategic initiatives focused on optimizing global engineering processes, CAD standards, and PLM system utilization.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into roles in product management, manufacturing engineering leadership, or program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title, combined with the responsibilities, suggests a clear path for career progression within Johnson Controls' engineering and product development functions, emphasizing both technical depth and managerial growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site engineering office environment within Johnson Controls' Wuxi facility. This setting typically involves a blend of individual workspace (desk, computer) and collaborative areas for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

Office Location(s): Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. This location is a significant industrial and technological hub in China, offering good infrastructure and access to talent. The specific facility address would be the Johnson Controls Wuxi plant or engineering center.

Workspace Context:

• Access to state-of-the-art CAD workstations equipped with Pro/E, AutoCAD, and other necessary design software.

• Collaborative spaces designed for team brainstorming, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions.

• Proximity to manufacturing and testing facilities, allowing for direct interaction with production processes and product validation.

• Opportunities to collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and other professionals, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of design management and engineering projects may require occasional overtime or flexible scheduling to meet critical deadlines, support global teams operating in different time zones, or address urgent technical issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that involve close collaboration with manufacturing, prototyping, and physical product development, which is common in mechanical design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications to assess basic qualifications (education, experience, key skills).

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Manager or direct supervisor to evaluate technical expertise, leadership potential, and fit with team dynamics. Expect questions on mechanical design principles, CAD proficiency, and past project experience.

3. Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio. This will likely involve showcasing specific design projects, explaining their technical approach, detailing problem-solving strategies, and demonstrating their understanding of design processes and quality control. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Pro/E, AutoCAD, and BOM management.

4. Cross-functional/Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from manufacturing, R&D, or other engineering teams to assess collaboration skills and cross-functional understanding.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior engineering leader to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and cultural alignment with Johnson Controls.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your skills in mechanical design, CAD, problem-solving, and process improvement.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific contribution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced material cost by 15%", "Improved thermal efficiency by 10%", "Decreased assembly time by 20%").

• Showcase Process Adherence: Highlight how you followed design processes, managed BOMs, and contributed to quality control or CI initiatives. If you implemented or improved a process, detail that.

• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical challenges of your presented projects in detail, including design trade-offs, material selection, manufacturing considerations, and the use of specific CAD features.

• Highlight Leadership/Mentorship: If applicable, include examples of how you mentored junior engineers or led design efforts. For this role, examples of coaching and implementing global processes will be highly valued.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure a smooth, concise, and compelling presentation within an allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential case study or a technical problem-solving exercise. This might involve analyzing a design flaw, optimizing a component for cost/performance, or outlining a process to implement a new design standard.

• Focus on demonstrating a structured problem-solving approach, logical reasoning, and clear communication of your thought process.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies and how you would approach leading a CI project within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a crucial differentiator for design roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also their ability to manage projects, solve complex problems, and contribute to process improvement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Pro/ENGINEER (Pro/E) / PTC Creo: Essential for parametric modeling, assembly design, and creating detailed engineering drawings. Proficiency in advanced features like surfacing, sheet metal, and model tree management is expected.

• 2D CAD Software: AutoCAD: Required for creating and editing 2D drawings, layouts, and schematics.

• PDM/PLM Systems: Potentially Windchill (for Creo users) or similar Product Data Management/Product Lifecycle Management systems for version control, document management, and workflow automation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, BOM manipulation, cost tracking, and creating reports.

• MS PowerPoint: For preparing presentations of design reviews, project updates, and proposals.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning or Manufacturing Resource Planning systems for BOM integration, procurement, and production planning.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for this design role, understanding how design outputs (BOMs, specifications) integrate with CRM or broader business systems can be beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar platforms for team communication, document sharing, and project collaboration, especially in a global context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Pro/E and AutoCAD highlights the critical need for hands-on expertise in these specific CAD packages. Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems is often a strong advantage in larger engineering organizations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Engineering: A commitment to high-quality design, technical accuracy, and robust engineering solutions.

• Innovation: Driving new product development and continuous improvement to stay ahead in the market.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and product development.

• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and open communication across departments and globally.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that meet customer needs for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Efficiency: Optimizing design processes and product design for manufacturing and cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Active engagement with manufacturing, R&D, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless product development from concept to production.

• Global Integration: Working effectively with international teams, respecting different working styles and time zones, and contributing to unified global design standards.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior engineers to mentor junior staff and share best practices to elevate the collective technical capability of the team.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback during design reviews and process improvement discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls, as a large global corporation, likely emphasizes values that promote professionalism, technical rigor, and a results-oriented approach, with a strong focus on sustainability and smart building technologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards and Local Needs: Effectively implementing standardized global design processes while adapting them to the specific context, resources, and market demands of the Wuxi team.

• Technical Complexity: Managing the design of increasingly sophisticated HVAC systems that require integration of mechanical, electrical, and control components.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Navigating communication and collaboration with diverse global teams, potentially across different languages and time zones.

• Continuous Improvement Implementation: Driving adoption of new processes or CI initiatives within a team, overcoming resistance to change and demonstrating tangible benefits.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in CAD technology, materials science, and energy efficiency standards relevant to HVAC products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to Johnson Controls' internal training programs on engineering best practices, leadership development, and specific technologies.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend relevant HVAC and engineering industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to serve as a mentor to developing engineers.

• Advanced CAD/Technical Skills: Further development in specialized areas of Pro/E, simulation tools, or specific HVAC design domains.

• Leadership Development: Training modules focused on people management, project management, and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to influence product design and process within a leading global company, with ample scope for both technical and managerial growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully implemented a new design process or standard within your team. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Assesses process implementation and change management.)

• "How do you balance the need for rigorous design quality with project deadlines and cost constraints?" (Evaluates project management and prioritization skills.)

• "Walk me through a complex mechanical design project you led. What was your role, what were the key technical challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Tests technical depth and project ownership.)

• "How do you approach coaching and mentoring junior design engineers to improve their skills and performance?" (Assesses leadership and team development capabilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Johnson Controls and our commitment to sustainability and smart buildings?" (Tests research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative environment between the Wuxi design team and our global engineering counterparts?" (Assesses understanding of global operations and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, use a clear problem-solution-result (PSR) format.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explain the design process followed and how you utilized Pro/E, AutoCAD, and other tools effectively.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail technical challenges and your methodology for resolving them.

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics demonstrating cost savings, performance improvements, or efficiency gains.

• Connect to Role Requirements: Tailor your examples to highlight experience with product layout, model tree planning, BOM management, and CI projects, as mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with global processes, continuous improvement, and leadership in a technical context, drawing specific examples from their portfolio.

📌 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 prominently features keywords such as "Design Manager," "Mechanical Design," "Pro/E," "AutoCAD," "BOM," "Product Layout," "Model Tree Planning," "Continuous Improvement," "Team Leadership," and "HVAC" (if applicable). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate and organize your design portfolio, focusing on projects that best exemplify your skills in mechanical design, CAD proficiency (Pro/E, AutoCAD), problem-solving, and process management. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research Johnson Controls: Familiarize yourself with Johnson Controls' products, especially in the HVAC sector, their commitment to sustainability, and their global presence. Understand their core values and how your experience aligns.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to technical challenges, leadership, process improvement, and portfolio presentation. Be ready to articulate your approach to coaching and implementing global design processes.

⚠️ 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.