Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Overwatch Mission Critical

Location: Santa Teresa, New Mexico, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the successful execution of mission-critical data center projects by overseeing the design and engineering lifecycle, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.

• Provide critical engineering expertise and guidance on electrical systems, power infrastructure, and equipment specifications for state-of-the-art data centers.

• Manage the preparation, review, and approval of all project contract documents produced by third-party design consultants, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company requirements.

• Facilitate the procurement process for owner-furnished and contractor-installed (OFCI) equipment, including submittal reviews, approvals, and factory witness testing, to guarantee system integrity and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for ensuring the technical integrity and operational readiness of data center infrastructure. It requires a strong blend of engineering acumen, project management skills, and a deep understanding of mission-critical electrical systems. The focus on OFCI equipment procurement and basis of design documentation highlights the strategic importance of this position in maintaining and developing the company's core infrastructure assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Oversight & Approval: Oversee the preparation and final approval of all project contract documents generated by external design consultants, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory compliance.

• Schedule & Budget Management: Ensure that all project designs are completed punctually and within the allocated budget constraints, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays or cost overruns.

• Engineering Expertise & Guidance: Provide comprehensive engineering expertise and technical guidance on existing and new projects, operations, and systems within the company’s mission-critical facilities.

• Equipment Specification Development: Develop and maintain detailed equipment specifications for all owner-furnished and contractor-installed (OFCI) equipment and systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and efficiency requirements.

• Procurement Support & Validation: Support the procurement process for OFCI equipment and systems through rigorous vendor submittal reviews, approvals, and participation in factory witness testing to validate quality and compliance.

• Basis of Design (BOD) Management: Maintain and update legacy Basis of Design (BOD) documents and assist in the development of new BODs for emerging business needs, ensuring accurate and up-to-date design documentation.

• Technology Integration & Optimization: Identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and systems to maximize energy and cost efficiency across the company’s data center portfolio.

• Policy & Standards Implementation: Communicate and enforce engineering and design policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure consistent and effective operations across all projects.

• Industry Trend Monitoring: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends in engineering and design relevant to the mission-critical data center sector.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with project teams, construction managers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of design elements into the overall project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to design management, from initial documentation to technology adoption. The inclusion of "Basis of Design" management and "OFCI equipment" procurement points to a need for meticulous documentation and a deep understanding of the supply chain and vendor management within the mission-critical sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is required. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in the design of data centers and the specification of electrical equipment for mission-critical facilities. Required Skills:

• Data Center Design: Proven experience in designing electrical systems for mission-critical data centers, including power distribution, cooling, and life safety systems.

• Electrical Engineering Expertise: Strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, power systems analysis, and low/medium voltage distribution.

• Mission-Critical Power Systems: Deep expertise in diesel engine standby generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), switchgear, and overhead busway systems.

• Lithium BESS Understanding: Familiarity with Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and their integration into critical infrastructure.

• Specification Development: Ability to create detailed and accurate technical specifications for electrical equipment and systems.

• Vendor Submittal Review: Proficiency in reviewing and approving vendor submittals to ensure compliance with design requirements and specifications.

• Factory Witness Testing: Experience in planning and conducting factory witness tests to verify equipment performance and quality.

• Basis of Design (BOD) Documentation: Skill in developing and maintaining comprehensive Basis of Design documents.

• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications.

• Driver’s License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws, as on-site presence and travel are essential functions.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in project management tools for tracking design progress, budgets, and schedules.

• CAD/BIM Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other relevant design and modeling software.

• Energy Efficiency Technologies: Knowledge of emerging technologies and strategies for maximizing energy and cost efficiency in data centers.

• Construction Environment Acclimation: Experience working effectively within active construction environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific power systems (generators, UPS, switchgear, busway) and emerging technologies like Lithium BESS indicates a need for highly specialized electrical engineering knowledge within the data center context. The explicit requirement for a driver's license and the ability to navigate construction sites suggests that this role is hands-on and requires on-site presence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation Samples: Provide examples of project contract documents, technical specifications, and Basis of Design (BOD) documents you have prepared or overseen, demonstrating clarity, completeness, and adherence to standards.

• Equipment Specification Examples: Showcase detailed specifications for critical electrical equipment (e.g., generators, UPS, switchgear) that highlight your understanding of performance metrics, vendor requirements, and compliance standards.

• Submittal Review & Approval Case Studies: Present case studies illustrating your process for reviewing and approving vendor submittals, including how you identified potential issues and ensured compliance with design intent.

• Factory Witness Testing Reports: Include redacted examples of factory witness testing reports you have contributed to or led, demonstrating your ability to verify equipment performance and quality assurance.

• Technology Implementation Proposals: If applicable, include proposals or summaries of projects where you identified and implemented new technologies to improve energy or cost efficiency in facility operations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your methodology for managing the design workflow from initial concept through final approval, including how you ensure efficiency and quality at each stage.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Articulate your approach to implementing design policies, standards, and new technologies, and how you ensure consistent application across projects.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you measure the success of design processes, particularly in relation to schedule adherence, budget control, and the operational efficiency of implemented systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase completed documents but also the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex technical processes. The emphasis on BOD and OFCI procurement suggests a need for documentation that reflects a deep understanding of project lifecycle management and vendor interaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in mission-critical facilities in New Mexico, a competitive salary range is estimated between $120,000 - $160,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of data center design, the required electrical engineering expertise, and the on-site demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care coverage.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates transitioning to the Santa Teresa, NM area.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of construction and mission-critical facilities, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational needs. Flexibility is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on similar roles in the region and industry. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and alignment with the company's compensation structure. The inclusion of relocation assistance is a significant perk for candidates needing to move to Santa Teresa.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mission-Critical Infrastructure / Data Center Construction & Services. Overwatch Mission Critical operates within a highly specialized and demanding sector that requires precision, reliability, and a robust understanding of complex engineering principles. The industry is characterized by high stakes, continuous technological evolution, and stringent uptime requirements.

Company Size: Overwatch Mission Critical is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB). While specific employee numbers aren't provided, small to medium-sized businesses often foster a more close-knit, agile, and collaborative environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This structure can lead to greater opportunities for cross-functional learning and direct influence on project outcomes.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but as a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business, its origins likely stem from a commitment to service, discipline, and expertise, reflecting the values of its founders.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Engineering Focus: The team likely comprises skilled engineers, project managers, construction professionals, and support staff dedicated to delivering high-quality data center construction and management services.

• Reporting Structure: As a Design Manager, you would likely report to a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a senior project executive, with direct oversight of third-party design consultants and close collaboration with project management and construction teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates strong collaboration with project managers, site superintendents, procurement specialists, and potentially client representatives to ensure design intent is met throughout the construction lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations likely rely on data from performance metrics, energy consumption, and project progress to inform decisions and optimize designs.

• Rigorous Process Management: Given the mission-critical nature of data centers, a strong emphasis is placed on established processes for design, procurement, and quality control to ensure reliability and minimize risk.

• Continuous Improvement: The company's focus on efficiency and new technologies suggests a culture that encourages identifying and implementing process improvements and innovative solutions.

Company Website: [weareoverwatch.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as an SDVOB likely imbues its culture with values such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Its focus on mission-critical infrastructure means that operational rigor and reliability are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level within the operations and engineering domain. It requires significant independent judgment, technical leadership, and the ability to manage complex design processes and external consultants. The role is responsible for critical aspects of project delivery that directly impact the functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of data center facilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the engineering or operations department (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Operations). They will, in turn, manage relationships with external design consultants and collaborate closely with internal project management and construction teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. Effective design management ensures that data centers are built to precise specifications, meeting stringent uptime requirements, energy efficiency targets, and budget constraints. Poor design decisions can lead to significant operational inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and potential system failures, all of which are critical risks in the mission-critical industry. The Design Manager's work directly influences the long-term performance, scalability, and profitability of the company's data center assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Engineering Leadership: Progression to roles such as Lead Design Engineer, Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger teams and more complex projects or portfolios.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas like advanced power systems, data center cooling technologies, renewable energy integration, or smart building technologies.

• Project Executive/Director Roles: Transitioning into broader project leadership roles with P&L responsibility, managing entire data center construction projects from inception to completion.

• Technical Consulting: Leveraging expertise to become a subject matter expert or external consultant within the mission-critical infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Manager in this sector is typically upward within engineering leadership or outward into broader project management and executive roles. The emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies is key for long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a combination of office-based work and significant time spent on active construction sites. This means the "office" environment can vary from a traditional office setting to a field office trailer or directly on the construction floor of a data center project.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Santa Teresa, New Mexico. However, the role requires travel to various job sites within the region or potentially further afield as project needs dictate. Accessibility to these sites, which are often under construction, is a key aspect of the work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Construction Sites: The primary workspace is an active construction environment. This demands adaptability, strong situational awareness, and a commitment to safety protocols. It may involve exposure to dust, noise, and varying weather conditions.

• Collaborative Hubs: Field offices or project trailers will serve as hubs for collaboration with site teams, where engineers, project managers, and contractors interact daily.

• Access to Information: While on-site, access to drawings, specifications, and communication channels will be essential for effective design management and problem-solving. The company provides necessary PPE and expects adherence to safety standards.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (40 hours/week). However, the demands of construction projects and the mission-critical nature of data centers mean that flexibility is required. This may include occasional extended hours, early mornings, late evenings, or weekend work to meet critical project milestones, address urgent issues, or attend specific testing events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is physically demanding and requires resilience and adaptability. Candidates must be comfortable navigating active construction zones, understanding the associated safety protocols, and being prepared for varied working conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 7+ years of data center design experience and Electrical Engineering degree.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with specific electrical systems (generators, UPS, switchgear), data center design principles, and your approach to specification development and vendor submittal reviews. Be prepared to discuss challenges you've overcome and how you ensure design integrity.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will be asked to present and walk through key pieces of your portfolio. This is where you demonstrate your practical application of skills. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to manage design processes, optimize systems, and handle complex technical challenges within mission-critical environments.

• On-Site/Field Assessment: Potentially, an assessment of your comfort and ability to navigate and understand an active construction environment. This might involve a site visit or scenario-based questions related to working on construction projects.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your communication skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving approach, and how you align with Overwatch's values (e.g., discipline, precision, veteran-led ethos).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best represent your experience in data center electrical design and specification.

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

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, "Implemented a new UPS specification that reduced energy consumption by 15%" or "Streamlined the submittal review process, saving two weeks on the project schedule."

• Showcase Process: Explain the design process you followed, including how you managed consultants, reviewed submittals, and ensured compliance with Basis of Design.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to deep-dive into the technical details of your chosen projects, explaining the rationale behind design choices and solutions to technical challenges.

• Safety & Compliance: Emphasize your understanding and implementation of safety standards and regulatory compliance within design and construction contexts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Design Problems: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to common data center design challenges (e.g., power redundancy issues, space constraints, integration of new technologies).

• Specification Writing Exercise: You might be asked to draft a portion of a technical specification or critique an existing one.

• Problem-Solving Walkthrough: You may be presented with a design issue encountered on-site and asked to propose solutions, considering cost, schedule, and operational impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical expertise and practical application. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates your contributions and the impact of your work will be crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific technical details and demonstrate your ability to operate effectively in a construction environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software such as AutoCAD, Revit MEP, or similar platforms for creating and reviewing electrical drawings and models.

• Power System Analysis Tools: Familiarity with software for load calculations, short-circuit analysis, arc flash studies, and power flow simulations (e.g., ETAP, SKM Power*Tools, or similar).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for managing project schedules, tasks, and resource allocation.

• Documentation & Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, or cloud-based document management systems for creating specifications, reports, and facilitating team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze data from energy monitoring systems, performance reports, and project metrics using tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables) or business intelligence platforms.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating clear and concise technical reports, progress updates, and executive summaries for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Control Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing and versioning design documents, submittals, and RFIs.

• Procurement Systems: Understanding of procurement workflows and systems used for managing OFCI equipment orders and tracking vendor progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in core engineering design software, power analysis tools, project management platforms, and robust documentation/collaboration suites. Experience with systems relevant to managing OFCI equipment and tracking project documentation is also highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Reflecting the mission-critical nature of data centers, there's an inherent value placed on meticulous design, accurate specifications, and ensuring systems operate flawlessly. Errors can have severe consequences.

• Discipline & Execution: As a Veteran-owned business, discipline in following processes, adhering to schedules, and executing tasks with rigor is likely a core tenet.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Data center projects are complex and require seamless coordination between design, procurement, and construction teams. A collaborative spirit is essential.

• Innovation & Efficiency: The company's stated goal of implementing new technologies to maximize energy and cost efficiency suggests a value placed on forward-thinking solutions and operational optimization.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining professional conduct in all interactions with colleagues, consultants, and clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Purposeful: Communication is likely to be direct, focused on achieving project objectives efficiently.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with project managers, construction supervisors, and potentially client stakeholders, requiring clear and concise information exchange.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collaborative approach to tackling design and construction challenges, encouraging input from various disciplines to find the best solutions.

• Respect for Expertise: Valuing the contributions and expertise of all team members, from engineers to tradespeople, to ensure successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business strongly influences its culture. Expect a professional, disciplined, and results-oriented environment where teamwork and a commitment to excellence are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Third-Party Consultants: Ensuring external design consultants consistently deliver high-quality work on schedule and within budget, while aligning with Overwatch's specific standards and project requirements.

• Active Construction Environment: Navigating the complexities and potential hazards of working on active construction sites, requiring constant vigilance regarding safety and site conditions.

• Balancing Design & Operational Needs: Integrating the latest technologies and design best practices while ensuring they are practical, maintainable, and cost-effective for long-term data center operations.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of data center technology, particularly in power systems and energy efficiency, and effectively recommending and integrating new solutions.

• Interfacing with Diverse Stakeholders: Communicating complex technical information effectively to a range of stakeholders, including engineers, construction crews, and management, who may have varying levels of technical understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on advanced power systems, new energy storage technologies (like BESS), and evolving data center design standards.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events and pursue relevant certifications (e.g., PE license if not already held, specialized data center certifications) to enhance expertise.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior engineering leaders within the organization, providing guidance on career progression and technical development.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Projects: Working on state-of-the-art data center projects that push the boundaries of current technology and design, offering hands-on learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to high-stakes infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities focus on continuous skill enhancement and specialization within the dynamic data center industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Management: "Describe your process for managing the lifecycle of project contract documents from initial scope definition through final approval by third-party consultants. How do you ensure quality and compliance?"

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex technical challenge you faced in specifying electrical equipment for a mission-critical facility. What was the issue, how did you analyze it, and what solution did you implement? What was the outcome?"

• OFCI Procurement & Validation: "How do you approach the vendor submittal review process for critical equipment like UPS systems? What are the key elements you look for, and how do you manage discrepancies or factory witness testing?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "Given our focus on mission-critical data centers and our SDVOB status, what aspects of our company culture and mission resonate most with you, and why?"

• Collaboration Style: "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with a construction team or a challenging third-party consultant. How did you ensure effective communication and achieve project goals?"

• Efficiency & Technology: "What is a technology or design approach you've implemented or recommended that significantly improved energy or cost efficiency in a facility? What was your role in that process?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": For each project, briefly explain the project's goals and the client's critical requirements.

• Detail Your Role & Process: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and the steps you took in managing the design, specification, and procurement processes.

• Showcase Technical Solutions: Highlight specific design decisions, equipment choices, and how they addressed project challenges or met performance criteria.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, schedule adherence, risk mitigation).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical details, challenges encountered, and alternatives considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, project management capability, and an understanding of the unique demands of the mission-critical data center environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing practical application.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume and cover letter through the provided application link on jobs.gem.com.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that includes redacted examples of your most impactful work in data center electrical design and specification. Focus on showcasing your process for managing contract documents, developing equipment specifications, and overseeing OFCI procurement.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience in data center design, specific expertise in mission-critical electrical systems (generators, UPS, switchgear), your Electrical Engineering degree, and any experience with active construction environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on examples related to design management, technical problem-solving, and collaboration. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer scenario-based technical questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Overwatch Mission Critical's mission, values, and the specific demands of the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Understand the importance of reliability, efficiency, and safety in data center operations.

⚠️ 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.

---